JJ Millett’s Story: When a Cry for Help Becomes a Call for Action
In part three of my Oscar Mike Radio series on JJ Millett, I sit down with his aunt, Emily Wheeler, to share a story that demands both attention and action.
Emily describes JJ as a kind, respectful Army National Guard veteran who served in Afghanistan and later battled PTSD after returning home. Like so many veterans, he carried invisible wounds that don’t simply fade with time.
We talked about the moment everything changed.
In February, while experiencing severe side effects from VA-prescribed medication, JJ did exactly what we ask our veterans to do: he reached out for help and called a mental health crisis hotline. He cooperated fully with the authorities.
Yet today, he faces serious charges that could result in a 20-year sentence.
That reality should stop all of us in our tracks.
In this episode, I share Emily’s perspective and why she is urging the public to speak out. We discuss the dangerous precedent of criminalizing veterans for seeking mental health support, and how that could discourage others from reaching out when they need it most.
This is bigger than one case.
It’s about how we respond when veterans ask for help. It’s about whether we meet that moment with compassion, or consequences.
If this story moves you, I encourage you to make your voice heard:
You can write the Attorney’s office on JJ’s behalf or call directly. Please be polite when communicating with the Attorney’s office. See below for contact information.
Orleans County State’s Attorney’s Office
c/o Attorney Farzana Leyva & Attorney Vincent Illuzzi
217 Main St #2
Newport, VT 05855
Phone: 802-334-2037
We need to amplify this story, not just for JJ, but for veterans everywhere who are fighting battles most people never see.
JJ, you are not alone.
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