Ex-Marine gets his discharge status changed after nearly 30 years

A former Marine who received an “other than honorable” discharge in the ’90s was able to get the Department of the Navy’s Board for Correction of Naval Records to reexamine his case almost 30 years later. The board later agreed with the man that his status needs revision, and on Feb. 17, former U.S. Marine Corps private Steven E. Albright’s status was changed to reflect that he received a “General (under honorable conditions)” discharge.

In case documents that Albright provided to Saipan Tribune last week, the USMC originally gave Albright an “other than honorable” discharge on Nov. 24, 1993, citing a “pattern of misconduct” throughout his time as a USMC private in the ’90s that involved Albright allegedly abusing alcohol and cannabis and refusing treatment for his alleged alcohol and drug abuse.

In his petition to change his discharge status, Albright explained his circumstances during the period of his alleged misconduct. Albright told the review board that he was continuously sexually assaulted by a male supervisor during his time on active duty, and began to exhibit behaviors seen in victims with post-traumatic stress disorder and military sexual trauma. Albright said he sought help through the Navy, but he was “not offered treatment following relapse.” Albright said he then turned to alcohol and drugs to cope.

Almost 30 years later, after reviewing all evidence it had on record, the Board for Correction of Naval Records sided with Albright and understood his situation. The board made clear in documents that it does not condone Albright’s actions, but given its “current understanding of mental health conditions,” saw that changing Albright’s discharge status was warranted.

Albright spent the early parts of his life in Florida, found himself homeless for some years in Hawaii, and eventually made his way to Saipan, where he resides today. In a phone call with Saipan Tribune, he looked back on his life and shared why he felt his story needed to be told.

“I’ve had a heck of a life. I’ve been homeless for a time, I’ve been labeled a drug addict, and I couldn’t get a decent job for the longest time due to my discharge. People need to know the truth. I wasn’t a bad Marine, I was just in a bad situation,” said Albright.