Question:
Hi Jim, My dad got deployed to Afghanistan a couple months ago. For the past one year he has been targeted/defamed by a family in our community who is on a board of trustee for a nonprofit along with him. After he left for deployment, they made a frivolous legal notice and threatened to sue if he continues to stay in the board of trustees for this nonprofit. He is very stressed, and i am worried this could contribute to PTSD or put him in harms way for lack of focus etc. He is a part of the national guard, but also a full time employee of the VA hospital. He is also veteran status. These people keep sending abusive messages and threatening our family WHILE he is deployed. Can we sue for defamation? They are causing him to get PTSD, so what would that come under? And who would we go to for help first, a VA attorney or through the guard? Finally, should he report this harassment while he is still in Afghanistan? Please let me know ASAP!
Jim's Reply:
This sounds very much like a civil problem and that he's active duty doesn't have much to do with it. If you're concerned about accusations or even threats, you should file a complaint with a local law enforcement agency. The next step will be to speak with a lawyer who knows your region and see what that person may offer.