Two of those were related to the urine incident, including one filed by Pineda. But fellow officers are questioning the investigations, complaining about retaliation for their contributions and a potential cover-up. 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. Gen. Gregory Jones two months after a newspaper detailed the fallout from a scandal involving someone urinating in the boots of a service member. Members of the 144ths security forces, who police the base, conducted two investigations, according to internal investigative records obtained by the Times. Baldwin later removed the commander of the Guard's air side, Maj. Gen. Clay Garrison. It said Sikora used insulting and defamatory language in remarks to subordinates. Most of the allegations against Magram were first disclosed in a Times report in June. 2019 the Los Angeles Times. Baldwin later removed the commander of the Guards air side, Maj. Gen. Clay Garrison. Garrison was the top commander of the air guard, and Kelly headed the 144th wing. 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. 144th Fighter Wing - AF News, Appetite for Fresno 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. Must be between the age of 17 and 40. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Fresno's 144th Fighter Wing protects skies above Super Bowl Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, urinated in a female Guard members boots, use of a spy plane to monitor civilian protesters, deploy a fighter jet to frighten demonstrators, The commander of the scandal-plagued California National Guard steps down, Californias top military brass rocked by homophobia, antisemitism, indecent exposure scandals, Turmoil shakes California National Guard with firing, suspension of top generals, California Guard members feared fighter jet would be ordered to frighten protesters, Spy plane was sent to monitor protest in affluent suburb, home to head of California National Guard, In California National Guard, whistleblower claims of retaliation go beyond Fresno, Head of California Air National Guard removed amid allegations of cover-up and retaliation, California Air National Guard removes commander over threats against whistleblowers, Must Reads: Someone urinated in a female sergeants boots. 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 California National Guard has been buffeted by allegations of misconduct in its upper ranks, coverups and retaliation against whistleblowers. "They're scared to speak up so I'm speaking for them," said Maj. Dan Woodside. A six-barrel cannon can shoot enemy fighters out of the sky. Swertfager could not be reached for comment. Magram had generally confirmed the members accounts of running errands for him, according to the report. Published Apr 7, 2019 3:26 PM EDT. Several Guard members took Sikora's remarks as a criticism of people who had filed complaints with the inspector general. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - The skies above Super Bowl LVI were safe Sunday thanks to tactical fighter aircraft based in Fresno. 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. 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. 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. Valley Weather Rollercoaster: Mid-90s Now, Upper 60s Next Week, Adventure in Spices? Jones has served as assistant adjutant general since December 2017. 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 said he believed the allegations were lodged by someone who overheard and misconstrued a conversation he had with a chaplain. Chris Drudge) 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. General requirements include: AGE. 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. A guard spokesman, Lt. Col. Jonathan Shiroma, on Friday confirmed the shake-up, but he did not have additional details. But everybody else.. 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. 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. A spokesman for Gov. He says new rules instituted in 2016 might make the incident a more serious crime, which would've brought in more seasoned investigators. Attempts to reach Magram for comment were unsuccessful. 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. Members of the 144ths security forces conducted two investigations, according to internal investigative records obtained by the Times. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. Latest Since early 2019, The Times has investigated a wide range of alleged misconduct by high-ranking officials of the California National Guard. California National Guard members watch over an access point to the Capitol in Sacramento. ), 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. 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. Jones began his career as a jet engine mechanic in the Nevada Air National Guard. The guards function as state militias whose leaders report to their respective governors. 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." Gavin Newsoms office and Baldwins successor, Maj. Gen. Matthew Beevers, the Guards acting adjutant general. 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. ", By 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. U.S. Air Force Col. The Times reported last year that an internal inquiry substantiated allegations that Brig. The retirement of Maj. Gen. David Baldwin comes weeks after a Times investigation detailed alleged misconduct among high-ranking officers. 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. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. 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. He said he believed that having subordinates give him rides to medical appointments was consistent with the Air Forces wingman concept, in which Guard members look out for one another. The following year, officers at the 144th destroyed the evidence collected from the crime scene, saying it was old and no longer needed. The first of three investigations launched right after Staff Sgt. Gen. Gregory Jones two months after a newspaper. You must meet certain enlistment criteria to qualify for the Air National Guard. The guards function as state militias whose leaders report to their respective governors. Jones was unavailable for comment, Keegan said. 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.". 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 recent spate of alleged misconduct by high-ranking officers underscores the need for reform in Californias National Guard, current and former Guard members say. 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. The exercise is a joint and multinational exercise that will involve approximately 950 personnel from nine nations. Beevers and Newsom did not respond to requests for comment made through spokespersons. A 144th pilot, Lt. Col. Get the latest in military news, entertainment and gear in your inbox daily. 194th Fighter Squadron - Wikipedia (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. The familiarization flights give NATO service members an opportunity to ride in Soviet or Russian-built aircraft, like the Su-27UB fighter jet. 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. 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. Gavin Newsom referred questions about Friday's shakeup back to the Guard. A guard spokesman, Lt. Col. Jonathan Shiroma, on Friday confirmed the shake-up, but he did not have additional details. 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. At least five guard members from the 144th wing filed formal complaints. April 5, 2019 / 7:29 PM 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. 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. 