Marine who slammed military over Afghan mess says he’s resigning
https://nypost.com/2021/08/29/marine-who-slammed-military-over-afghan-mess-says-hes-resigning/
A US Marine Corps veteran who was relieved of his command for chastising his bosses over the botched Afghan withdrawal has decided to call it quits.
Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller, who came under fire after the bombastic Facebook post last week, said on YouTube Sunday that he’s sticking by his guns and resigning his commission — walking away from a $2 million pension after 17 years of military service.
“I could stay in the Marine Corps for another three years, but I don’t think that’s the path I’m on,” Scheller said. “I’m resigning my commission as a United States Marine effective now.
“I am forfeiting retirements, all entitlements, I don’t want a single dollar,” he said. “I don’t want any money from the VA. I don’t want any VA benefits. I’m sure I’m entitled 100 percent.”
The video, titled “Your Move,” shows Scheller sitting in front of a chessboard in an abandoned school near his home in North Carolina.
He said he has been overwhelmed by the show of support.
Scheller explained that despite being relieved of command was still an active Marine — until he completes his resignation.
He said his decision was sparked in part by a former commander who wrote on Linkedin that he should resign his commission “‘if he was honorable.’
“All the noise out there that one comment has just played through my head,” he said.
“All I asked for was accountability of my senior leaders when there are clear, obvious mistakes that were made,” he said. “I’m not saying we can take back what has been done. All I asked for was accountability, for people to comment on what I said and to say, ‘yes, mistakes were made.’
“And had I done that I would’ve gone back into rank and file, submitted, and accomplished what I wanted,” Scheller said.
He said he does not want donations from supporters, but suggested that any fundraising that does happen should go to his wife.
“I want to be clear that I love the Marine Corps,” he added.
“To all the Congressmen, Senators, every media station across the globe, all the rich philanthropists, I appreciate your support and I’m gonna need your support,” he said.
.“Follow me, and we will bring the whole f—ing system down,” he said. “We’re just getting started.”.
In a brief interview with The Post over the weekend, Scheller also said he had only sought accountability for the Afghan withdrawal.