“We are taking the best gear, the best technology on the market to date and giving it to guys known to stab us in the back,” Sgt. Meyer wrote to Mr. McCreight, according to the lawsuit. “These are the same people killing our guys.”
While in the Marines, Sgt. Meyer had served along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Many in the military who have served on the border have said in interviews they view Pakistan as an unreliable ally, as likely to help Taliban insurgents as they are to aid American troops.
Wow, Smedley Butler eat your heart out. lol Although in this case, this is pretty common with contracting. Guys sue their former employers, bosses, and coworkers all the time–some with success, and some without. Although in Dakota’s case, he has a lot of visibility and celebrity backing him up. I would imagine a pretty solid law firm has backed him up as well, just because of that celebrity and visibility.
The other thing that needs to be mentioned is that Dakota is a contractor and is very much a part of this industry. That’s cool and I hope Dakota is able to use his celebrity to promote good leadership and work ethic within this industry. If anyone has anything to add to this story, please feel free to do so in the comments section below. –Matt
Edit: 12/16/2011- Well it looks like BAE and Dakota settled. Here is a quote from CNN about what the settlement said. No word on any monetary settlement.
“BAE Systems OASYS and I have settled our differences amicably,” Meyer said in a joint statement issued by the company, referring to the company by its full name. Meyer praised the defense firm’s support for veterans and generosity to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.
There were no details of any possible monetary settlement.
“During my time there I became concerned about the possible sale of advanced thermal scopes to Pakistan. I expressed my concerns directly and respectfully,” Meyer said. “I am gratified to learn that BAE Systems OASYS did not ultimately sell and does not intend to sell advanced thermal scopes to Pakistan.”
Decorated Marine Sues Contractor
NOVEMBER 29, 2011
By JULIAN E. BARNES
Two months ago, Dakota Meyer was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama for his service in Afghanistan, the military’s most prestigious award. On Monday, Sgt. Meyer alleged that a defense contractor has called him mentally unstable and a problem drinker, ruining his chances for a job in the defense industry.
Sgt. Dakota Meyer alleges BAE Systems blocked him from a defense-industry job by claiming he is mentally unstable and has a drinking problem.
In legal papers filed Monday, the Marine claims that BAE Systems, where he worked earlier this year, retaliated against him after he raised objections about BAE’s alleged decision to sell high-tech sniper scopes to the Pakistani military. He says his supervisor at BAE effectively blocked his hiring by another defense contractor by making the claims about drinking and his mental condition.
Sgt. Meyer’s complaint is likely to pose a more difficult challenge for BAE, a British company with extensive U.S. operations, than a typical employment dispute. In the September White House ceremony, Sgt. Meyer was hailed for braving enemy fire as he tried to save the lives of fellow Marines who had been trapped in a Taliban ambush.
BAE said it would defend itself, but comments by BAE officials Monday made clear they don’t want to be seen as denigrating a Medal of Honor recipient. “Although we strongly disagree with his claims, which we will address through the appropriate legal process, we wish him success and good fortune in his endeavors,” said Brian J. Roehrkasse, a BAE spokesman. He declined to discuss any specifics of the suit.
Through a lawyer, Sgt. Meyer declined to comment on his suit. Representatives of the Pentagon and Marine Corps said they weren’t aware of the suit.
(more…)