Maj. Gen. Clay Garrison, California Air National Guard commander, addresses service members from participating countries during the opening ceremony for Clear Sky 2018 exercise at Starokostiantyniv Air Base, Ukraine, Oct. 8, 2018. By Staff Sgt. 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The complaints focused on the organizations Fresno air base and included an incident in which someone urinated in a female Guard members boots. The evidence included Pineda's boots and a vial of urine collected from the bathroom floor that was never tested for DNA. The first of three investigations launched right after Staff Sgt. California Air National Guard removes commander over threats against whistleblowers in 'pissgate' scandal A third high-ranking officer in the California Air National Guard has been. The urine incident and its aftermath fueled suspicions 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. Tim Rieger, who was tasked by Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, head of the California Military Department, with investigating Sikora's actions. NORTH DIGHTON, Mass. News 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. Commander Out At California Air National Guard After Scandal Fresno Weather: Its a Dry Heat. This went on for about two weeks, until he had the training completed by a subordinate. Latest, Latest Published Nov. 8, 2022. Weeks later, the longtime head of the Guard, Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, retired. California Air National Guard removes commander over threats against John Oliver's Parody Book Among Most 'Challenged' Works, Newsom Says His El Salvador Trip a Counter to Trump, Hear Mayor, Councilmembers Share Vision for $20 Million Senior Center on Blackstone. The two-seat Su-27UB went down on Tuesday in western Ukraine. The report was prepared by Brig. (559) 454-5383 (559) 515-6008 Why is Frank McCourt really pushing this? A member of the Judge Advocate General Corps, Maj . Magram, who was once director of the Guard's air staff, is the fifth general to resign, retire or be fired in the wake of scandals exposed by Times investigations of the organization over the last four years. Gavin Newsoms office and Baldwins successor, Maj. Gen. Matthew Beevers, the Guards acting adjutant general. Get the latest in military news, entertainment and gear in your inbox daily. Both were inconclusive and the case was closed. He says new rules instituted in 2016 might make the incident a more serious crime, which would've brought in more seasoned investigators. In a report released after the ousters of Garrison and Col. Dan Kelly, the commander of the 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno, the Military Department inspector general cited findings of a Times investigation two months ago that detailed the whistleblower allegations. 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. A 144th pilot, Lt. Col. 2019 the Los Angeles Times. The Times reported last year that an internal inquiry substantiated allegations that Brig. Rob Swertfager, also filed a complaint alleging that commanders punished him including by withholding his pay on occasion for going to bat for Pineda. 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. 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Jones has served as assistant adjutant general since December 2017. The following year, officers at the 144th destroyed the evidence collected from the crime scene, saying it was old and no longer needed. A general is fired from the scandal-plagued California National Guard (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. At least five guard members from the 144th wing filed formal complaints. Chris Drudge), U.S. airman killed in training exercise in Ukraine confirmed from 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno. Sikora was suspended as the wing's Operations Group leader in December. Latest 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. A guard spokesman, Lt. Col. Jonathan Shiroma, on Friday confirmed the shake-up, but he did not have additional details. The scandal dates back to March 2015, when Staff Sgt. The papers inquiries began with reports that someone urinated in a female Guard members boots, an incident that led to allegations of a cover-up and retaliation against whistleblowers. 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. That culminated in his firing. He also recommended close monitoring of any unfavorable personnel actions against complainants or witnesses in the 144th as possible reprisal. Pineda filed a whistleblower complaint, in which she wrote that she feared she'd be forced out of the military because some had speculated that she urinated in her own boots for attention.. 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. 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. Our mission is to promote positive support for the 144th Fighter Wing and the California Air National Guard by providing accurate, relevant and timely information to our members, their families, our local community, our state and our nation. The 20,000-member Guard, a branch of the California Military Department, which is also led by the adjutant general, serves a dual mission that includes responding to emergencies in the state,. Air National Guard - ABC30 Fresno FILE - In this April 12, 2006, file photo, then US Air Force Lt. Col. Clay "Slam" Garrison, Weapons Officer assigned with the 144th Fighter Wing of the California Air National Guard, explains the units area of coverage on a map of California in Fresno, Calif. The California National Guard has been buffeted by allegations of misconduct in its upper ranks, coverups and retaliation against whistleblowers. Hawkins received a letter of reprimand as a result, the Guard said. The 144th is renowned for its F-15 pilots working to protect California and the country. 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. 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. The scandal dates back to March 2015, when Staff Sgt. 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. Air National Guardsman Arrested as F.B.I. Searches His Home Commander out at California Air National Guard after scandal Latest The exercise is a joint and multinational exercise that will involve approximately 950 personnel from nine nations. Jones has served as assistant adjutant general since December 2017. (559) 454-5100 Contact the Public Affairs Office at: 144FW.HQ.PublicAffairs@us.af.mil, Directory: But at least five of its Air National Guard members have filed internal complaints about a nasty incident and other concerns. Garrison did not act alone in this. California Air National Guard removes commander over threats against Commander out at California Air National Guard after boot urination scandal 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.. Captain Nehring is an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot with California Air National Guard's 194th Fighter Squadron in Fresno. See Why Customers Flocked to Fresno Cannabis Store on Day 1. "They're scared to speak up so I'm speaking for them," said Maj. Dan Woodside. The Guard reconnaissance aircraft flew over peaceful protests in the upscale community of El Dorado Hills, the location of Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwins home. The Air National Guard is a reserve component of the United State Air Force. 