I’ve closed the comments on both my posts about Major Awad.

I have a new e-mail address for CWO4 Walker. I also have his sworn testimony on the incidents in Iraq.

In one of my posts, a commenter calls Walker a “snitch”. That is not correct. Walker had a duty under the Uniform Code of Military Justice [UCMJ] to report a crime. He did so.

The UCMJ prohibits romantic relationships between officers and enlisted personnel. It also prohibits adultery.

Please understand that nothing I have written about Major Walker should be read as excusing any of his choices. I believe he has PTSD. I also believe that he has some control over his choices. He violated the UCMJ and was properly charged for those actions.

The law is harsh. It allows very little excuse for mental problems. If you knew that your actions were wrong, you can be charged. If you can assist with your defense, you can be tried. Right or wrong, the law provides little ability to excuse actions influenced by mental illness.

Major Awad deserves all the help that the VA can provide. He and those like him have paid a difficult price for their service. We owe them some help.

That said, everyone is different. Many people with PTSD also have other psychological issues. Many make or made bad choices. Their treatment, and our allowance for their behaviors, must be individualized. In Awad’s case, I do not believe PTSD is the sole reason he committed adultery. I do not believe that is what Major Awad is trying to say.

I do disagree with Walker. Awad has PTSD, a more severe case than many have. I do not envy him his daily existence. I hope that my interview with him will inform you, my readers, and provide a little help to him and his comrades.

Who Is Major Gamal Awad - Surprising Answers

Who Is Major Awad?