Investigative Journalism | Exposing What Lies Beneath
By Michael Phillips | The Thunder Report x Fatherand.Co “They told me I’d never be alone.But when I left the service — and lost my family — no one called.Not …
The Family Advocacy Program (FAP) within the military is critiqued for lacking due process, as it allows decisions on allegations to be made without the accused’s presence or counsel. This system, coupled with a high “met criteria” rate, has severe consequences on service members’ careers and well-being, often leading to irreversible harm.
Weaponized FAP: How DoD’s Family Court Ends Careers and Families — Without a Trial Read More
Lydia D. York, a veteran and whistleblower, exposes corruption in Montgomery County, accusing leaders of enabling illegal eviction and homelessness of veterans. Allegations include misappropriated HUD-VASH vouchers and bureaucratic indifference. Amid rising homelessness, rather than assisting veterans, county officials seem focused on more glamorous projects, highlighting systemic failures and a lack of accountability.
Rockville’s “Wild Wild West”: Veterans Betrayed, Vouchers Misused, and Montgomery County’s Culture of Corruption Read More
Two South Carolina veterans say they faced not justice, but systematic torture in Summerville and Dorchester family courts. William Sewell and Lee describe the same pattern: crushing fees, intimidation, and jail threats under Judge Mandy Kimmons and attorney Jason Wheeler. What should have been custody hearings became, in their words, an assembly line of punishment and profit. Their stories raise a chilling question: if men who once defended American freedom are now stripped of their own rights in family court, what does that say about the state of justice in South Carolina?
Justice in Name Only: Veterans Expose Abuse in Summerville and Dorchester Family Courts Read More
Maryland Governor Wes Moore challenged Donald Trump, prompting Trump to question Moore’s claims about his Bronze Star. This scrutiny highlights potential credibility issues for Moore, who has emphasized his military service. Critics argue Moore’s polished image masks underperformance in governance, particularly on crime in Baltimore, risking his standing with voters.
Trump Turns Up the Heat: Wes Moore’s Bronze Star Under Scrutiny Read More
Democratic Governor Wes Moore has nominated Republican Ed Rothstein, a retired Army colonel, to lead the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, sparking discussions about bipartisan governance. However, critics argue this move may prioritize political optics over substantive change for veterans, who face critical issues needing real solutions rather than symbolic leadership.
Moore Picks Republican Ed Rothstein to Head Veterans Department — Symbolism Over Substance? Read More
Travis Decker, an Army veteran accused of murdering his three daughters, has evaded capture for nearly five weeks in Washington State. The manhunt reveals institutional failures within law enforcement, as agencies struggle to find him without political incentive. The shifting narrative raises concerns about public safety and veterans’ treatment by the government.
Travis Decker Manhunt Enters Fifth Week: What This Case Reveals About Government Priorities, Surveillance, and National Trust Read MoreThree little girls, Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia, were tragically murdered during a court-approved visit with their father, Travis Decker, a homeless veteran with untreated PTSD. This incident highlights failures within the family court system, mental health evaluations, and social services. It calls for urgent reform to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Three Little Graves: What Happens When the System Breaks a Father and Buries His Children Read MoreThe article highlights the emotional turmoil faced by veteran parents dealing with family court injustices, emphasizing their grief over separation from children. It advocates for specific policy reforms, including prioritizing parenting time for veterans, establishing oversight in family court decisions, and tracking parental separation days to better support military families and acknowledge their struggles.
After the Uniform: It’s Time to Count the Days That Really Matter Read MoreThe military’s treatment of servicemembers facing false allegations reveals a troubling parallel to family court, which can lead to significant, often irreversible consequences. Investigations by the Family Advocacy Program, lacking due process, can result in punitive actions without evidence. This damaging system undermines national security and calls for urgent reform and accountability.
Still No Justice: How the Military’s Family Advocacy Program Becomes a Weapon Against Its Own Read More