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. Director of Psychological Health: Except When Its Not. Published Apr 7, 2019 3:26 PM EDT. Members of the 144ths security forces conducted two investigations, according to internal investigative records obtained by the Times. The Fresno Air National Guard Base in California is home to the 144th Fighter Wing. Alene Tchekmedyian And Paul Pringle, Los Angeles Times Since early 2019, The Times has investigated a wide range of alleged misconduct by high-ranking officials of the California National Guard. The Guard denies it. At least five Guard members from the 144th wing, including a pilot who was killed in October in a crash during a training mission in Ukraine, filed formal complaints. Fresno-based fighter pilot killed in Ukraine identified as Lt. Col "This is a problem with their leadership.". 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. Gov. 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. She wanted the DNA test to clear her name. 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. 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. 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. A guard spokesman, Lt. Col. Jonathan Shiroma, on Friday confirmed the shake-up, but he did not have additional details. 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." 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. But everybody else.. These criteria ensure that those who join have the right mental, physical and moral aptitudes to perform the tasks required for military service. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Public File for KMAX-TV / Good Day Sacramento. Careers - AF Local I want to reiterate that had I ever heard of any ethics issues like this from subordinates, peers or commanders, or perceptions of such, I would have corrected or addressed it on the spot, Magram said in a statement to an inspector general. It is the first official organic story about the F-117's operations since the aircraft was retired in 2008: The 144th Fighter Wing welcomed the arrival of two F-117 Nighthawk aircraft Sept 13, 2021. 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. The retirement of Maj. Gen. David Baldwin comes weeks after a Times investigation detailed alleged misconduct among high-ranking officers. Captain Nehring is an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot with California Air National Guard's 194th Fighter Squadron in Fresno. Alene Tchekmedyian And Paul Pringle, Los Angeles Times, were removed in the wake of a Times investigation, Head Of The California Air National Guard Dismissed After Alleged Cover-up In 'Pissgate' Scandal. Gen. You must meet certain enlistment criteria to qualify for the Air National Guard. Disgusting discovery, accusations of cover-up at Fresno - ABC30 Fresno 144th Fighter Wing - AF The document also cites the cybersecurity episode as grounds for dismissing him, stating that he let a subordinate click through the training questions and obtain a certificate of completion for you., The memo further recounts that a 2021 survey of Guard members found that they experienced significant issues with unit cohesion, good order, and military discipline because of [Magrams] conduct.. She also signed off on the request to discard the evidence. 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 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. The speech was clearly directed at me and a few other people that have pursued justice through the IG.. In interviews with The Times, several current and former members of the Guard have described a climate of retaliation by high-ranking officers and mistrust in the organization's inspector general system intended to hold them accountable. Jennifer Pineda found that someone at the Fresno base had urinated in the boots she had left in a bathroom overnight. It all happened under his watchful eye, but he was not alone in allowing this to happen.. A six-barrel cannon can shoot enemy fighters out of the sky. (559) 453-5461 The commander of the 144th Fighter Wing at the Fresno base was also removed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. A general is fired from the scandal-plagued California National Guard The vast majority of you are good people who are killing it in a high ops tempo year, you're very honorable, red-blooded Americans, Sikora said at the meeting, according to the report. Behold F-117s On Their Historic Deployment To Fresno In These Stunning 'Double-dipping' probe targets Air National Guard pilots in Fresno 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. 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. Col. Jeremiah Cruz was named Kelly's interim replacement. What Dyer Had to Say. 144th FW signs Heritage jet. Mission [ edit] 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. The 144th Fighter Wing (FW) of the California Air National Guard occupies two separate parcels of land (the main base area and the Munitions Storage Area) totaling 110.726 acres (0.44809 km 2) of leased land on the Fresno Yosemite International Airport . The commander of the 144th Fighter Wing at the Fresno base was also removed. 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. Legendary Valley Thoroughbred Elected to Racing Hall of Fame, Collision Ends Smyly Perfect Game Bid, Cubs Top Dodgers 13-0, Oakland As Set Vegas Move in Motion With Stadium Land Deal, Draymond Greens Suspension Is the Talk of the NBA Playoffs, California The California Air National Guard says its top commander, Major General Clay Garrison, has been relieved of command and will be replaced by Brigadier General Gregory Jones. Hawkins told The Times that those allegations are largely untrue and specifically denied making the statement about terrorist attacks. April 5, 2019 / 7:29 PM Alene Tchekmedyian And Paul Pringle, Los Angeles Times, Times investigation two months ago that detailed the whistleblower allegations, Who urinated in her boots? Members of the 144ths security forces, who police the base, conducted two investigations, according to internal investigative records obtained by the Times. The head of the California Air National Guard, Maj. Gen. Clay Garrison, was relieved of his command and replaced by Brig. California California Air National Guard removes commander over threats against whistleblowers A third high-ranking officer in the California Air National Guard has been removed from. Chris Drudge) A guard spokesman, Lt. Col. Jonathan Shiroma, on Friday confirmed the shake-up, but he did not have additional details.
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