Officer Resignations - (UQRs)Resigning a military commission can be difficult these are cases where the process was kept on track and moving forward to a favorable, timely resolution. Expert Navigation of Military Law and SystemPosted by Army MajorMarch 2023 Retired JAG Colonel Bill Meili brought his extensive knowledge and experience to bear to help me navigate the Big Green machine. From the local unit level on up through Division, USARC, and HRC, Bill's candid, timely and effective communications with commanders and staff addressed both the tactical and the strategic issues surrounding my case. Additionally, he helped set realistic expectations throughout the course of his representation. In hindsight, I cannot imagine submitting what started as a COVID vaccine exemption request nearly 18 months ago, and evolved (under his guidance) into a successful UQR with an Honorable characterization of service, without him. He is without question the battle buddy you want to have with you in your fight. Great Guy - Greater ServicePosted by 2Lt in the Air ForceMarch 2023 Bill and his team are very knowledgeable, professional, and friendly. As a veteran himself, Bill knows a massive amount about the military, including the quirks unique to each branch. They helped me understand my options in a difficult scenario, and now I can move forward with a plan instead of going at it on my own. Thanks a ton Bill! Amazing Results and Super Pleasant ExperiencePosted by HappyOctober 15, 2022 In two weeks Bill Meili got more done on my UQR than I could in nearly 2 years. I was an Army Doc who came out of the IRR to try out drilling with a unit. Was told by the recruiter, I could try drilling for a few months and then go back to IRR or discharge if I wanted. Took no incentives and incurred no MSO. Decided after a while that I needed to focus on life outside of the military and thought getting out would take 2-3 months. Initiated packet myself and after nearly 2 years of it not being completed and still drilling decided to call Bill. Two weeks later I had a discharge date. Amazing results and super pleasant experience. Amazing Asset Going Through UQR - 5.0 starsPosted by AnonymousAugust 18, 2022 Bill is your go to lawyer for any matters related to military administrative process. I went through a UQR due to covid vaccine refusal, and he had the knowledge of the inner workings within HRC and the Pentagon to be able to bring visibility and attention to the process. He is a charismatic advocate who will help you navigate the bureaucratic and convoluted military separation process. Thanks Bill. Army UQR AssistancePosted by NebyouMay 14, 2022 I hired Bill Meili to help me maneuver through the Army bureaucracy for a timely resignation (UQR). He took the time to really understand my situation, my needs, and my priorities. He was professional and used his expertise, and wide network, to get the job done in a timely fashion. He is an excellent communicator. He gave me continuous updates and recommendations. I could not have asked for better service. I was overwhelmed at work, so it was great that I had him to take care of this for me. I am happy to say that I will be moving in with my wife this year thanks to his help. UQR approved for an HPSP memberPosted by CPT GCAugust, 2021 Attorney William C. Meili is a retired Judge Advocate General Colonel. He knows very well the workings of military law and its cumbersome bureaucracy. I came to Attorney Meili with a request for his assistance in getting my Unqualified Resignation (UQR) packet moved up the usual bureaucratic chain. Until then the packet had stalled and was sitting at the Human Resources Command. Prior to working with Attorney Meili I attempted to contact HRC for multiple weeks seeking a status on my UQR. When I finally received a response, HRC's answer was not encouraging. I feared that my UQR would not get approved in time and worse, that it could even get rejected. As soon as I spoke to Attorney Meili he began working to assist me. From that moment, it had been a few hours before Mr. Meili had an accurate picture of who had my packet and what was needed to get it up the bureaucratic chain. After speaking to Mr. Meili for the second time, I hired him to assist me in getting my UQR approved prior to my school start date. To attend medical school I needed my packet to get approved, at the latest, by August 2021. It was already late June when I contacted Mr. Meili and time was of the essence because HRC had informed me that, unless there was a change, approval was not expected until November - December. Mr. Meili started working hard on my case, giving me daily updates of the status of my packet. By the first week of August he succeeded in getting me discharge orders. HRC remarked that my packet was one of the fastest UQR packets to go through HRC, G1 