In part three of my Oscar Mike Radio series on J.J.Millett, I sit down with his aunt, Emily Wheeler, to share a story that demands attention and action. Emily describes J.J. as a kind, respectful Army National Guard veteran who served in Afghanistan and later battled PTSD after returning home.
We talked about the moment everything changed. In February, while experiencing severe side effects from VA-prescribed medication, J.J. did what we ask our veterans to do: reach out for help and call a Mental Health crisis hotline. He cooperated fully with the authorities. Yet today, he facesserious charges that could lead to a 20-year sentence.
In this episode, I share Emily’s perspective and why she isurging the public to act. We discuss the dangerous precedent of criminalizing veterans for seeking mental Health support, and how that could discourage others from reaching out when they need it most.
If this story moves you, I encourage you to make your voiceheard:
Orleans County State’s Attorney’s Office
c/o Attorney Vincent Illuzzi
217 Main St #2
Newport, VT 05855
Phone: 802-334-2037
We need to amplify this story, not just for J.J., but forveterans everywhere who are fighting battles most people never see.
J.J., you are not alone.
