Arrested At Roanoke Varo

[Cruinthe]

I friend and I went into the Roanoke VARO yesterday to request a DRO hearing on his claim. In the lobby was one, and only one, person. As soon as my friend and I sat in the lobby, this person sat next to us and began talking about the problems he was having with the VA. He asked for my advice on what to do. I told him the first thing he should do is request a copy of his C&P file. He asked how he could do that, I told him to fill out the standard 4138 and submit it to the clerk. He did so, and within minutes three armed federal protective service guards showed up with two level 8 VA managers. The captain of the detail kept his hand on his service pistol the whole time. The "charge" was solicitation. As soon as my lawyers file the charges against the guilty parties, I will release the hidden camera footage to the media. Should be interesting.

[carlie]

Cruinthe,

I believe in earlier posts you have stated you actually poses

your certified/pedigree papers of some sort, stating you are a VSO

or something to that effect.

So there should not have been any problem.

"Solicitation" happens in different forms. What did they do,write you a ticket,

arrest you, give you some kind of warning, take your information and

ban you from the property ?

What "hidden camera footage" is available?

[hulamatt]

Man whats the whole background on this, obviously you knew the VA was going to do something, either now or in the future to you because you brought in a camera? how did it get past the metal detectors? i dunno probably easy to get one in i guess.... but why do they not like you?

[Cruinthe]

***UPDATE*** Story hits Veterans Today http://www.veteranstoday.com/2010/08/19/gulf-war-hero-arrested-by-va-cops-for-helping-felllow-veteran-now-is-harassed/

To clarify for those that may not be aware, I was able to embarrass the Roanoke VARO back in April of this year. The story is here: http://www.foxnews.c...trual-disorder/ and my name is Glenn McBride, the same person in the story.

Now, the root of the problem here is the VA does not wish for me to speak to anyone while I am in the waiting area, or lobby, of the VARO. This is the area where veterans sit before their VFW or DAV service officer becomes available. I tend to pass out my business cards and assist any and all veterans I meet in the waiting area of the VARO. As we all know, the VA C&P process can be difficult, and I attempt to help those that are having problems. I do not ask to become the POA.

I would like to state, in very clear terms, that I have suspected the VA has been sending informants into the lobby to actively converse with me, ask for advice from me, then the details of that conversation are passed on to VA employees. Due to this, I purchased a hidden camera. This hidden camera is the size of a pen, and records color video @ 640x480 with full audio. I have more than a few conversations recorded that will be used in my upcoming lawsuit. If anyone has FTP space available, I can upload these videos.

So, I would like to pose some simple questions for the group. Should veterans be allowed to speak to each other about their claims while on VA property? Do we have freedom of speech and the right to free association, as protected by the Constitution?

Second, on the matter of "solicitation" I would like to make it perfectly and very clear that I do not charge any fee for any service provided. It says right on the back of my cards, all services are free.

The VA has been pressuring me to become "accredited" by the VA Office of General Counsel. I have applied for this accreditation, but it could take months for the application to process.

When I became certified by the National Veterans Legal Service Program, the VA accepted that as my credentials, and I have a veteran that has already agreed to testify to that fact. Then, some time later, the VA refused my NVLSP certification.

At the time or arrest, I was escorted out of the building and I await formal charges, if any. My lawyer is preparing counter-charges against the VA.

I will keep you all informed.

Edited August 19, 2010 by Cruinthe

[john999]

Does your lawyer work pro bono?

[LarryJ]

"I will keep you all informed."

That's good. I am vastly relieved, there for a moment I thought that you might be fading off into the sunset........................................................................................!

BTW, just a little question: Are you being treated at the VA for your psychiatric problems?

They have pretty good programs already in place. Group Therapy and the like, where you can bring your problems out into the open and discuss them with others.

It works.

[johnjjr]

Cruinthe,

I have given much thought to your posts. It seems to me that there are some facts members of this board unfamiliar with the Roanoke VARO need to fairly judge this situation.

Fact # 1. The VARO occupies the 8th thru the 14th floors of the Poff Federal Building in Roanoke, VA.

Fact # 2. The lower floors house the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia. Also the U.S. Marshals Service.

Fact # 3. Being a Federal Court House, there are strict No Soliciting and No Cameras allowed policies posted. Violaters may be prosecuted.

Fact # 4. There is only one public entrance to the building. Upon entry you are screened just like at an airport. Empty pockets, belongings searched for contraband, walk through metal detector, retrieve belongings and be on your way.

The above having been said, in my own humble opinion, your problem stems from a continued confrontational attitude with the VA. You may speak to anyone in the VA waiting area who wishes to speak to you. I have done it numerous times without reprisal. But you crossed the line by passing out your business cards which was a clear and undisputable violation of the NO SOLICITATION policy. As for the recordings, I think every member of this board knows VA policy on that subject and it might just come back to haunt you.