and the Assistant Secretary of the Army's procedure. Mr. Meili knows very well what is required to get through the Army's bureaucratic process and his legal understanding is admirable. I owe huge thanks to Mr. Meili and his help. In large part because of his help, I can now attend medical school to pursue my dream. I give a 10/10 score to Attorney William C. Meili and his office for his efficiency, honesty and diligence in getting the work done. V/r, CPT GC UQR Case ResolvedPosted by anonymousJune 8, 2021 I hired Mr. Meili to help me with a case of unqualified resignation from the Army National Guard. I had been trying to get discharge orders for a year and a half by the time I contacted Mr. Meili. After he came on the case, I had my honorable discharge orders in about 2 months. He was incredibly knowledgeable about UQR situations and an excellent communicator. Mr. Meili went above and beyond our contract to help and support me. I am very grateful for all the time and effort he put in to my case. Active Duty ARMY AMEDD UQRKnowledgeable and ProfessionalMr. Meili is truly an expert in military law and a fantastic attorney. He explains and walks you through everything in detail outlining options thoroughly. I highly recommend Mr. Meili for anyone needing help separating from military service and am very grateful to have had his help and expertise during a very difficult time. Edwin & Lacy Morales Army CW2 Original Request Approved Then Inexplicably DeniedUQR - Active Duty Aviator Original Request Approved and Then Inexplicably DeniedTo Those Concerned, It is with great pride and satisfaction that I recommend Mr. William C. Meili as an advocate for those looking to move on from the Army. After I found Mr. Meili online after a quick google search, I was in a difficult place. My first attempt at UQR had gotten lost at S1, and my second attempt while initially approved, was later "disapproved." It was then that I became convinced I needed someone on my side. Bill was quick to return my phone call to his office, and later that day I spoke with a former client of his who was also extremely satisfied with Mr. Meili's services. After agreeing to a contract, Bill methodically combed through my case in multiple meetings to ensure that he had all the pertinent information. As he says, every case is different. Once I was in my window, I re–submitted my UQR with the help of Mr. Meili and his contacts. His inside scoop proved invaluable to assessing the situation at HRC. Furthermore, his experience with UQRs ensured that all my paperwork was correct, accurate, and professional. It is in this regard that I suspect my UQR was approved so quickly. From submission at HRC to approval took approximately one week. Mr. Meili was with me the whole way and made sense out of a difficult and frustrating process. I wholeheartedly recommend Mr. William C. Meili to all those needing an advocate as they transition out of the Army and back into civilian life. - CW2 Army Officer Unqualified ResignationAVVO - Army Officer Unqualified ResignationI am an Army Reserve medical officer, currently in IRR. I am considering resigning my commission as the end of my service obligation is approaching. I have some concerns as I previously had a difficult time getting into IRR in the first place. I found information about COL Meili online and read the reviews on this site. The reviews were accurate. I reached out to him via email and I was surprised that he called me back almost immediately (on a weekend). He answered all my questions, provided great advice and reassured me. He was caring and professional. I am very thankful for his kind assistance. - anonymous To see all of Bill's AVVO reviews, click here. Army Officer Seeking a UQR After Request Denied Twice by HRCFrom an Obligated Active Duty Army Officer Seeking a UQR (Unqualified Resignation) After HRC Twice Denied the RequestI tried twice to secure a release from active duty (UQR) in order to begin medical school. Human Resources Command (HRC) denied the requests because it required a GrADSO waiver (Graduate Program Active Duty Service Obligation). With time quickly passing and feeling that I had limited resources, and hearing the same answers from the same people, I contacted Mr. Bill Meili. Bill listened to my situation and offered new insights in a more clear and articulate way than I could have developed myself. Bill immediately poured his energy into the issue working nights and weekends to develop the situation. His relationships - and relationship building skills - with people key to the process were phenomenal, as was his ability to glean information from those people. Bill took a detached approach to the problem that I and my professional and personal friends and family were unable to see. His loyalty and dedication to resolving the issue favorably were