In interviews with the Times, several current and former members of the guard described a culture of retaliation by high-ranking officers and mistrust in the inspector general system intended to hold them accountable. 2019 the Los Angeles Times. 194th Fighter Squadron - Wikipedia Commander out at California Air National Guard after scandal However, Magram had been counseled in 2017 that tasking Guard members for rides to personal appointments was inappropriate, the report stated, adding that his wingman argument rings hollow. The investigation similarly faulted him for using an underling to work on his travel awards accounts, including for personal trips. Disgusting discovery, accusations of cover-up at Fresno - ABC30 Fresno The guards function as state militias whose leaders report to their respective governors. To find out about jobs in the Air National Guard check out: Public Scoping Process: July 19 - Sept. 2, 2022, COVID-19 What is the U.S. Government doing, FRESNO RELATIVE RISK SITE EVALUATION FACT SHEET & SCORING SUMMARIES, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. Videos Show F-117 Stealth Jets in California Decade After Retirement The report was prepared by Brig. Dave Bakos, a retired general who served in the Guard for 32 years and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, was among those who said Garrison should have demanded a more thorough investigation from the start. The retirement of Maj. Gen. David Baldwin comes weeks after a Times investigation detailed alleged misconduct among high-ranking officers. Weeks later, the longtime head of the Guard, Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, retired. The Fresno Air National Guard Base in California is home to the 144th Fighter Wing. A member of the Judge Advocate General Corps, Maj . Maj. Dan Woodside, a retired 144th fighter pilot who is a witness in an inspector general's Pineda investigation and has complained about how she was treated, said Guard members were afraid to approach Garrison with any reports of wrongdoing, fearing they would be punished. A general is fired from the scandal-plagued California National Guard Kelly's future in the Guard has yet to be determined, Keegan said. Police investigating early morning homicide in Porterville, Child among 5 killed by drunk gunman still on loose: TX police, 1 missing, 2 rescued after getting swept away in Kaweah River. They patrol state airspace and stand ready to respond to natural disasters and large-scale terrorist attacks. Fresno Guard pilots who step into an F-16 cockpit might risk their lives or carry in their hands the survival of others and the. Careers - AF Troy Havener, 144th Fighter Wing commander, said, "We have the distinct honor of being the . / CBS Sacramento. Members of the 144ths security forces, who police the base, conducted two investigations, according to internal investigative records obtained by the Times. Magram said in his statement that he was late in completing the training because of a tremendously busy operational tempo.. He said the same about his decision to fire Maj. Gen. Gregory Jones, commander of the air wing of the Guard. The Air Force says that Nehring was handpicked to take part in Clear Sky due to his more than 20-year career as a pilot flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-15 Eagle aircraft. FRESNO, Calif. (AP) The head of the California Air National Guard, Major General Clay Garrison, was relieved of his command and replaced by Brigadier General Gregory Jones two months after a newspaper detailed the fallout from a scandal involving someone urinating in the boots of a service member. The California Air National Guard is the second largest unit in the Air Guard, a force of more than 100,000 pilots, other officers and enlisted people. Garrison and Kelly did not respond to interview requests. SACRAMENTO, Calif. Grand juries in Fresno and Sacramento have indicted eight current or former members of the California National Guard, in seven separate cases, charging them with wire fraud for fraudulently obtaining recruiting referral bonuses, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced. ), At Willie Nelson 90, country, rock and rap stars pay tribute, but Willie and Trigger steal the show, Concertgoer lets out a loud full body orgasm while L.A. Phil plays Tchaikovskys 5th, Plaschke: Lakers live up to their legacy with a close-out win for the ages, L.A. Affairs: I had my reasons for not dating white men. Sikora's briefing came after The Times began asking questions about alleged retaliation against whistleblowers and the incident in which Staff Sgt. All Rights Reserved. (559) 454-5286 This clearly means that anyone exercising their right to speak with the IG or the press is not honorable, not a good person, and implies they are not a red-blooded American, the report quotes Swertfager as saying. Unprofessional leadership cited in Air National Guard whistleblower They deserve better., He said the Guard now has an opportunity to get a fresh start with new leadership.. The head of the California Air National Guard, Maj. Gen. Clay Garrison, was relieved of his command and replaced by Brig. (559) 453-5461 Director of Psychological Health: (AP Photo/Ben Margot, File), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. An F-15C air-to-air combat jet was placed on alert in case of unrest over the pandemic or election, sources and records say. April 5, 2019 / 7:29 PM Latest The command change follows a Los Angeles Times report on allegations that whistleblowers at the guards Fresno base