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Kris Johnson, Crusader for change
Donation protected
I am a author and the wife of a retired army officer. Recently I wrote a story (see attached link) about a fellow army wife, Kris Johnson, who found herself overwhelmed with legal debt following a long and bitter divorce from her husband of 25 years-- a former army officer who was convicted of bigamy, fraud and and adultery. Johnson's former husband is now self-exiled in Jordan and married to the Iraqi woman who led to his convictions in 2012.
As a result of her ordeal, and knowing it would be a difficult and uphill battle, Johnson decided to seek legislation that would protect the rights of military spouses in the case of future court-martial convictions. The potential legislation is Families Serve Too, Military Justice Reform Act. As she stated when the legislation recently suffered another setback, “When I started this process three years ago, I was warned that it could take years to accomplish what I am setting out to do. Each step forward is exciting, and each step back leads to a stronger approach next time.” In pursuit of this cause, Kris has sunk deeper into a financial hole but refuses to give up.
What happened to Kristina Johnson and her children could happen to any military family-- none of us are immune. Kris has racked up tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees, from her divorce and from fighting for legislation that will protect military families under these circumstances in the future.
Since the story detailing the events that led to Kris' situation ran two days ago, there has been an outpouring of public support and sympathy for Kris' plight. Many have asked how they can donate to show their solidarity and help ease Kris' financial burden when she has already endured the complete upheaval of the only life she and her children knew for 25 years. In the army community, we take care of our own. Kris wishes to thank everyone for their support.
As a result of her ordeal, and knowing it would be a difficult and uphill battle, Johnson decided to seek legislation that would protect the rights of military spouses in the case of future court-martial convictions. The potential legislation is Families Serve Too, Military Justice Reform Act. As she stated when the legislation recently suffered another setback, “When I started this process three years ago, I was warned that it could take years to accomplish what I am setting out to do. Each step forward is exciting, and each step back leads to a stronger approach next time.” In pursuit of this cause, Kris has sunk deeper into a financial hole but refuses to give up.
What happened to Kristina Johnson and her children could happen to any military family-- none of us are immune. Kris has racked up tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees, from her divorce and from fighting for legislation that will protect military families under these circumstances in the future.
Since the story detailing the events that led to Kris' situation ran two days ago, there has been an outpouring of public support and sympathy for Kris' plight. Many have asked how they can donate to show their solidarity and help ease Kris' financial burden when she has already endured the complete upheaval of the only life she and her children knew for 25 years. In the army community, we take care of our own. Kris wishes to thank everyone for their support.
Organizer and beneficiary
Angie McCormick Ricketts
Organizer
Durham, NC
Kristina Johnson
Beneficiary