unquestionable, and he was straightforward about pricing and his estimation of the likelihood of success. Relief was granted! I recommend consulting with Bill sooner than later in the process in order to save heartache and allow him higher chances of success. - Client wishes to remain anonymous UQR Assistance and Family AdvocateUQR Assistance and Family AdvocateWe were referred to Bill by a close friend who had just been through a similar difficulty in getting UQR approval at HRC. In our case, my husband's UQR was approved at the unit level, but denied at higher. He had already declined promotion in order to get out, informed his chain he intended to get out, had a civilian job waiting, and as far as we knew he was all set. It wasn't until after the first UQR submission that he found out he owed another 12 months because he had used TA. He re-submitted following HRC guidance that was supposed to eliminate the ADSO by repaying the TA, however even with the UQR was denied again. Before trying a third time, we decided we needed help. We had already sold our home and relocated, his staying in would be an enormous burden both financially and emotionally. Seeing the impact this made on our family, Bill became an immediate advocate, He reviewed the documentation, took the time to learn the whole story, and found support for our cause in areas we had not thought to mention previously. Bill quickly and expertly developed a final product that was professional, airtight, and presented our case from all angles. Upon reading his final product the only logical option would be favorable action. We are currently awaiting a final decision. Fortunately for us, Bill's dedication has presented us with other options. He called me, while already traveling on our behalf to personally present our case, to inform us of doctrine he had found that would provide us with a second option (medical) should HRC refuse again. Bill brought humor, guidance, and hope when we thought we had none. I strongly recommend Bill Meili to anyone who feels their case is not being handled properly, who feels they have not received accurate representation via Army paperwork alone, or who thinks they are helpless in administrative action. - Anonymous To see all of Bill's AVVO reviews, click here. Successful UQR for an Army DoctorGrateful to be Honorably Discharged Through a Successful Unqualified Resignation (UQR)I still remember the day that I received the shocking call from my unit regarding a supposed lack of participation. This was shocking because I had been told earlier that year that I had been transferred to the IRR. Later, I learned that my orders never came through. This experience was the straw that broke the camel's back for me. In my 14 years of service, I had become accustomed to sporadically answered phone calls, unanswered emails, and "lost" paperwork from my unit. This poor treatment flew in the face of performing admirably in two wartime deployments to Iraq and Kosovo. I decided that my time with the USAR should come to an end. I am a busy physician who has little free time to deal with the Army's red tape and hoop jumping. I had to find someone who could help me resign my commission. Luckily, I found Bill through a brief Google search. Right off the bat, I could tell that Bill was an experienced professional. I knew that he was going to be able to free me of my commitment with the USAR. Throughout the entire process of obtaining the approval of my UQR, Bill was always responsive to my calls, texts and emails. Bill took time to explain the process to my family and address their concerns along the way. He was also able to find the few people within the Army who cared about doing their job. Bill also has an adept sense of timing knowing when to push the right buttons along the way. Bill went the extra mile in my case, literally. He made one trip to the HRC in Fort Knox and another to the Pentagon. In summary, I would recommend Bill wholeheartedly. In my opinion, it is nearly impossible to be successful in obtaining an UQR on your own. People, particularly physicians, simply don't have the time to deal with the red tape in this process. Also, most of us aren't familiar with Army lingo, processing and the dizzying number and types of acronyms and offices involved in UQR work. My confidence in Bill is so strong that I recommended him to a personal friend of my mine who was experiencing similar tribulations from the USAR. Bill was able to obtain his freedom, too. If you are near the end of the rope in your dealings with the Army, just give Bill a call for his expertise. He is the right man for the job. Sincerely, - MAJ Matthew S. Parsons, M.D. AMEDD Unqualified Resignation by an APMC OfficerFor two (2) years I attempted to resign my AMEDD commission from the APMC (USAR). In that time, I was plagued with