fresno air national guard scandal

A 144th pilot, Lt. Col. The preferred location for the new F-35A squadron is Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass., while the F-15EXs are slated for Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, La., and Fresno Air National Guard Base, Calif. All three bases currently operate older F-15C/D model fighters which the Air Force wants to retire in the coming years. In a statement Friday, Keegan said, The Guard is committed to providing a transparent, respectful and positive command climate. I am confident that Brig. 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. A mystery at a California military base led to claims of a cover-up. ID cardquestions and appointments: 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." 144th Fighter Wing Public Affairs. Public File for KMAX-TV / Good Day Sacramento. Nehring was a fighter pilot with the California Air National Guard's 194th Fighter Squadron, part of the 144th Fighter Wing based at the Fresno Air National Guard Base, located on the southeast corner of Fresno-Yosemite International Airport. 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. It just took her a long time to decide what she wanted, a lot of comparison shopping amongst products.. 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. Off the Bottom Rope But at least five of its Air National Guard members have filed internal complaints about a nasty incident and other concerns. 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.. Jennifer Pineda found that someone at the Fresno base had urinated in the boots she had left in a bathroom overnight. Three days later, the report said, he called a mandatory meeting of his subordinates to discuss his suspension. 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. Latest Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. 2019 the Los Angeles Times. 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. But fellow officers are questioning the investigations, complaining about retaliation for their contributions and a potential cover-up. 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. April 5, 2019 / 7:29 PM Why is Frank McCourt really pushing this? 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. Members of the 144ths security forces, who police the base, conducted two investigations, according to internal investigative records obtained by the Times. 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. 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 . Attempts to reach Magram for comment were unsuccessful. Both were inconclusive, and the case was closed. Both were inconclusive, and the case was closed. 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. A member of the Judge Advocate General Corps, Maj . Gen. Tim Rieger, who was tasked by Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, head of the California Military Department, with investigating Sikora's actions. Brig. 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. Sikora's briefing came after The Times began asking questions about alleged retaliation against whistleblowers and the incident in which Staff Sgt. A six-barrel cannon can shoot enemy fighters out of the sky. (559) 454-5286 Pineda declined to comment. Both were inconclusive and the case was closed. 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. Stunning 4K videos show F-117s operating in California more than a decade after the stealth jet retired. First published on April 5, 2019 / 7:29 PM. Published Nov. 8, 2022. FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- If you were near Fresno Yosemite International Airport Wednesday morning, there's a good chance you saw and heard plenty of military aircraft activity. The commander of the fighter squadron at the time, Col. Sean Navin, was one of the drinkers. However, in 2021, Baldwin suspended him with pay and reassigned him after a Times report that Guard members were concerned that their leaders had readied an F-15C fighter jet for a possible mission in which the aircraft would fly low over civilian protesters to frighten and disperse them. At least five guard members from the 144th wing filed formal complaints. 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. 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. The familiarization flight was part of a joint military training exercise called Clear Sky 2018, which kicked off last week. The scandal dates back to March 2015, when Staff Sgt. Phone: (559) 454-5246 Gen. Gregory Jones two months after a newspaper. Investigators only talked to three other people the first time around and came up empty. 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. The familiarization flights give NATO service members an opportunity to ride in Soviet or Russian-built aircraft, like the Su-27UB fighter jet. Magram, who was once director of the Guards 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. (559) 454-5274 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. 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. Jerry Brown. Members of the 144th's security forces, who police the base, conducted two investigations, according to internal investigative records obtained by the Times. In California, he held various positions at the 146th Airlift Wing at Port Hueneme before heading the 129th Rescue Wing in the Mountain View area. Voting Is Fast and Easy on Recall Day. 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. Gen. Jones will be able to lead the organization effectively and with the utmost integrity.. The complaints disclosed by The Times focused on the leadership of the Fresno base and included an alleged cover-up of an incident in which someone urinated in a female Guard member's boots. Alene Tchekmedyian And Paul Pringle, Los Angeles Times, Times investigation two months ago that detailed the whistleblower allegations, Who urinated in her boots? 