SOLDIER OUSTED
Says mental health issues exaggerated
A regiment’s pastor says a soldier has been forced out of the military after lodging a complaint.
A Saskatoon soldier has been kicked out of the military because he made a complaint against his superiors, says the regiment’s former pastor.
The soldier, Chris Kreutzweiser, and Padre Jim Halmarson also suspect Kreutzweiser’s bisexuality was also a factor in his dismissal.
They also accuse the military of exaggerating claims about Kreutzweiser’s mental health.
“I believe that the CF’s (Canadian Forces’) concerns about Chris L. Kreutzweiser’s mental health and doubts about his ability to serve because of said ‘mental health concerns’ are little more than pretence for wanting to be rid of him,” Halmarson wrote in an April 6 letter to the Military Grievance Review Committee.
In the letter, Halmarson calls for an investigation of the case “based on a sense of justice, not simply on institutional expediency.”
Canadian Armed Forces spokeswoman Major HollyAnne Brown said the Armed Forces is “an inclusive organization that values all of its members, provides a fair and supportive work environment, offers barrier-free working conditions and is reflective of the diversified Canadian workforce.”
Brown said she can’t discuss any specific case while the grievance process is underway. In general, however, she said action is not taken against anyone because of sexual orientation or because they file complaints.
In an interview, Halmarson said he’s not sure whether Kreutzweiser’s initial complaint against superiors was valid. The problem is no one has given them any answers, and there’s no indication it’s been investigated properly, he said.
“My concern is the lack of transparency. It’s a pretty closed loop,” said Halmarson, an Anglican minister who served the North Saskatchewan Regiment until recently moving to Ontario.
Halmarson said he has great respect for the hundreds of reservists and other soldiers he’s worked with over the years. That’s why the way this case is being handled is so troubling.
Kreutzweiser has filed his complaints with several different internal bodies. He was discharged earlier this year.
“Chris tried to work through the system. He really did. He can’t get any answers,” Halmarson said. “I’ve walked this journey with him. I would do this for any of the soldiers.”
Halmarson has offered to testify or help in any way needed. He’s received no requests, and no one has asked him any questions about his letter, he said.
Kreutzweiser said he appreciates Halmarson’s support. He admits he has struggled with mental health issues, but denied it affects his ability to serve.
When the military deemed him unfit, Kreutzweiser obtained a second opinion from a non-military specialist.
In a June 2014 report, Saskatoon psychiatrist Dr. M.F. Rahmani confirmed the diagnosis of “generalized anxiety disorder.” However, Rahmani stated Kreutzweiser was not in need of any type of treatment. There was no need for medication and counselling was optional, he stated.
Kreutzweiser said he attempted to submit Rahmani’s report to the military but it was not allowed.
Kreutzweiser has written up the chain of command to Defence Minister Jason Kenney. After several months with no change, Kreutzweiser decided to speak publicly.
“I wanted to go through the right channels,” he said.