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. Magram attained the rank of assistant adjutant general and had been part of Baldwins inner circle. 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 a report released after the ousters of Garrison and Kelly, the Military Department inspector general cited findings of the Times investigation two months ago. A $300-million (minimum) gondola to Dodger Stadium? 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." Two of those were related to the urine incident, including one filed by Pineda. 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. California National Guard members watch over an access point to the Capitol in Sacramento. A guard spokesman on Friday, April 5, 2019, confirmed the shakeup, but did not have additional details. Both were inconclusive, and the case was closed. 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. 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.. She also signed off on the request to discard the evidence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. 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! Latest 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. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. He Toppled Vince McMahon. This website is managed by the Public Affairs Office. Gen. Gregory Jones two months after a newspaper detailed the fallout from a scandal involving someone urinating in the boots of a service member. Published Nov. 8, 2022. 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. 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. He said he believed the allegations were lodged by someone who overheard and misconstrued a conversation he had with a chaplain. 144th Fighter Wing taking to the skies for night-flight . 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. 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. Oops! Dont Put Plastic Bags in That Blue Recycling Cart! 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. Both were inconclusive, and the case was closed. The Fresno Air National Guard base hosted a ribbon cutting for its new fuel storage facilities, featuring tanks with increased capacities. Brig. 2019 the Los Angeles Times. 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. 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. Responding to a subsequent Times query, the Guard confirmed in June that Hawkins had resigned. 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. The scandal dates back to March 2015, when Staff Sgt. The Guard memo obtained by The Times says Magram on several occasions wrongfully encouraged or requested subordinates to perform tasks or run errands for him outside their military duties, such as giving him rides to personal appointments. The 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. This went on for about two weeks, until he had the training completed by a subordinate. 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 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.. Rob Swertfager, also filed a complaint alleging that commanders punished him including by withholding his pay on occasion for going to bat for Pineda. Beevers and Newsom did not respond to requests for comment made through spokespersons. After The Times began asking questions about the Pineda episode, the military department asked the U.S. Air Force Inspector General's Office to conduct an investigation the third into the Pineda incident. Alene Tchekmedyian And Paul Pringle, Los Angeles Times Rob Swertfager, also filed a complaint alleging that commanders punished him including by withholding his pay on occasion for speaking up for Pineda. 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 Guard denies it. 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.. 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. 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. Sikora's briefing came after The Times began asking questions about alleged retaliation against whistleblowers and the incident in which Staff Sgt. A Guard spokesman, Lt. Col. Jonathan Shiroma, on Friday confirmed the shake-up, but he did not have additional details. At least one person recorded the briefing, where Sikora said anyone filing complaints was causing problems for the wing, according to the report. 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 Fresno Air National Guard Base in California is home to the 144th Fighter Wing. That culminated in his firing. Three days later, the report said, he called a mandatory meeting of his subordinates to discuss his suspension. Opinion, California When I say particular, it had to be at Whole Foods. Please enter valid email address to continue. ", By 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 U.S. and Ukrainian governments are investigating to determine the cause of the accident. Keegan said Garrison will retire in the coming weeks. 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. News, Appetite for Fresno Captain Nehring is an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot with California Air National Guard's 194th Fighter Squadron in Fresno. Recruiters: 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. The 194th Fighter Squadron (194 FS) is a unit of the California Air National Guard 's 144th Fighter Wing (144 FW) at Fresno Air National Guard Base, California. 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. The evidence included Pineda's boots and a vial of urine collected from the bathroom floor that was never tested for DNA. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. She wanted the DNA test to clear her name. Garrison was removed because the California Military Department, which oversees the air and army branches of the Guard, had lost faith, trust and confidence in his ability to lead, a spokesman said. Keegan said the department had lost faith, trust and confidence in Garrison's ability to lead. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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. Charles Vaughn). Will Political Reality Shape a Mighty Morro Bay Wind? General requirements include: AGE. 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. 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. 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. Valley Weather Rollercoaster: Mid-90s Now, Upper 60s Next Week, Adventure in Spices? 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. Brig. 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. 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. "They're scared to speak up so I'm speaking for them," said Maj. Dan Woodside. 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. 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. | 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. Local U.S. Air Force Col. Garrison ran the base at the time of the incident. Gavin Newsom referred questions about Friday's shakeup back to the Guard. News, Latest You must meet certain enlistment criteria to qualify for the Air National Guard. 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.. A 144th pilot, Lt. Col. It said Sikora used insulting and defamatory language in remarks to subordinates. Gov. (559) 454-5286 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. 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. The scandal dates back to March 2015, when Staff Sgt. 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 head of the California Air National Guard, Maj. Gen. Clay Garrison, was relieved of his command and replaced by Brig. They didn't identify any suspects and eventually got rid of the urine without ever testing it for DNA. Both were inconclusive and the case was closed. The Fresno Air National Guard base is home to the 144th . Jennifer Pineda found that someone at the Fresno base had urinated in the boots she had left in a bathroom overnight. They patrol state airspace and stand ready to respond to natural disasters and large-scale terrorist attacks. All Rights Reserved. (559) 515-6008 News Attempts to reach Magram for comment were unsuccessful. Phone: (559) 454-5246 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. Investigators only talked to three other people the first time around and came up empty. 