So he tried to make a point by quitting Tuesday, his final day on the job before his replacement took over Wednesday. The number of airmen and NCOs and even some of our officers that were having suicidal ideations Ive had six combat tours. At the end of the day, I ensured the orders were issued in a timely manner that didnt compromise my integrity or my religious beliefs and rights, Ellis, who first joined the Air Force in 1997 and has deployed to Afghanistan, told Task & Purpose. Air Force: Wing commander at Joint Base Charleston removed following Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets I think the secretary has been very clear with the leaders of the military departments that he wants them to execute the mandate with a sense of compassion and understanding, Kirby said. Owens has been temporarily reassigned to the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess while he awaits another assignment. By then, Gersten was assigned to Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia. Rachel Cohen joined Air Force Times as senior reporter in March 2021. "Commanders must uphold the highest personal and professional standards and maintain a healthy, inclusive command climate in their unit," Edmondson said. from around the world. They also sent multiple flirtatious text messages planning their encounters. 475 students are trained at the school every year. To defend this Nation, we need a healthy and ready force, said Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in an Aug. 9 memo to the force. Air Force med group commander fired due to 'loss of trust and confidence' The 552nd Air Control Wing flies Boeing E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft. An investigation substantiated five of Bodes nine claims, he said, but the wing commander dismissed the IOs findings and substituted findings of her own that unsubstantiated all issues, unilaterally declaring that all was well.. Because she felt the order conflicted with her religious beliefs, Ellis consulted with the base legal office the morning of Oct. 13 to figure out what to do next. Ellis had been in command for just four months. I cant have commanders who choose what orders they execute and what orders they dont, Ellis recalled. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the number of service members who have a waiver is very, very small.. However, Ellis believed Grahams order conflicted with her own religious beliefs, as well as a request for a religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine mandate which she filed on Sept. 17. The 81st Training Wing is home to the Air Forces largest technical training group and trains nearly 30,000 airmen each year. Another witness reported seeing the two flirting, and once also saw the woman while intoxicated during an event hosted at Gerstens home make a sexually suggestive remark to Gersten. The sorties were canceled. Air Force fires training commander at Mississippi base over lack of Investigation found fired Malmstrom squadron commander was bullying The 14th Medical Group enhances the flying mission through medical responses to flying emergencies, delivery of aerospace and operational physiology training, and optimization of human performance. The Air Force saw it differently. Capt. The COVID-19 vaccine was made mandatory for all members of the Air Force, and of the military writ large, on Aug. 23, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted full approval to Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine. All rights reserved. Dec 7, 2017. We do not typically discuss the specifics of personnel actions outside of the chain of command, Felton said on behalf of wing commander Col. Graham on Thursday. Gen. Gerstens acts are dishonoring and disgracing to him personally, the IG wrote about the inappropriate relationships, and concluded his conduct was unbecoming an officer and a gentleman. The report said that Gersten also engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a second civilian woman between 2010 and 2015. Though they tried to keep this relationship secret, it soon became common knowledge at Nellis and then the rumors spread through the Air Force and Defense Department, the report said. He was promoted to his current rank in August 2015. The 959th Medical Group employs 1,540 airmen who work alongside more than 6,000 Army personnel at the 425-bed facility. Brooke Army Medical Center is a joint Army-Air Force organization with more than 240,000 beneficiaries in the San Antonio region. Before this act, the Air Force Reserve was a field operating agency of the Air Force established on April 14, 1948. Air Force). Air Force Col. William Hunter, commander of 81st Training Wing at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi, was relieved of command this week. While Gersten and his then-wife were living apart and in the process of separating, they were still married during several months of Gerstens relationship with his girlfriend, which violated the Uniform Code of Military Justices prohibition against adultery. Ellis first received her commission in the Air Force in December, 1997, according to her command biography. