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A 144th pilot, Lt. Col. A guard spokesman on Friday, April 5, 2019, confirmed the shakeup, but did not have additional details. 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. 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. Fresno Weather: Its a Dry Heat. Most of the allegations against Magram were first disclosed in a Times report in June. These criteria ensure that those who join have the right mental, physical and moral aptitudes to perform the tasks required for military service. One of the jets was a single-engine F-16C Fighting . Several Guard members took Sikora's remarks as a criticism of people who had filed complaints with the inspector general. The commander of the 144th Fighter Wing at the Fresno base was also removed. 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. Contact the Public Affairs Office at: 144FW.HQ.PublicAffairs@us.af.mil, Directory: 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. Members of the 144th's security forces, who police the base, conducted two investigations into the Pineda incident, according to internal investigative records obtained by The Times. 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. 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. California Governor Jerry Brown and the First Lady also extended their deepest condolences to Nehring's family and friends. 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. Brig. (559) 454-5274 They patrol state airspace and stand ready to respond to natural disasters and large-scale terrorist attacks. 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. Both were inconclusive, and the case was closed. Garrison's only guidance, Johnston wrote, was that he first confer with the 144th's judge advocate general at the time. The guards function as state militias whose leaders report to their respective governors. 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. Both were inconclusive, and the case was closed. Sikora was suspended as the wing's Operations Group leader in December. FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - The skies above Super Bowl LVI were safe Sunday thanks to tactical fighter aircraft based in Fresno. 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. 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. A guard spokesman, Lt. Col. Jonathan Shiroma, on Friday confirmed the shake-up, but he did not have additional details. Attempts to reach Magram for comment were unsuccessful. Jennifer Pineda found that someone at the Fresno base had urinated in the boots she had left in a bathroom overnight. You must meet certain enlistment criteria to qualify for the Air National Guard. Except When Its Not. Local It all happened under his watchful eye, but he was not alone in allowing this to happen.. Gen. David Hawkins made antisemitic and homophobic slurs, including that Jews are unrepentant sinners and that gay marriage is a reason terrorists attack the United States. Please enter valid email address to continue. The complaints focused on the organizations Fresno air base and included an incident in which someone urinated in a female Guard members boots. Local The speech was clearly directed at me and a few other people that have pursued justice through the IG.. 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. Three days later, the report said, he called a mandatory meeting of his subordinates to discuss his suspension. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Northern California town on edge after second fatal stabbing in a week, Sheriffs Department investigates memo alleging captain wouldnt promote angry Black sergeant, CEO of Cookies pot brand accused of kickbacks, strong-arm tactics, Californias top military brass rocked by homophobia, antisemitism, indecent exposure scandals, What you need to know about the scandals at the California National Guard. 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 Garrison did not act alone in this. Since early 2019, The Times has investigated a wide range of alleged misconduct by high-ranking officials of the California National 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. A member of the Judge Advocate General Corps, Maj . The commander of the 144th Fighter Wing at the Fresno base was also removed. 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. 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. | 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. In early 2019, a Times report disclosed internal complaints of reprisals against whistleblowers and allegations of a cover-up of misconduct among the Guard leadership. Both were inconclusive, and the case was closed. 144th Fighter Wing taking to the skies for night-flight . They didn't identify any suspects and eventually got rid of the urine without ever testing it for DNA. What Dyer Had to Say. But at least five of its Air National Guard members have filed internal complaints about a nasty incident and other concerns. 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. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Alene Tchekmedyian And Paul Pringle, Los Angeles Times, Times investigation two months ago that detailed the whistleblower allegations, Who urinated in her boots? Gen. Gregory Jones two months after a newspaper detailed the fallout from a scandal involving someone urinating in the boots of a service member. But fellow officers are questioning the investigations, complaining about retaliation for their contributions and a potential cover-up. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. 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. Now the California Air National Guard faces coverup allegations. Published Apr 15, 2019 10:00 AM EDT. 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. 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. Jones began his career as a jet engine mechanic in the Nevada Air National Guard. Members of the 144th's security forces, who police the base, conducted two investigations, according to internal investigative records obtained by the Times. Oops! Dont Put Plastic Bags in That Blue Recycling Cart! Here's what we know. "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. 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. As part of the Air Reserve Component of the United States Air Force, the wing is operationally gained by the Air Combat Command . Baldwin later removed the commander of the Guards air side, Maj. Gen. Clay Garrison. The first of three investigations launched right after Staff Sgt. When I say particular, it had to be at Whole Foods. Members of the 144th Medical Detachment 1 recently completed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region IX California Homeland Response Force (HRF) external evaluation March 30, 2023, at Camp Roberts, California. 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. It's unfortunate that the young people in the California Air National Guard, our citizen soldiers, have to witness this type of activity that's occurring at the top, Bakos said Friday. 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. Chris Drudge), U.S. airman killed in training exercise in Ukraine confirmed from 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno. Both were inconclusive, and the case was closed. 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 Air Force initially issued a letter of admonishment to Magram as a result of the first inspector general investigation. He also recommended close monitoring of any unfavorable personnel actions against complainants or witnesses in the 144th as possible reprisal. It just took her a long time to decide what she wanted, a lot of comparison shopping amongst products.. 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. Director of Psychological Health: Both of them, along with others, felt targeted by Sikora's remarks, the report said. 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.. Rob Swertfager, also filed a complaint alleging that commanders punished him including by withholding his pay on occasion for speaking up for Pineda. But everybody else.. By Staff Sgt. Overview. Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, who oversees both the air and army branches of the California Guard as adjutant general of the Military Department, was unavailable for comment, Keegan said. Gen. Gregory F. Jones, who has served as an assistant adjutant general in the Guard since December 2017, was appointed to replace Garrison. Zakaria: These Revolutions May Help India Really Take off at Last, Future of California at Risk if CEQA Environmental Law Remains Unchanged, California Tax on Booze Would Double if These Activists Get Their Way. News, Appetite for Fresno Magram had generally confirmed the members accounts of running errands for him, according to the report. An internal inquiry also determined that Sikora improperly excoriated a retired pilot for speaking to The Times, the report said. Public File for KMAX-TV / Good Day Sacramento. Must be between the age of 17 and 40. 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. Beevers and Newsom did not respond to requests for comment made through spokespersons. First published on April 5, 2019 / 7:29 PM. Garrison was the top commander of the air guard, and Kelly headed the 144th wing. Published Apr 7, 2019 3:26 PM EDT. The guards function as state militias whose leaders report to their respective governors. 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. Latest, Latest 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 scandal dates back to March 2015, when Staff Sgt. Sikora's briefing came after The Times began asking questions about alleged retaliation against whistleblowers and the incident in which Staff Sgt. To find out about jobs in the Air National Guard check out: https://www.goang.com/ Public Affairs This website is managed by the Public Affairs Office. 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 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. 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. Woodside says it should've been handled differently from the start, especially since people in command positions might've been involved. The California National Guard has been buffeted by allegations of misconduct in its upper ranks, coverups and retaliation against whistleblowers. Members of the 144ths security forces conducted two investigations, according to internal investigative records obtained by the Times. Published Nov. 8, 2022. He said he believed the allegations were lodged by someone who overheard and misconstrued a conversation he had with a chaplain. Sikora did not respond to requests for comment Friday. 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. Clear Sky brings together more than 950 personnel from Ukraine and eight NATO nations. 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 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. 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. Forensic analysts say urine can be tested for DNA, but it degrades faster than other tissue and bodily fluids. 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 Guard described a "climate of retaliationand mistrust. The 144th is renowned for its F-15 pilots working to protect California and the country. Federal investigators on Thursday arrested a 21-year-old air national guardsman who they believe is linked to a trove of leaked classified U.S . 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. The report was prepared by Brig. The scandal dates back to March 2015, when Staff Sgt. Garrison ran the base at the time of the incident. Recruiters: In an email to The Times, Hill said an internal disciplinary board substantiated the allegations against Magram, and the general was removed for cause. The boards action came after two separate inquiries into Magrams conduct by military inspectors general; directives to dismiss him were issued by Gov. 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.. Mission [ edit] ), 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. (559) 454-5286 The two-seat Su-27UB went down on Tuesday in western Ukraine. Sgt. 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. It said Sikora used insulting and defamatory language in remarks to subordinates. Two of those were related to the urine incident, including one filed by Pineda. 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. Gen. Tim Rieger, who was tasked by Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, head of the California Military Department, with investigating Sikora's actions. The scandal dates back to March 2015, when Staff Sgt. Opinion, California Alene Tchekmedyian And Paul Pringle, Los Angeles Times 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. 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. 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. To ensure they are prepared for the task at hand, the 144th Fighter Wing, Security Forces Squadron, trains for Agile Combat Employment at Camp Roberts, California, Feb. 2, 2023. Jennifer Pineda found out someone urinated in her uniform boots. This went on for about two weeks, until he had the training completed by a subordinate. / CBS Sacramento. The exercise is a joint and multinational exercise that will involve approximately 950 personnel from nine nations. Swertfager could not be reached for comment. 2019 the Los Angeles Times. 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. An F-117 Nighthawks at the Fresno Air National Guard Base in California, September 15, 2021 . 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. Troy Havener, 144th Fighter Wing commander, said, "We have the distinct honor of being the . They deserve better., He said the Guard now has an opportunity to get a fresh start with new leadership.. "They're scared to speak up so I'm speaking for them," said Maj. Dan Woodside. Sports. 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. Baldwin later removed the commander of the Guard's air side, Maj. Gen. Clay Garrison. 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.. 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. Weather, Education 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. Get the latest in military news, entertainment and gear in your inbox daily. 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. Consent from a parent or The familiarization flight was part of a joint military training exercise called Clear Sky 2018, which kicked off last week. The familiarization flights give NATO service members an opportunity to ride in Soviet or Russian-built aircraft, like the Su-27UB fighter jet. The evidence included Pineda's boots and a vial of urine collected from the bathroom floor that was never tested for DNA. 2019 the Los Angeles Times. Members of the 144ths security forces, who police the base, conducted two investigations, according to internal investigative records obtained by the Times. Gavin Newsoms office and Baldwins successor, Maj. Gen. Matthew Beevers, the Guards acting adjutant general. A guard spokesman, Lt. Col. Jonathan Shiroma, on Friday confirmed the shake-up, but he did not have additional details. 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. 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). 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. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. The retirement of Maj. Gen. David Baldwin comes weeks after a Times investigation detailed alleged misconduct among high-ranking officers. He flew the F-16 Viper for more than 15 years, before converting to the F-15 Eagle. Latest News, Latest 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. 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. He says new rules instituted in 2016 might make the incident a more serious crime, which would've brought in more seasoned investigators. All Rights Reserved. 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. The California air guard is the second largest, after New York's, in the Air National Guard, which is a force of more than 100,000 pilots, other officers and enlisted people. Both were inconclusive and the case was closed. 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..