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 evidence included Pineda's boots and a vial of urine collected from the bathroom floor that was never tested for DNA. Some in the wing refer to the scandal as Pissgate., The saga dates to March 2015, when Staff Sgt. Baldwin later removed the commander of the Guard's air side, Maj. Gen. Clay Garrison. News The 144th Fighter Wing (144 FW) is a unit of the California Air National Guard, stationed at Fresno Air National Guard Base, California. At least one person recorded the briefing, where Sikora said anyone filing complaints was causing problems for the wing, according to the report. 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,. At least five guard members from the 144th wing filed formal complaints. 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. Maj. Gen. Clay L. Garrison, the top commander of the 4,700-member air guard, was dismissed for being unable to maintain a positive command climate, said Lt. Col. Thomas Keegan, spokesman for the California Military Department. Jones has served as assistant adjutant general since December 2017. Both were inconclusive, and the case was closed. ), 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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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. He also recommended close monitoring of any unfavorable personnel actions against complainants or witnesses in the 144th as possible reprisal. 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. It said Sikora used insulting and defamatory language in remarks to subordinates. A guard spokesman on Friday, April 5, 2019, confirmed the shakeup, but did not have additional details. The speech was clearly directed at me and a few other people that have pursued justice through the IG.. 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 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. The U.S. and Ukrainian governments are investigating to determine the cause of the accident. A guard spokesman, Lt. Col. Jonathan Shiroma, on Friday confirmed the shake-up, but he did not have additional details. The Guard denies it. 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. 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. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. When it comes to protecting U.S. Air Force's military assets, the responsibility falls on the Security Forces Defenders. Last week, Maj. Gen. Clay L. Garrison and Col. Dan Kelly were removed in the wake of a Times investigation that detailed the whistleblower complaints and allegations that officers covered up an incident in which someone urinated in a female Guard member's boots. 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. The scandal dates back to March 2015, when Staff Sgt. Magram said in his statement that he was late in completing the training because of a tremendously busy operational tempo.. A 144th pilot, Lt. Col. U.S. Air Force Col. FRESNO AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Calif --. 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. Clear Sky brings together more than 950 personnel from Ukraine and eight NATO nations. Mission [ edit] Jones has served as assistant adjutant general since December 2017. Troy Havener, 144th Fighter Wing commander, said, "We have the distinct honor of being the . 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. NORTH DIGHTON, Mass. Gen. Gregory Jones two months after a newspaper detailed the fallout from a scandal involving someone urinating in the boots of a service member. 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. The Fresno Air National Guard Base in California is home to the 144th Fighter Wing. What Dyer Had to Say. 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. Garrison did not act alone in this. Recruiters: Chris Drudge) 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. The scandal dates back to March 2015, when Staff Sgt. 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. FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - The skies above Super Bowl LVI were safe Sunday thanks to tactical fighter aircraft based in Fresno. 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, such as earthquakes, wildfires and civil disturbances, and assisting U.S. armed forces in military operations overseas. 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. 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. These criteria ensure that those who join have the right mental, physical and moral aptitudes to perform the tasks required for military service. By Staff Sgt. 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. Gavin Newsoms office and Baldwins successor, Maj. Gen. Matthew Beevers, the Guards acting adjutant general. 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. Woodside says the IG system isn't working right now, though, because investigators aren't acting independently of wing commanders. FRESNO, Calif. - The roar of two fighter jets flying over Fresno marked the beginning of a new era June 18. Weeks later, the longtime head of the Guard, Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, retired. 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. 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. "If there was a smoking gun, they took it and threw it right in the river," said Maj. Woodside. 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. "They're scared to speak up so I'm speaking for them," said Maj. Dan Woodside. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Entertainment 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. Both of them, along with others, felt targeted by Sikora's remarks, the report said. 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. Alene Tchekmedyian And Paul Pringle, Los Angeles Times She said in her complaint she feared she'd be forced out of the military because some had speculated that she urinated in her own boots for attention.. Captain Nehring is an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot with California Air National Guard's 194th Fighter Squadron in Fresno. Local Baldwin has been adjutant general of the Guard since 2011, when he was appointed by then-Gov. 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