Erik Paulsen: “I was shocked and outraged to learn recently that a decorated Green Beret was dismissed from the military for blowing…”

“I was shocked and outraged to learn recently that a decorated Green Beret was dismissed from the military for blowing the whistle on a child rapist who was a member of the Afghan forces. When our forces are abroad, our military should strive to uphold American values, and that is exactly what Sergeant First Class Charles Martland did when he confronted Afghan officials engaging in perverse actions. However, instead of being commended, Sergeant Martland was punished for his actions and was taken out of the region, despite being a soldier that was critical to the mission. As someone who has worked to protect children and keep them safe from sexual exploitation, it is disheartening to see the military look the other way when children are being assaulted by our allied forces. This has to change. Steps must be taken to ensure that our military uphold American values while overseas. Mr. Speaker, our military should not be looking the other way when our allies are engaging in wrongful acts. ____________________”