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. Voting Is Fast and Easy on Recall Day. The 144th is renowned for its F-15 pilots working to protect California and the country. Responding to a subsequent Times query, the Guard confirmed in June that Hawkins had resigned. 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. A member of the Judge Advocate General Corps, Maj . (559) 454-5100 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. 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. Investigators only talked to three other people the first time around and came up empty. The scandal dates back to March 2015, when Staff Sgt. FRESNO, Calif. The head of the California Air National Guard, Maj. Gen. Clay Garrison, was relieved of command and replaced by Brig. 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. The commander of the fighter squadron at the time, Col. Sean Navin, was one of the drinkers. It just took her a long time to decide what she wanted, a lot of comparison shopping amongst products.. 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. Local Education Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Will Political Reality Shape a Mighty Morro Bay Wind? 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. Weather, Education When I say particular, it had to be at Whole Foods. At least five guard members from the 144th wing filed formal complaints. Why is Frank McCourt really pushing this? The guards function as state militias whose leaders report to their respective governors. The evidence included Pineda's boots and a vial of urine collected from the bathroom floor that was never tested for DNA. News, Latest 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. 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). 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. Crime One of the jets was a single-engine F-16C Fighting . Scandals taint highest ranks of National Guard - PressReader This went on for about two weeks, until he had the training completed by a subordinate. Published Apr 15, 2019 10:00 AM EDT. Fresno Weather: Its a Dry Heat. 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. 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. Baldwin denied that the jet had been prepared for such a deployment and said the move against Magram had nothing to do with the report. 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. 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. 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 two-seat Su-27UB went down on Tuesday in western Ukraine. The commander of the scandal-plagued California National Guard steps down Oops! Dont Put Plastic Bags in That Blue Recycling Cart! (559) 454-5286 The Guard denies it. Keegan said Garrison will retire in the coming weeks. Overview. A Guard member who took Magrams mother shopping was quoted in the report as saying that she was particular. Garrison's only guidance, Johnston wrote, was that he first confer with the 144th's judge advocate general at the time. Members of the 144th's security forces, who police the base, conducted two investigations, according to internal investigative records obtained by the Times. As part of the Air Reserve Component of the United States Air Force, the wing is operationally gained by the Air Combat Command . He Toppled Vince McMahon. (559) 454-5383 Both were inconclusive, and the case was closed. Woodside says the IG system isn't working right now, though, because investigators aren't acting independently of wing commanders. Charles Vaughn). 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. FRESNO, Calif. The head of the California Air National Guard, Maj. Gen. Clay Garrison, was relieved of command and replaced by Brig. Captain Nehring is an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot with California Air National Guard's 194th Fighter Squadron in Fresno. He flew the F-16 Viper for more than 15 years, before converting to the F-15 Eagle. 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 . Gen. Gregory F. Jones, who has served as an assistant adjutant general in the Guard since December 2017, was appointed to replace Garrison. The Air Force says that Nehring has been a member of the 144th for more than 20 years. 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. At least five Guard members from the 144th Fighter Wing filed formal complaints. Air Force Picks New Guard Locations for F-35, F-15EX Fighters Gov. 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! Careers - AF The Fresno Air National Guard base is home to the 144th . Woodside says it should've been handled differently from the start, especially since people in command positions might've been involved. They patrol state airspace and stand ready to respond to natural disasters and large-scale terrorist attacks. Commander Out At California Air National Guard After Scandal (AP Photo/Ben Margot, File), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Entertainment 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. The scandal dates back to March 2015, when Staff Sgt. Stunning 4K videos show F-117s operating in California more than a decade after the stealth jet retired. Clear Sky brings together more than 950 personnel from Ukraine and eight NATO nations. By Staff Sgt. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. 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 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,. FRESNO, Calif. - The roar of two fighter jets flying over Fresno marked the beginning of a new era June 18. 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. California Air National Guard removes commander over threats against Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Sikora's briefing came after The Times began asking questions about alleged retaliation against whistleblowers and the incident in which Staff Sgt. Unprofessional leadership cited in Air National Guard whistleblower Fresno Scandal Forces Out Air National Guard Commander First published on April 5, 2019 / 7:29 PM. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. Members of the Guard described a "climate of retaliationand mistrust. 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. 2019 the Los Angeles Times. 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. 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. (559) 454-5274 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. 144th Fighter Wing Welcomes F-117 Nighthawks for Training Our traditional members serve one weekend each month and about two weeks each year, with opportunities for full-time employment. 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. 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. April 12, 2019 7:05 PM PT 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. A guard spokesman, Lt. Col. Jonathan Shiroma, on Friday confirmed the shake-up, but he did not have additional details. Gen. Tim Rieger, who was tasked by Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, head of the California Military Department, with investigating Sikora's actions. 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 report was prepared by Brig. FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- An airman from Fresno, killed in a crash of a fighter jet in Ukraine, has been identified as Lt. Col. Seth "Jethro" Nehring. Published Nov. 8, 2022. 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. 'Double-dipping' probe targets Air National Guard pilots in Fresno 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. 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.. Brig. News, Joe Mathews 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. 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. 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. Troy Havener, 144th Fighter Wing commander, said, "We have the distinct honor of being the .
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