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. In this photo from Aug. 25, 2022, Allen delivers remarks during an event at the base. The group has seven maintenance squadrons and more than 2,000 personnel, according to a Hill release. Col. David Owens was removed from command Wednesday by Lt. Gen. Giovanni Tuck, commander of the 18th Air Force at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, which oversees the 317th Airlift Wing, due to loss of trust and confidence in his ability to command, the release stated. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the number of service members who have a waiver is very, very small.. Published Oct 22, 2021 5:59 PM EDT. Top Air Force lawyer relieved of command | Stars and Stripes Stephen Losey is the air warfare reporter for Defense News. One day, he said, he showed his then-wife a picture of Gersten and asked if she was seeing him. Gen. C. McCauley von Hoffman, pending an Air Force investigation. Did you also not take the Hep B? I am committed to ensuring we have the right leaders in place," Tuck said in the release. These are systemic issues that have persisted for years, airmen said. More:Former Oklahoma City police officer found not guilty in domestic violence case, This means living by core values every day and empowering subordinate leaders to promote these values through teaching, coaching and mentorship, Koscheski said. Col. Rhett Boldenow, 317th Airlift Wing vice commander, will serve as the interim commander of that unit effective immediately. Air Force colonel claims she was fired for refusing to order 2023 Stars and Stripes. She told investigators she wanted their relationship to go further, but understood it could not. Airmen are being told, No, you cant leave and go talk to a first sergeant. He felt Gersten was interfering in their marriage all the time they were in counseling. Did you also not take the smallpox vaccine? Bracknell said. Before that, she was the Air Force Surgeon Generals Deputy Chief Nursing Consultant at Defense Health Headquarters in Falls Church, Va, where she oversaw healthcare operations for 5,000 nurses across the Air Force. Military and overseas voters will effectively get more time to return absentee ballots under a bill Gov. However, Felton said the colonel will be reassigned to a staff position, though she did not say where in the Air Force that position would be. What married man and married woman meet at a hotel room and order pizza to discuss business? the man told investigators. Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek said that Gersten received an Article 15 punishment, and retired Jan. 1 at a reduced rank. As commander of the 317th Airlift Wing, Owens, a 1996 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, was responsible for organizing, training, and equipping 1,200 personnel to operate, maintain, and sustain C-130J aircraft engaged in combat operations worldwide. It takes mutual respect to develop airmen, our most precious resource. Col. Calvin B. Powell is the Commander of the 39th Air Base Wing, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Maj. According to the IG investigation, which was completed in September 2019 and released to Air Force Times on Friday, Gersten improperly had sex with a female subordinate officer in 2018, while he was still married. Colonel relieved of command for failing fitness test - USA Today Appoint liaisons to help the services understand each others norms, from performance reviews to work schedules, the airman added. 2023 Tully Rinckey PLLC, Attorneys & Counselors at Law Attorney Advertising, Suspected document leaker wanted to kill a ton of people, officials say, Albany midwifery accused of destroying COVID vaccine vials, Times Union Names Tully Rinckey PLLC a Winner of the Capital District Top Workplaces 2023 Award. If this environment continues, we will likely see another Walter Reed Army Medical Center 2007 scandal/incident.. The Air Force saw it differently. The Air Force and the Space Force had a significant increase in reports of sexual assault last year, according to figures released April 27. Doug G. Ware covers the Department of Defense at the Pentagon. Boring is a special assistant to the logistics complexs commander, Brig. He has traveled to the Middle East to cover U.S. Air Force operations. Ellis took command of the 14th Medical Group on July 7. The female officer told other staff at the Warfare Center, family members and a local friend about her relationship with Gersten, the report said, and later told the Office of Special Investigations about their relationship in detail. Air Force: Fired commander tried to hide relationship with enlisted airman Colonel Ayres assumed command in May 2008. Apparently, the two civilians in question had already been vaccinated, but Bergin said the wing commander, Col. Graham, needed the order to be issued anyway, Ellis recalled. Still, Kuhn hoped commanders would take a compassionate approach if any of their subordinates refused the COVID-19 vaccine. You can contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone at 8885294543, by e-mail at info@tullylegal.com or by clicking the button below: Ready to book your consultation? Zamone Z Perez is a rapid response reporter and podcast producer at Defense News and Military Times. Commander of Air Force's Mississippi Training Wing Removed A simple urinalysis takes an hour because the results are processed six miles down the road from the operating