suffered reprisals for questioning actions or conduct, including an incident in which a female guard member discovered urine in her boots. Lt. Col. Nehring and a Ukrainian service member were killed when the Ukrainian Su-27UB aircraft they were in crashed during a familiarization flight. The inquiry also determined that Magram failed to complete his annual cybersecurity training and thus had lower-ranking Guard members each day request that headquarters temporarily restore his computer access. Latest, Latest RELATED: U.S. airman killed in training exercise in Ukraine confirmed from 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno, In a statement, U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel Kelly, commander of the 144th Fighter Wing said, "We are a close-knit family and when a tragedy like this occurs, every member of the 144th Fighter Wing feels it. News, Latest (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle fighter jet assigned to the California Air National Guard's 144th Fighter Wing has made some passes and garnered attention on the internet recently, after . Sgt. A recent spate of alleged misconduct by high-ranking officers underscores the need for reform in Californias National Guard, current and former Guard members say. He said he believed the allegations were lodged by someone who overheard and misconstrued a conversation he had with a chaplain. ", By At least five Guard members, including a pilot who was killed in October in a crash during a training mission in Ukraine, from the 144th wing filed formal complaints. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. When I say particular, it had to be at Whole Foods. Hawkins told The Times that those allegations are largely untrue and specifically denied making the statement about terrorist attacks. U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Loh paid a visit to the California Air National Guards 144th Fighter Wing where he engaged with Airmen during their drill Feb. 4, 2023, at the Fresno Air National Guard Base. Fresno's 144th Fighter Wing protects skies above Super Bowl Baldwin later removed the commander of the Guard's air side, Maj. Gen. Clay Garrison. What Dyer Had to Say. The jets made a pass over a crowd of National Guard members and civilians who had assembled in front of the 144th Fighter Wing's maintenance hangar on the Fresno Air National Guard Base. The vast majority means all of you, except for a couple of you, and they know who they are so we don't need to call them out. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. FRESNO, Calif. The head of the California Air National Guard, Maj. Gen. Clay Garrison, was relieved of command and replaced by Brig. At least five guard members from the 144th wing filed formal complaints. DSN 839-5246, Crash Survivors Meet Indiana Airmen Who Rescued Them, Joint, International Southern Strike 2023 Exercise Wraps Up, Alaska Guardsman Helps Keep Pave Hawks Flying, New AF surgeon general program enhances support for EFMP families, Airmen, Guardians, Air Force modernizes nuclear security with advanced JLTV vehicle, Effective June 1, First Term Airmen can retrain into AFSCs under 90% manning in lieu of separation, An official website of the United States government. The Fresno Air National Guard base is home to the 144th . Magram attained the rank of assistant adjutant general and had been part of Baldwins inner circle. The California air guard is the second largest in the Air National Guard, a force of more than 100,000 pilots, other officers and enlisted people. Behold F-117s On Their Historic Deployment To Fresno In These Stunning A Guard spokesman, Lt. Col. Jonathan Shiroma, on Friday confirmed the shake-up, but he did not have additional details. FRESNO AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, CA -- The 144th Fighter Wing welcomed the arrival of two F-117 Nighthawk aircraft Sept 13, 2021 to the Fresno Air National Guard Base, California, to conduct dissimilar air combat training missions. The California air guard is the second largest in the Air National Guard, a force of more than 100,000 pilots, other officers and enlisted people. California Governor Jerry Brown and the First Lady also extended their deepest condolences to Nehring's family and friends. A general forced out as head of the California Air National Guard two weeks ago says the state Guard commander has lost touch with reality.. Latest They patrol state airspace and stand ready to respond to natural disasters and large-scale terrorist attacks. 144th Fighter Wing taking to the skies for night-flight . Garrison was removed because the California Military Department, which oversees the air and army branches of the Guard, had lost faith, trust and confidence in his ability to lead, a spokesman said. Jones has served as assistant adjutant general since December 2017. The Air Force initially issued a letter of admonishment to Magram as a result of the first inspector general investigation. In a memorandum to Magram that The Times obtained this week, Beevers wrote, Your conduct has caused me to lose faith, trust, and confidence in your ability to continue serving.. "Back when this happened in 2015, if the Air Force Office of Special Investigation got involved, maybe it would've been handled differently," said the former judge advocate general, or JAG. The 144th is the biggest wing in the state, home to roughly 115 officers, including about two dozen fighter pilots, and more than 1,000 enlistees in support units. In a report released after the ousters of Garrison and Kelly, the