I’ve left mission-driven non-profit jobs twice. It was really emotionally taxing to leave jobs that I really believed in once upon a time--I was so committed to the mission in both instances, and had been so full of hope that I would make a difference when I started. My experiences, naturally, shaped my beliefs around mission-driven work, and I’ve concluded that people don’t leave mission-driven work because they no longer believe in the mission. People leave mission-driven work because they no longer believe in the organization. 

But I’ve left these jobs voluntarily and haven’t experienced being removed from mission-driven work against my will. For Brandon Walters, being forced out of his mission-driven work following a psychiatric disorder diagnosis was simply untenable. So, he hatched a plan to try and make his Air Force colleagues regret letting him go.

I relied on the Fifth Circuit opinions. (2003, 2007, 2009)

I referenced information from My Plain View (1)(2), Wikipedia, UPI.com, War on the Rocks, and The Free Library. More information about the hand transplant is available. (1)(2)(3)(4)

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share, rate and review it wherever you listen to podcasts. I'm happy to receive constructive feedback or case suggestions at conductunbecomingpod@gmail.com. Join me over on Instagram @conductunbecoming! Disclaimer: Conduct Unbecoming is a podcast where I get to talk about interesting crimes and cases that involve US military service members. I research, write, and produce the podcast myself… the opinions expressed are my own and, perhaps it’s obvious, Conduct Unbecoming is not approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Department of Defense. I am not a military JAG and have never been a military JAG. While I'm a practicing attorney, I don't do direct criminal defense. This podcast is a passion project, not legal advice or expert opinion.