road blocks at every turn; repeated failure of support staff to follow-up on paperwork, letting paperwork lapse; left hand not knowing what the right hand was or wasn't doing; all of which ultimately resulted in the restarting of the process multiple times. After my third attempt to resign, I was referred to Bill Meili - retaining his services was, without question, the best decision I made in the UQR resignation process. In approximately three (3) months, he was able to do what I could not do in the previous 2 years - obtain for me an Unqualified Resignation - UQR - and Honorable Discharge from further military service. Throughout the entire process, Mr Meili was responsive to all forms of communication, and would update me in real-time to all the changes - good and bad - with the ongoing process. I would recommend Mr. Meili to anyone considering separation from the Armed Services. His effort, professionalism, and dedication to my case were worth every dollar spent. Dr. B. A very satisfied client of Mr Bill Meili! Unqualified Resignation by a Probationary OfficerClient Testimonial #3Unqualified Resignations - June 2014 Honor, courage, commitment, and, most importantly, integrity, are four words used to describe the expected attributes of a United States Sailor. I can remember training staff repeatedly defining integrity as, "doing the right thing, even when no one is looking." Immediately following training, I arrived to the fleet. I was excited and never felt like a greater patriot serving alongside people who received equal training and who I believed shared the same passion for serving others. At least training had lead me to believe this. Unfortunately, my expectations of what the Naval Fleet would be led to great disappointment when everything I hoped for was ripped from my hands. Only months after entering the fleet, I witnessed behavior in the ranks that was negligent and unethical, no matter what moral compass one uses. Quickly, I became the only witness for an investigation that would lead to numerous, varying charges. And then, almost immediately, I became an outsider in my command: shunned, ostracized, and considered an enemy for doing what is right and correct, and expected - according to Naval training. My life became lonely and darkness was closing in. I feared that legal action would be taken against me. My nights became turmoil instead of rest. I began praying for a way out. The reality was that my future in the Navy was bleak. My days were growing ever darker and my desperate longing to serve people needed revival. After doing an internet search, I came across www.meililaw.com mixed in among numerous Navy regulations and instructions. The website was not listed on the first page, but it was there, and it was the only attorney, so I visited the website. I immediately sent an email to the address listed on the site. Next, I prayed that whoever opened the email would have a heart to listen because the information I provided was vague. The next business day, I received a reply with an offer for a telephone call. The telephone call changed the course of things from darkness to a glimmer of hope. As Bill Meili joined my team, the glimmers of hope brightened. After several weeks of reconnaissance, Mr. Meili made a move on my behalf, and instantly, hope became strong. Of course, in our journey there were many dark and difficult days, but working with Mr. Meili reinforced hope in the next day and the destiny I was pursuing. Today, as I separate from the United States Navy, with an Honorable discharge and full benefits, I can honestly say that finding Mr. Meili that day on the Internet was a miracle. Moreover, because of Mr. Meili, I received TAD orders away from my command, my Skipper and XO became allies, and Personnel Command heard my voice through those who speak louder. I end with a simple statement. Thank you. Bill Meili became the vehicle for me to reach my destiny, and for justice to prevail in my case. If any service member or professional ever asked if Meili Law could help them, without hesitation, I would say "yes, no matter what the cost." TR Resignation Supported by Chain, Rejected by HRCClient Testimonial #2Unqualified Resignations I can only provide the strongest recommendation for Mr. Bill Meili as an attorney, especially with respect to military matters. Bill's former service in the JAG Corps, his remaining contacts on active-duty, and his knowledge of the inner-workings of the Army were invaluable in securing a favorable outcome. Bill took a denied request for an early release from active duty via an Unqualified Resignation (UQR) and turned it in to recommendations for approval. Bill was able to convince the same individuals who recommended disapproval to recommend approval for my reconsideration! Bill's knowledge of the system and his interpersonal