Military Department inspector general cited findings of the Times investigation two months ago. U.S. Air Force Col. The evidence included Pineda's boots and a vial of urine collected from the bathroom floor that was never tested for DNA. FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno's 144th Fighter Wing is under scrutiny from the U.S. Air Force Inspector General's Office because of a disgusting discovery four years ago. The urine incident and its aftermath fueled suspicions within the guard that high-ranking officers, including Garrison, mishandled two investigations to find the perpetrator and tried to bury the episode to protect someone who may have been involved, according to interviews and guard records obtained by the Times. Gen. Baldwin later removed the commander of the Guards air side, Maj. Gen. Clay Garrison. In interviews with the Times, several current and former members of the Guard described a culture of retaliation by high-ranking officers and mistrust in the inspector general system intended to hold them accountable. Weather, Education Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. In yet another ouster of a top commander for the troubled California National Guard, a brigadier general has been fired after internal inquiries found that he inappropriately used military personnel for personal tasks, had a subordinate complete part of his cybersecurity training and otherwise engaged in conduct that seeded distrust in the ranks. Commander out at California Air National Guard after boot urination scandal How Palm Springs ran out Black and Latino families to build a fantasy for rich, white people, 17 SoCal hiking trails that are blooming with wildflowers (but probably not for long! Lt. Col. Seth "Jethro" Nehring stands in front of a Ukrainian Su-27UB aircraft parked at the Starokostiantyniv air base in the Khmelnytskyi region of western Ukraine. The urine incident and its aftermath fueled suspicions within the guard that high-ranking officers, including Garrison, mishandled two investigations to find the perpetrator and tried to bury the episode to protect someone who may have been involved, according to interviews and guard records obtained by the Times. This website is managed by the Public Affairs Office. The Guard memo obtained by The Times says Magram on several occasions wrongfully encouraged or requested subordinates to perform tasks or run errands for him outside their military duties, such as giving him rides to personal appointments. The scandal dates back to March 2015, when Staff Sgt. Based on this article, and in addition to other evidence collected, it would appear that there is a culture of reprisal, or at a minimum the perception of reprisal, that has a long stemmed history within the 144th, the inspector general report states. FRESNO, Calif. (AP) The head of the California Air National Guard, Major General Clay Garrison, was relieved of his command and replaced by Brigadier General Gregory Jones two months after a newspaper detailed the fallout from a scandal involving someone urinating in the boots of a service member. The command change follows a Los Angeles Times report on allegations that whistleblowers at the guards Fresno base suffered reprisals for questioning actions or conduct, including an incident in which a female guard member discovered urine in her boots. Keegan said Friday he did not know the status of the probe. The document quoted one unnamed Guard member as saying he did not want to drive Magram because my job is to take care of the airmen in the state of California and not be a chauffeur for a general.. The head of the California Air National Guard and one of its five wing commanders have been removed from their positions amid complaints of reprisals against whistleblowers and allegations of a cover-up of misconduct that reached into the highest ranks of the organization, officials announced Friday. Hawkins received a letter of reprimand as a result, the Guard said. Baldwin has been adjutant general of the Guard since 2011, when he was appointed by then-Gov. At least one person recorded the briefing, where Sikora said anyone filing complaints was causing problems for the wing, according to the report. California National Guard members watch over an access point to the Capitol in Sacramento. The 194th is equipped with the F-15 Eagle and like its parent wing, the 144th Griffins, is operationally-gained within the active U.S. Air Force by the Air Combat Command (ACC). An internal inquiry also determined that Sikora improperly excoriated a retired pilot for speaking to The Times, the report said. The 20,000-member Guard serves a dual stateand-federal mission that includes responding to emergencies in California, such as earthquakes, wildfires and civil disturbances, and assisting U.S. armed forces in military operations overseas. 144th Fighter Wing Public Affairs. Jennifer Pineda, a 15-year veteran of the guard, was about to change into her uniform in a women's bathroom at the 144th Fighter Wing when she discovered her boots had been soiled. California Air National Guard removes commander over threats against Friday's report said that Sikora's conduct also had a chilling effect on Guard members by discouraging them from exercising their rights to seek redress through the organization's inspector general, their representatives in Congress or the news media. Members of the Guard described a "climate of retaliationand mistrust. Public Affairs Office: It's all part of. Rob Swertfager, also filed a complaint alleging that commanders punished him including by withholding his pay on occasion for going to bat for Pineda. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. The command change follows aLos Angeles Timesreport on allegations that whistleblowers at the guard's Fresno base suffered reprisals for questioning actions or conduct, including an incident in which a female guard member discovered urine in her boots. The 144th Fighter Wing (144 FW) is a unit of the California Air National Guard, stationed at Fresno Air National Guard Base, California. Rieger recommended in his report that Sikora receive a memorandum of reprimand and be relieved of command due to the loss of faith in him as a 144th leader. Jennifer Pineda, a 15-year veteran of the guard, was about to change into her uniform in a womens bathroom at the 144th when she discovered her boots had been soiled. The guards function as state militias whose leaders report to their respective governors. The scandal dates back to March 2015, when Staff Sgt. The command change follows a Los Angeles Times report on allegations that whistleblowers at the Guards Fresno base suffered reprisals for questioning actions or conduct, including an incident in which a female guardsman discovered urine in her boots. Col. Victor Sikora was relieved of command after engaging in conduct unbecoming of an officer by addressing a gathering of Guard members in a manner some found intimidating and humiliating, according to a report released Friday. Pineda filed a whistleblower complaint, in which she wrote that she feared she would be forced out of the military because some had speculated that she urinated in her own boots for attention. She wanted the DNA test to clear her name. You must meet certain enlistment criteria to qualify for the Air National Guard. We share in the sorrow felt by Jethro's loved ones and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends as well as those of the Ukrainian aviator.". After queries by The Times, however, the Guard said a second inquiry had substantiated similar allegations against him, and another round of discipline was pending. The urine incident and its aftermath fueled suspicions within the guard that high-ranking officers, including Garrison, mishandled two investigations to find the perpetrator and tried to bury the episode to protect someone who may have been involved, according to interviews and guard records obtained by the Times. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. Forensic analysts say urine can be tested for DNA, but it degrades faster than other tissue and bodily fluids. "They're scared to speak up so I'm speaking for them," said Maj. Dan Woodside. Local The commander of the scandal-plagued California National Guard steps down The 144th is the biggest wing in the state, home to roughly 115 officers, including about two dozen fighter pilots, and more than 1,000 enlistees in support units. A third high-ranking officer in the California Air National Guard has been removed from his position because of complaints he made whistleblowers feel threatened at the 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno, By The following year, officers at the 144th destroyed the evidence collected from the crime scene, saying it was old and no longer needed. She wanted the DNA test to clear her name. Based on this article, and in addition to other evidence collected, it would appear that there is a culture of reprisal, or at a minimum the perception of reprisal, that has a long stemmed history within the 144th, the inspector general report states. A guard spokesman, Lt. Col. Jonathan Shiroma, on Friday confirmed the shake-up, but he did not have additional details. Both were inconclusive, and the case was closed. Published Nov. 8, 2022. In a statement Friday, Keegan said, The Guard is committed to providing a transparent, respectful and positive command climate. I am confident that Brig. Allegations of retaliation against whistleblowers in the California National Guard are more widespread than the complaints made at a Fresno air base that led to a dramatic leadership shakeup of the organization earlier this month, The Times has found. These criteria ensure that those who join have the right mental, physical and moral aptitudes to perform the tasks required for military service. Many of the pilots are part-time reservists, signing up after careers in the U.S. Air Force, and some fly in their civilian lives for commercial airlines. Mercedes Taylor. She wanted the DNA test to clear her name. Ron DeSantis replaced the Florida National Guard's adjutant general two years ago amid revelations of sexual abuse, coverups and reprisal. (559) 454-5100 Clear Sky brings together more than 950 personnel from Ukraine and eight NATO nations. "This is not a problem with the rank and file, the rank and file pilots or the great people that do their job out there every day," he said. The guards function as state militias whose leaders report to their respective governors. "This is a problem with their leadership.". At least five guard members from the 144th wing filed formal complaints. Pissgate was just one example, Woodside said. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Committee votes on major defense policy bill expected in May, Military families share workout with first lady Jill Biden, US conducts first evacuation of its citizens from Sudan war, Ukrainian drones strike Crimea oil depot, Russian official says, Interior designers remodel Jack Teixeiras camo bedroom monstrosity, Understanding the role of artificial intelligence, Mark Kitz keynote speech at the C4ISRNET conference, The latest on software, data and artificial intelligence, Russians seem to be baiting US jets to dogfight in Syria, general says, Biden awards football trophy to Air Force Academy, Commanders suspended at base where alleged Pentagon leaker worked, Military sex assault reports rise, even as Army numbers fall, Davis-Monthan to launch new special operations wing as A-10 retires. A guard spokesman, Lt. Col. Jonathan Shiroma, on Friday confirmed the shake-up, but he did not have additional details. Disgusting discovery, accusations of cover-up at Fresno's 144th Fighter Wing. Chris Drudge) Local Education In a second investigation months later, they finally talked to people who were in the building that night, having drinks after finishing a day of work. Among the other disclosures by The Times were the Guards use of a spy plane to monitor civilian protesters and fears in the ranks that it planned to deploy a fighter jet to frighten demonstrators. Jennifer Pineda, a 15-year veteran of the guard, was about to change into her uniform in a women's bathroom at the 144th Fighter Wing when she discovered her boots had been soiled. Keegan said the department had lost faith, trust and confidence in Garrison's ability to lead. Lt. Col. Seth "Jethro" Nehring, 44, was killed while taking part in a familiarization flight in a Russian-built Su-27UB fighter jet with a Ukrainian counterpart. Pineda filed a whistleblower complaint, in which she wrote that she feared she would be forced out of the military because some had speculated that she urinated in her own boots "for attention." Published Apr 7, 2019 3:26 PM EDT. Both were inconclusive, and the case was closed. Gen. Gregory Jones two months after a newspaper detailed the fallout from a scandal involving someone urinating in the boots of a service member. Col. Jeremiah Cruz was named Kelly's interim replacement. Local The 144th is the biggest wing in the state, home to roughly 115 officers, including about two dozen fighter pilots, and more than 1,000 enlistees in support units. Gen. Jeffrey Magram will be involuntarily transferred next week to the U.S. Air Force retired reserve, an action that is parallel to a firing, California National Guard spokesman Lt. Col. Brandon Hill said Friday. News, Appetite for Fresno This went on for about two weeks, until he had the training completed by a subordinate. He Toppled Vince McMahon. Commander Out At California Air National Guard After Scandal The commander of the fighter squadron at the time, Col. Sean Navin, was one of the drinkers. A guard spokesman, Lt. Col. Jonathan Shiroma, on Friday confirmed the shake-up, but he did not have additional details. Phone: (559) 454-5246 That inquiry is part of a broader investigation into whether whistleblowers at the 144th suffered reprisals for questioning the actions of their superiors on a range of matters. Fresno Air National Guard Base | Military Wiki | Fandom A third high-ranking officer in the California Air National Guard has been removed from his position because of complaints he made whistleblowers feel threatened at the 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Most of the allegations against Magram were first disclosed in a Times report in June. Gen. Gregory F. Jones, who has served as an assistant adjutant general in the Guard since December 2017, was appointed to replace Garrison. Reached by phone Friday, Pineda said, At this time, I don't have a comment.. Some in the wing refer to the scandal as Pissgate., The saga dates to March 2015, when Staff Sgt. Jennifer Pineda, a 15-year veteran of the guard, was about to change into her uniform in a womens bathroom at the 144th Fighter Wing when she discovered her boots had been soiled. Off the Bottom Rope Must be between the age of 17 and 40. Paul Pringle is a Los Angeles Times reporter who specializes in investigating corruption. Since early 2019, The Times has investigated a wide range of alleged misconduct by high-ranking officials of the California National Guard. Then something changed, Most of Yosemite Valley is closed due to potentially perilous snowpack and flooding, 7 hospitalized after driver in stolen car runs red light in San Bernardino, police say, Barstow police investigating after officer caught on video hitting man with a baton, Man found guilty of murdering teens who ding-dong-ditched his house, Sacramento, San Francisco mayors take shots at each others city before NBA playoff game, Unseasonable rain, cooler temperatures in forecast for Los Angeles this week. FRESNO AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Calif --. Get the latest in military news, entertainment and gear in your inbox daily. F-15 Eagle, 'right aircraft for the mission - The National Guard 2019 the Los Angeles Times. 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Jennifer Pineda, a 15-year veteran of the Guard, was about to change into her uniform in a women's bathroom at the 144th Fighter Wing when she discovered her boots had been soiled. Members of the 144th's security forces, who police the base, conducted two investigations, according to internal investigative records obtained by the Times. FRESNO, Calif. (AP) The head of the California Air National Guard, Major General Clay Garrison, was relieved of his command and replaced by Brigadier General Gregory Jones two months. California Air National Guard removes commander over threats against Eastern District of California | Eight California National Guard
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