Politics & Government

Board Votes to Discharge Tea Party Marine

A general will make the final decision.

Update: 1:01 a.m. Friday.

An administration separation board has recommended Sgt. Gary Stein be discharged from the Marine Corps, according to an early morning post on his Facebook page, "Armed Forces Tea Party."

The Temecula resident — and 9-year veteran of the Marine Corps — was put on notice of a possible violation of the Uniform Code of Justice after he said on Facebook that he would not follow certain orders from the president.

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He later clarified the comments, saying he would not follow any unlawful orders from the commander-in-chief.

The board will recommend he receive an "other than honorable discharge" and his rank be reduced to lance corporal, the North County Times reports. 

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Thursday's hearing lasted 13 hours, the page reported and the board deliberated for 41 minutes.

The final decision will be made by Brig. Gen. Daniel D. Yoo, commander of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot san Diego.

Stein is in good spirits according to the Facebook post:

"Gary's chin is up and he is in good spirits has he know that this fight not over but just started. He swore an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution and will continue to do so!"

A post on Stein's personal page emphasized that message:

"On to the Next Fight."

— City news Service contributed to this report.


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