x-sender: governor.haley@sc.lmhostediq.com x-receiver: governor.haley@sc.lmhostediq.com Received: from mail pickup service by IQ12 with Microsoft SMTPSVC; Mon, 23 Feb 2015 16:34:19 -0500 thread-index: AdBPsHrhxr4sEs1gRf+ulyq7Dd/vzw== Thread-Topic: Disabled Veteran - Employment From: To: Subject: Disabled Veteran - Employment Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2015 16:34:18 -0500 Message-ID: <78A6945E830F4F3A9A194152FA076D61@IQ12> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit X-Mailer: Microsoft CDO for Windows 2000 Content-Class: urn:content-classes:message Importance: normal Priority: normal X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.1.7601.17609 X-OriginalArrivalTime: 23 Feb 2015 21:34:19.0023 (UTC) FILETIME=[7B00C1F0:01D04FB0] CUSTOM Mr Craig A Koteles Disabilied Veteran 1085 Brownswood Rd John's Island SC 29455 cakoteles@gmail.com (843) 822-6069 FEDE Disabled Veteran - Employment Governor Graham, My name is Craig Koteles, former Sgt. in the United States Marine Corps. I attended the All Star Race and Coca-Cola 600, in support of Sgt. Dakota Meyers, company Hire Our Heroes, alongside Clint Balillie (manager of the monster truck). I aim to promote and further Sgt. Dakota Meyers cause through public speaking and advocacy to help our military members find employment and provide resources to help them transition to the civilian business world - to let them know they are not alone. I am writing you to ask for your help, as I was recently offered a position a legal assistant with the United State Attorney's Office in the District of South Carolina, only to be terminated under false circumstances, and in a manner that completely disregards the intentions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) concerning veteran employment. After my service with the Marine Corp., and deploying three (3) times; first was the initial push in 2003, Second was Al Ramadi and Fallujah, and my final deployment I volunteered for which was TQ, Al Ramadi and Fallujah. My family and ex-fiancé all turned their backs on me, and I still have no contact with them today. I fought alone, as a one man team, for years to earn this position with the federal government, finally reaching that goal last year in 2014. Once I was cleared/wavied for employment, I put in my two week notice with my previous employer, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, spoke to realtors and property managers about my current residence, fought to find someone to watch my dog (my family told me no), and moved to Charleston, South Carolina. This is something I wanted, and made happen 100% on my own. After relocating and starting my new position, the reality hit - that I had no family; no one to help me move; no one who had come to say "goodbye"; no one to help pack, and that I never got to see my two nieces before I left. At that moment I broke down. I started to have nightmares again, and began to really struggle with the transition. I informed my employers and support group, I told them I was struggling with the transition/realization and I was tired of fighting alone. I told these people two things: I need my job, because I am here fighting on my own; and that it had been hard for me to trust others since my family and loved ones had turned their backs on me. From there my support group, employers and everyone I came into contact with told me that they were here for me; they would help me through this, and that they supported me. I was told they would become my new family and the BIGGEST one I'd ever had; they all told me to trust them. Right before the Christmas Break, I went to my administrative officer and told her that I needed a few days to regroup, to which I was given her approval. Coming back, I was on top of my job, and received no negative feedback or reprimand for my performance. On the last day of training, I was pulled aside to see the administrative officer, who then told me I had been placed on administrative leave, with no explanation and no pay. For almost a month I was left in the dark to struggle with the uncertainty of employment unknown. I asked if I could help; I asked if there was something I needed to work on with my doctor; I told them "I'm a single duck in a pond waiting to be hunted", being forced to live in the unknown. My employers and support group were aware of everything; my service connected disabilities that are currently rated at seventy (70%), according to the records of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs: PTSD (50%), right ankle (20%), left knee (10%), ulnar nerve laceration (10%) and shortly after moving here I was told that I was diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) back in 2007, but was never informed or added to my claim. The lack of family and that I was having a hard time it was unpredictable and I addressed it immediately. Soon after, on February 19th, 2015, I received a vague letter effectively terminating me as a GS-6, Legal Assistant with the United States Attorney's Office District of South Carolina that failed to provide me with any clear reason for the action. My employer and the people who were here to help all turned their backs and threw a disabled veteran to the curb like trash. They never gave me a reason nor allowed me to speak on my own behalf. I've attached every relevant documents and the letter that I have submitted to an attorney's office that represents veterans here in South Carolina. The actual attorney that responded to me on February 20th, 2015, was Peter Kaufman. He stated that my employer, The United States Attorney's Office District of South Carolina, screwed me and bypassed the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 42 U.S.C. §§ 12101 et seq. Implementing Regulations: 29 CFR Parts 1630, 1602 (Title I, EEOC) 28 CFR Part 35 (Title II, Department of Justice) 49 CFR Parts 27, 37, 38 (Title II, III, Department of Transportation) 28 CFR Part 36 (Title III, Department of Justice) 47 CFR §§ 64.601 et seq. (Title IV, FCC) This attorney basically told me there was nothing I could do - it's the government and they can do whatever they want. The gentlemen who called February 19th, 2015 from the Columbia, SC office was Richard, he is their Security Officer and called to ensure I received the letter. I responded that I had, and asked him "What were the issues and concerns," to which he replied "I cannot tell you". I asked, "What do I tell my doctor, so we can work on the issues for future employment?", he replied "I cannot tell you,". I pushed to ask one last question, which was "What do I tell future employers or put down on any application or background investigation?" and he replied with "You are no longer a federal employee, so I do not have to tell you". At that point I ended the conversation. Today, February 23rd, 2015, I reach out to AUSA Matthew Modica, after it was final and I was terminated; to ask if he would write a letter on what he stated to me and my support group at our lunch meeting, along with the numerous other times to other individuals. He responded he cannot speak with me nor write that letter. After hearing that I spoke with administrative officer John Fonville and asked him several question and was told I am not allowed to talk to anyone in the District, not even him. Governor Graham, I'll always be a Marine and will always be there for another brother of war or member of the service, but at this moment I need your help to clear my name, find out answers and make sure that this never happens to another Devil Dog, or any veteran again in this country. I am pursuing this through proper procedures including legal advice, looking for an attorney, reaching out to other advocate groups, reaching out to my congress and willing/wanting to take it to the Senate with the media covering not only my story but for those who have been in the same position or worse than me. I have a friend (Caylin Lancione) here at the Citadel who is going to help me along the way with the business side, having completed his MBA and having a strong passion for military and veteran's affairs. Therefore, I ask that you take a moment to review my story/case and if it's something you believe we can make a difference with, to pass it on to others that can help, guide, provide me with any knowledge or guidance; or as it would be an honor for you or them to stand beside me as I take this up the chain. I have several documents pertaining to my matter if needed to support my situation. Sincerely, Craig A. Koteles Sgt. (E-5)