room, rather than on another floor, the retired airman told Air Force Times. He deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, and previously commanded at the squadron and operations group levels. No, you cant leave to talk to your commander, because they arent in the same building, the retired airman said. On Oct. 21, the colonel was relieved of command due to a "loss of trust and confidence in her ability to lead and maintain readiness of the men and women of the 14th Medical Group," Rita Felton, a spokesperson for Columbus Air Force Base, said on Oct. 22. Military.com was first to report the change. Schneider currently serves as director of staff at Headquarters Air Force. New details emerge about Col. Chung, the suspended commander of 5th SFAB The Army did not comment further on the investigation, citing a service policy that protects administrative information. Some people will be court-martialed.. Contact us today to schedule your consultation. Copyright 2023. Money Minute, What's next for experimental AI projects in the C4ISR sphere, Army identifies 3 soldiers killed in Alaska helicopter crash, Army grounds helicopter fleet for force-wide safety stand down, Army fielding new tactical feedback tool with fitness program features. Learn more here and be sure to check out more great stories on our homepage. Show when youve been opposed to this in the past and how did this all of a sudden become a part of your closely held religious belief. The Space Force uniforms are steadily getting fleshed out, with progress on everything from PT gear to new service dress items, including the debut of the women's service dress skirt. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jessica Haynie). "Lt. Gen. Stephen Whiting, Space Operations Command commander, relieved Lt. Col. Matthew Lohmeier of command of the 11th Space Warning Squadron, Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado, May 14, due to . "The position of command is a position of trust," said Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson, commander of the Air Education and Training Command. Military investigating possible 'dysfunction' at Texas medical center NORMAN S. WEST > Air Force > Biography Display - AF The change removed Col. William Hunter as the wings training commander at Keesler Air Force Base, which is located on Mississippis Gulf Coast just west of Biloxi. Boring stepped into the role in June 2020 after the groups previous commander, Col. Randy Ackerman, also was relieved of command in May 2020. Ellis said the specific reason was because she did not issue the vaccination order herself. Army Special Ops Command welcomes first female command sergeant major, UN envoy says Sudans warring sides agree to negotiate, Russia missile attack on Ukraine injures 34, damages homes, Turkey claims its forces killed ISIS chief in Syria, Committee votes on major defense policy bill expected in May, Your next tech and incoming AI | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 4.28.2023, Home Improvement Loans What are my options? She served as the Military Police Branch chief with U.S. Army Human Resources Command from 2018 to 2020. Army Col. Ann Meredith has been fired from her position as 89th Military Police Brigade commander. I tried to explain that its part of the religious accommodation process. He said, ok, well, thats not going to work in this wing. She was relieved of command over "loss of trust and confidence in her ability to lead and maintain readiness," according to the service. On Oct. 21, the colonel was relieved of command due to a "loss of trust and confidence in her ability to lead and maintain readiness of the men and women. (Kemberly Groue/U.S. Spurred by the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure process, the Army and Air Force took on shared responsibilities at the freshly renovated Brooke Army Medical Center a decade ago. This article may not be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without written permission. Then he took $820,000 from the Air Force. Rose L. Thayer is based in Austin, Texas, and she has been covering the western region of the continental U.S. for Stars and Stripes since 2018. An Air Force colonel has been relieved of command from the 317th Airlift Wing at Dyess Air Force Base in Texas for creating a toxic environment, according to an Air Force announcement Thursday. The hospital system at Joint Base San Antonio has a deeply ingrained toxic culture of cronyism and sycophancy that is an affront to ideals of military leadership, Col. Ken Bode, the outgoing commander of the 959th Medical Operations Squadron, wrote in a July 19 resignation letter obtained by Air Force Times. Her awards include a 2021 Society of Professional Journalists Washington Dateline Award and an Honorable Mention from the Military Reporters and Editors Association for her coverage of crime at Fort Hood. