MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD
SUBJECT: CHARACTER STATEMENT FOR SGT PIRTLE III, ERVIN F
1. I am writing this letter in support of Sergeant Pirtle, an outstanding Soldier who has served honorably in the United States Army for over seven years. During his time in service, Sergeant Pirtle has demonstrated commitment to his military duties and responsibilities. His years of service and his record of never having failed a urinalysis are important considerations when determining the appropriate course of action regarding this incident.
2. I understand that Sergeant Pirtle recently failed a urinalysis after unknowingly using a prohibited substance identified as SYCAN while using a friend's vape pen. Although this incident is serious and should not be taken lightly, I believe the circumstances warrant consideration of leniency. This situation presents an opportunity not only to hold Sergeant Pirtle accountable but also to allow him the chance to learn from this experience and demonstrate that one mistake does not define his entire military career. Sergeant Pirtle's more than seven years of military service, coupled with his history of passing previous urinalysis tests, should be taken into consideration. His record reflects a Soldier who has served for a significant period without a similar incident. While accountability is an essential part of military service, I believe that rehabilitation, education, and the opportunity to correct one's mistakes are equally important when determining an appropriate response.
3. I respectfully recommend that any punishment imposed on Sergeant Pirtle be suspended for a period of six months. This recommendation would provide him with a second chance to demonstrate his commitment to Army standards, rebuild confidence in his judgment, and prove through his future actions that he has learned from this experience. A six-month suspension would also allow his leadership to evaluate his conduct, performance, and commitment to maintaining the Army's standards. Additionally, I recommend that Sergeant Pirtle be given the opportunity to conduct a training class for fellow Soldiers on the dangers of using another person's vape pen or other unfamiliar products without knowing their contents. This training would help educate other Soldiers about the potential consequences of unknowingly exposing themselves to prohibited substances. By sharing the lessons learned from this experience, Sergeant Pirtle could turn an unfortunate situation into a valuable training opportunity that may prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
4. I recognize the importance of maintaining good order and discipline within the United States Army. However, I also believe that effective leadership requires balancing accountability with fairness and the opportunity for personal growth. Sergeant Pirtle should be held accountable for this incident, but I respectfully ask that his years of service, his previous record, and his potential to learn from this experience be considered before a final decision is made.
5. Thank you for your time and consideration of this recommendation. I respectfully request that Sergeant Pirtle be afforded the opportunity to demonstrate that he can learn from this incident, continue to serve honorably, and use this experience to help prevent others from making a similar mistake.
6. The point of contact for this memorandum is Cain Bassett at (504)-373-0049 or via email at cain.bassett@gmail.com
CAIN D. BASSETT
MSG (RET), US Army