skills were pivotal to the reversal of my denied request. Bill saw the entire process through completion without wavering - over six months of effort! I was hesitant to hire an attorney who was five time-zones away, but Bill quickly learned the best hours to reach me during the day and his communications with me never left anything to be desired. In fact, during busy weeks, Bill would often make time on the weekends to discuss my case. Bill was readily available via emails and text messages as well. There is really only one difference between my original UQR request, which was denied, and my reconsideration request, which was approved, and that is Mr. Bill Meili. I attribute the favorable outcome, and my freedom, to the abilities of Bill to get the ball rolling in the right direction and to see it all the way through. I would not hesitate to hire Bill again. PB - 1st Lieutenant Experience With an Unqualified Resignation Request by an Army Reserve Medical Corps OfficerEffective on September 1, 2011, I finally obtained my honorable discharge from the U.S. Army Reserves. I had been trying to resign my commission as a medical officer in the Army Reserves since 2006 without success. My efforts to do so were repeatedly thwarted by a bureaucracy that, when not openly hostile, was completely indifferent. In addition, I was hampered by an understanding of all things 'Army' that was minimal at best. Even after the expiration of my service obligation in 2008, I was unable to get the Army to advance my resignation request. Occasionally I would come across someone who actually seemed as if they wanted to help, but it never amounted to anything beyond a sympathetic ear. Navigating the endless maze of commands with any consistency was next to impossible for me given my demanding position as an attending Anesthesiologist in a very busy academic medical center. Then, in March 2011, I received orders to report for Soldier Readiness Processing along with a letter threatening separation for non-participation. It was at that point I realized I had to get help. To my great good fortune, Bill Meili was recommended to me. Bill analyzed my situation, advised a plan of attack, and then executed that plan flawlessly to secure my Honorable Discharge. The level of communication was amazing. At no time did I ever have to wonder what was happening with my case as a day rarely passed that I did not receive at least one text, email or phone call with an update. Within days of Bill taking my case, my orders were cancelled. Within just a few weeks, he accomplished something I hadn't been able to do on my own in 5 years - I was scheduled for exit counseling with my commander. During my exit counseling, I was told that it would take a minimum of six months for my discharge. I was also told that if I came up for deployment before final approval of my resignation, it would be shelved until 12 months after my return. Given the obstructionist tactics I'd dealt with previously, my spirits sunk on hearing this. Bill, however, seemed invigorated by the challenge. He developed and maintained relationships with people within the chain of command which ensured my resignation packet moved quickly from one stage to the next. As my packet moved up to the higher levels of command, he was there to hand deliver it to the appropriate person and obtain the requisite signature. As a direct result of his supreme dedication and intimate knowledge of 'all things Army,' I had my Honorable Discharge in hand barely 5 months after the day I first consulted him. During those five months, I came to look upon Bill Meili not only as my attorney and representative, but as a friend who was as invested in a favorable outcome as I was. His infectious confidence, humor and personal interest in my life apart from my Army situation kept me going. I am eternally grateful for his help. God Bless! PROMOTION DELAYS EDUCATIONAL LOAN REIMBURSEMENTPromotion delays, educational loan reimbursement, and unqualified resignationAs an AMEDD officer attached to the APMC I needed help with several issues that I was having great difficulty solving on my own. As a full time civilian physician and part time soldier with a busy work and family schedule I found that I did not have the time, knowledge, or contacts to successfully advocate for myself to resolve my issues. I had just returned back from my second deployment and was ready to move on from military service after completing all my obligations. Bill understood my needs and was able to help me resolve all my outstanding issues prior to getting an honorable discharge from Army. He displayed genuine concern and empathy for my situation. Bill is very personable and was a pleasure to work with. He maintained excellent communication with me every step of the way, while eloquently dealing with the Army on my