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. The Times reported last year that an internal inquiry substantiated allegations that Brig. Former military lawyer Scott Taylor tells us the story now is less about the crime and more about officers accusing their superiors of covering it up. Navin denied any involvement, according to Guard records. Gen. Gregory Jones two months after a newspaper detailed the fallout from a scandal involving someone urinating in the boots of a service member. The 144th Fighter Wing (144 FW) is a unit of the California Air National Guard, stationed at Fresno Air National Guard Base, California. Clear Sky brings together more than 950 personnel from Ukraine and eight NATO nations. Disgusting discovery, accusations of cover-up at Fresno's 144th Fighter Wing. 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. All Rights Reserved. (559) 453-5461 Jones began his career as a jet engine mechanic in the Nevada Air National Guard. / CBS Sacramento. Most of the allegations against Magram were first disclosed in a Times report in June. 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. Jones has served as assistant adjutant general since December 2017. 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. An internal inquiry also determined that Sikora improperly excoriated a retired pilot for speaking to The Times, the report said. A six-barrel cannon can shoot enemy fighters out of the sky. FRESNO, Calif. (AP) The head of the California Air National Guard, Major General Clay Garrison, was relieved of his command and replaced by Brigadier General Gregory Jones two months after a newspaper detailed the fallout from a scandal involving someone urinating in the boots of a service member. The first of three investigations launched right after Staff Sgt. A recent spate of alleged misconduct by high-ranking officers underscores the need for reform in Californias National Guard, current and former Guard members say. Off the Bottom Rope She wanted the DNA test to clear her name. Forensic analysts say urine can be tested for DNA, but it degrades faster than other tissue and bodily fluids. 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 following year, officers at the 144th destroyed the evidence collected from the crime scene, saying it was old and no longer needed. 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. Gen. Tim Rieger, who was tasked by Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, head of the California Military Department, with investigating Sikora's actions. 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. When it comes to protecting U.S. Air Force's military assets, the responsibility falls on the Security Forces Defenders. 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. (559) 454-5274 Public File for KMAX-TV / Good Day Sacramento. 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. Nehring began his career as an enlisted crew chief before being selected as a pilot. | FRESNO, Calif. The head of the California Air National Guard, Maj. Gen. Clay Garrison, was relieved of command and replaced by Brig. A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle fighter jet assigned to the California Air National Guard's 144th Fighter Wing has made some passes and garnered attention on the internet recently, after . He said the same about his decision to fire Maj. Gen. Gregory Jones, commander of the air wing of the Guard. But everybody else.. Gen. Jones will be able to lead the organization effectively and with the utmost integrity.. Hawkins told The Times that those allegations are largely untrue and specifically denied making the statement about terrorist attacks. 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 Guard member who took Magrams mother shopping was quoted in the report as saying that she was particular. 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. Why is Frank McCourt really pushing this? Magram became the focus of more upheaval last summer, when The Times disclosed that an internal probe found that he had on-duty Guard members drive him up to 120 miles round-trip to personal dental and medical appointments at Travis Air Force Base, according to a confidential report on the inquiry. Weeks later, the longtime head of the Guard, Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, retired. 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 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. FRESNO, Calif. The head of the California Air National Guard, Maj. Gen. Clay Garrison, was relieved of command and replaced by Brig. See Why Customers Flocked to Fresno Cannabis Store on Day 1. Club One Casino Readies Move to Granite Park, Fresno Scandal Forces Out Air National Guard Commander, Fresno State Announces Class of 2023 Graduate Deans' Medalists. Consent from a parent or 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. Several Guard members took Sikora's remarks as a criticism of people who had filed complaints with the inspector general. 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 . They patrol state airspace and stand ready to respond to natural disasters and large-scale terrorist attacks. 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. It all happened under his watchful eye, but he was not alone in allowing this to happen.. Except When Its Not. These criteria ensure that those who join have the right mental, physical and moral aptitudes to perform the tasks required for military service. Stunning 4K videos show F-117s operating in California more than a decade after the stealth jet retired. Both were inconclusive, and the case was closed. Jones has served as assistant adjutant general since December 2017. 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.. 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. Contact the Public Affairs Office at: 144FW.HQ.PublicAffairs@us.af.mil, Directory: First published on April 5, 2019 / 7:29 PM. Alene Tchekmedyian And Paul Pringle, Los Angeles Times The scandal dates back to March 2015, when Staff Sgt. Garrison and Kelly did not respond to interview requests. 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.. 4/23 update:The LA Times has dug into the California Air National Guard scandal. Investigators reached no conclusions that time around either. Jones has served as assistant adjutant general since December 2017. Garrison did not act alone in this. He says new rules instituted in 2016 might make the incident a more serious crime, which would've brought in more seasoned investigators. The commander of the 144th Fighter Wing at the Fresno base was also removed. ), 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. Baldwin said the fact that he resided in El Dorado Hills, where the protests were small and peaceful, had no bearing on the deployment of the RC-26B reconnaissance plane. Reached by phone Friday, Pineda said, At this time, I don't have a comment.. 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. Jennifer Pineda, a 15-year veteran of the guard, was about to change into her uniform in a women's bathroom at the 144th Fighter Wing when she discovered her boots had been soiled. Keegan said Friday he did not know the status of the probe. 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. It just took her a long time to decide what she wanted, a lot of comparison shopping amongst products.. Kelly's future in the Guard has yet to be determined, Keegan said. 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 report was prepared by Brig. ID cardquestions and appointments: 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. 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. Jerry Brown. 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 commander of the fighter squadron at the time, Col. Sean Navin, was one of the drinkers. The 144th is renowned for its F-15 pilots working to protect California and the country. Lt. Col. Nehring and a Ukrainian service member were killed when the Ukrainian Su-27UB aircraft they were in crashed during a familiarization flight. Woodside says the IG system isn't working right now, though, because investigators aren't acting independently of wing commanders. By Staff Sgt. 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Baldwin later removed the commander of the Guard's air side, Maj. Gen. Clay Garrison. One of the jets was a single-engine F-16C Fighting . 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. Sikora did not respond to requests for comment Friday. 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 familiarization flight was part of a joint military training exercise called Clear Sky 2018, which kicked off last week. 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. 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. 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. 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.
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