SGT. ANDREW TAHMOORESSI RELEASED FROM MEXICAN JAIL

THE KUHNS REPORT

LAS VEGAS

Hello America, and how is the world treating you?


Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi was finally released from a Mexican Jail after 214 days of incarceration. Due to pressure put on Mexico's government by United States officials Tahmooressi is free and in Florida. There was a lot of arm twisting and arguing . In the forefront was  a push from former governor Bill Richardson, New Mexico; Ed Royce (R-CA); Matt Salmon (R-AZ) and quite a bit of congressional criticism of the Obama administration  for  not doing enough to get the sergeant released from Mexico. No American should ever be locked away in a Mexican jail and/or prison. They are "hell holes." The only way some foreigners survive in the Mexican jails and prisons  is by bribing the jailers and government officials. It is no secret that corruption pervades in Mexico and often times it is the only way to receive an ounce of relief for anyone held in custody in  that country. In any event the sergeant is free - -Hooray!!

The Mexican government arrested Sgt. Tahmooressi  when he went into Mexico with weapons and ammunition. The Mexican government has very strict rules and policy about bringing weapons and/or ammunition into their country. Tahmooressi said it was "just an innocent mistake" that he carried guns into Mexico but the Mexican government didn't buy his version which resulted in his being held in a Mexican  jail for 7 months.

Sergeant Tahmooressi's attorney and family said that the sergeant was confused, mixed up and had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) when he arrived in Mexico with the weapons and that the only reason he had weapons and ammunition in his car was because  "it made him feel safe".  Now that he's home I would hope that his family would see the folly of allowing their son to ride around in a car with weapons and/or ammunition inside "just so he can feel safe." It's a train wreck waiting to happen. Acts of that nature has to come to a screeching halt.
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Now that Tahmooressi is back home with family I would think there are some issues that should be addressed. For instance, his mother said that  he dropped out of college because he could not concentrate. It was also reported that the sergeant was still in the Marine Corp Reserves.

Being an ex-Marine myself I would wonder why a person who had PTSD would still be serving in the Marine Corp. If this man has trouble adjusting to in life how can he lead others in the corp and carry out military duties and tasks if, in fact, he is truly affected with PTSD. The criteria for PTSD lists a host of mental dysfunction that clearly would prevent him from serving at any competent level in the Marie Corp reserve.

I would  suggest that Sergeant Tahmooressi be treated for the PTSD and separated from any  and  all military duties. Lets just look at the one instance about carrying weapons (guns) and ammunition around in his personal vehicle (because it makes him feel safe). I'm sure any person in the United States would like to carry weapons in their  car so they, too, can feel safe. But it is not reality. We can't. Laws prohibit such acts. I am sure Tahmooressi knows that and he should not get a pass because he is said to experience PTSD.

It's not uncommon for military personnel returning from their tour of duty who has PTSD to be retired and/or separated from military service and later commits felony acts involving a weapon(s) and I woulds submit that is one reason why this sergeant should never have or been allowed to carry weapons around in his car, (no matter what reason he, his family,  or attorney uses as rationale).

If  Tahmooressi is afflicted with PTSD and medical records substantiate that fact there is only one solution,TREATMENT. Treatment is the answer. Pay the man his medical/veteran benefits and separate  him totally from any further duties with the Marine Corp and/or any other branch of the military service. In addition, keep him away from any type of weapons to prevent him from doing harm to himself or others. There are many options  for him to feel safe and secure without weapons within arms reach.  If, on the other hand he does not have  PTSD, then allow him to continue to serve in the Marine Corp reserve and get on with his life.  But don't have it both ways. - And, that's my opinion. Make your own decisions. You decide.

BRADLEY W. KUHNS, Ph.D., O.M.D.
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Dr. Kuhns can be reached by email at:
bradleykuhns@gmail.com