behalf. Bill was true to his word from the moment I reached out to him for help. I am very proud of military service and am thankful for the opportunities the Army provided for me. Bill helped me leave the service feeling honorable and grateful while having been able to secure additional educational loan reimbursement, as well as resolve a long overdue promotion to Major. I would recommend Bill’s services to anyone. He is an outstanding professional and even better person. If you have any issues that you believe Bill may be able to assist you with, I recommend reaching out to him. He responded quickly and professionally. Thanks Bill! -JG ARMY RESERVE - AMEDD OFFICER UQRSUCCESSFUL UQR - SENIOR ARMY RESERVE AMEDD OFFICER'S EXPERIENCE WITH MEILI LAWAs a senior field grade officer and orthopedic surgeon in the Army Reserve, I had 17 years and three deployments to the war zone when I thought my obligation was complete. The Army's plan of more deployments – and to keep me in the program - was not compatible with my family and civilian career goals, so I decided to try obtaining an unqualified resignation (UQR). The UQR process looks to be a smooth one on paper, but between my local unit's inexperience with the process and the intermediate command chain's reluctance to help, I found it to be more akin to a nightmarish obstacle course. Paperwork moving up and down the chain and jumping through hoops one after another, only to find that the hoops were in fact moving the whole time. I found myself in a casino of sorts … the stakes were high but I couldn't see the door and didn't know what time it was. After a whole year of this my family and I were exhausted by frustration. When failure seemed inevitable, I reached out for legal help and was referred to Mr. Bill Meili. Bill is a retired JAG Colonel, with both reserve and active duty experience. He was and is the real deal. He was fair and transparent from the start which was so refreshing, since I was feeling extremely leery at this point. After meeting with my family, which provided such peaceful relief to them, he calmly pieced the puzzle together and helped us form a plan. I found him to be well connected in all branches and levels of the Army, which enabled him to massage my packet along the pathway with ease. We had a few laughs along the way, and we also had a few "honest conversations." He skillfully sniffed out the bull and applied pressure … at just the right time and place … until finally we reached success. Perhaps more important than the skillful handling and navigation of the Army spider web, was the compassion and patience he showed with me and my family. I didn't know how frazzled we had become over that frustrating year, but he helped us find calm courage to stay the course. I found Bill to be genuine, personable, and approachable and now a friend. I had an exceptional experience and recommend Mr. Meili at the highest possible level. AVVO - UQR Assistance and Family AdvocateWe were referred to Bill by a close friend who had just been through a similar difficulty in getting UQR approval at HRC. In our case, my husband's UQR was approved at the unit level, but denied at higher. He had already declined promotion in order to get out, informed his chain he intended to get out, had a civilian job waiting, and as far as we knew he was all set. It wasn't until after the first UQR submission that he found out he owed another 12 months because he had used TA. He re-submitted following HRC guidance that was supposed to eliminate the ADSO by repaying the TA, however even with the UQR was denied again. Before trying a third time, we decided we needed help. We had already sold our home and relocated, his staying in would be an enormous burden both financially and emotionally. Seeing the impact this made on our family, Bill became an immediate advocate, He reviewed the documentation, took the time to learn the whole story, and found support for our cause in areas we had not thought to mention previously. Bill quickly and expertly developed a final product that was professional, airtight, and presented our case from all angles. Upon reading his final product the only logical option would be favorable action. We are currently awaiting a final decision. Fortunately for us, Bill's dedication has presented us with other options. He called me, while already traveling on our behalf to personally present our case, to inform us of doctrine he had found that would provide us with a second option (medical) should HRC refuse again. Bill brought humor, guidance, and hope when we thought we had none. I strongly recommend Bill Meili to anyone who feels their case is not being handled properly, who feels they have not received accurate representation via Army paperwork alone, or who thinks they are helpless in administrative action. - Anonymous |