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. The retired senior NCO has no qualms about the quality of care at Brooke Army Medical Center, noting that things run more smoothly in the trauma center and intensive care unit. The COVID-19 vaccine was made mandatory for all members of the Air Force, and of the military writ large, on Aug. 23, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted full approval to Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine. Under federal privacy law, military officials are not required to disclose the reasons for removing or reassigning personnel. The group also deploys teams around the world to repair aircraft in the field that were damaged in battle or crashes, and conducts field-level depot maintenance. No specific reason for Hunters removal was given, but Edmondson noted a loss of trust and confidence in his ability to effectively command the training wing. Bode said he filed a complaint to the 59th Medical Wing commander that he hoped would stem rampant harassment, defamation and abuse of authority. An Air Force colonel sounded the alarm on what he called widespread "Machiavellian maneuvering and counterproductive bureaucracy" as he resigned from command at Brooke Army Medical Center. He joined the Air Force in 1999 and was promoted to the rank of colonel two years ago. ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) Employees and the owner of a local midwife practice are facing federal charges over allegedly running a fraudulent COVID-19 vaccine clinic. The U.S. Air Force announced that Col. Gary Donovan, 552nd Operations Group commander, was relieved from command on Monday. Air Force Col. Jason Allen, vice commander of the 81st Training Wing at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi, was given interim command of the wing after Col. William Hunter was relieved as the units commander this week. U.S. Air Force photo by Todd Cromar. Read Next: Top Navy Auditor Sexually Harassed Women for 20 Years, IG Finds. The wing is the single largest employer on the Mississippi coast and hosts the Second Air Force and 403rd Wing of the Air Force Reserve. Published Feb. 7, 2020. He saw him give his then-wife a big hug and noted that they seemed very familiar. How does a general officer not know thats wrong? said a witness who had respected Gersten and was taken aback when learning of the relationship. All rights reserved. The incident comes weeks after a commander of a lead training wing was removed from his post, also due to a loss of confidence in his ability to lead. March 1, 2023, 12:18 PM. Sex with subordinate, inappropriate relationships cost fired warfare Ellis said the specific reason was because she did not issue the vaccination order herself. Helicopters crashed in mountains, fair weather, Army says, Army Special Ops Command welcomes first female command sergeant major, UN envoy says Sudans warring sides agree to negotiate, Undrafted Army linebacker inks deal with the Minnesota Vikings, Russia missile attack on Ukraine injures 34, damages homes, Your next tech and incoming AI | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 4.28.2023, Home Improvement Loans What are my options? Refreshed US-Philippine relations revive fighter jet training paused 3 decades ago, Victims of Army helicopter collision in Alaska include 2 chief warrant officers, Sexual Facebook post spurs UN Command to review its social media policies, Reports of sexual assaults increased in Navy, Air Force and Marines in 2022; Army saw decline, New bill aims to expand mental health care for military families, K-Town Now features the latest news from the Kaiserslautern Military Community. Col. Katheryn Ellis, the former commander of the 14th Medical Group, told Task & Purpose that on Oct. 12 she was told by the commander of the 14th Flying Training Wing, Col. Seth Graham, to issue an order for two of her civilian employees to get vaccinated against the novel coronavirus. While the branch has a religious and medical exemption process like the one Ellis applied for, observers argue that the process is set up to drive waiver recipients out. The Department of the Air Force partnered with suicide researchers to compile over 1,000 data points for each person who. To clarify, my religious beliefs prevent me from taking the vaccine, actively promoting the vaccine, and from administering the vaccine to others myself (Im a nurse), Ellis said in a text message. That means that in certain cases, airmen have to find soldiers who are certified to administer a particular medication instead of doing it themselves. I cant have commanders who choose what orders they execute and what orders they dont, Ellis recalled. Ellis did not feel comfortable sharing the specifics of her beliefs other than they are sincerely held, she said, but this was the first time a vaccine violated her religious beliefs. Female Commander Investigated over Alleged Sexual Assaults of Male Friday, Mar 24. So we need to move on.. These objections were included in my religious accommodation request.. Gersten was relieved of command June 2, 2019, due to allegations of an unprofessional relationship. The former commander of the 496th Air Base Squadron and U.S. 2023 www.oklahoman.com. I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you better, and I am elated to have the opportunity to serve alongside of you.. Its two main units are the 7th Bomb Wing, which flies B-1 Lancers, and the 317th, which operates C-130s. He has many years of experience in journalism, digital media and broadcasting and holds a degree from the University of Utah. Col. Jay Johnson, 71st FTW's vice commander, temporarily assumed command of the wing. How stupid am I?. Gersten was a 1989 Air Force Academy graduate who flew the F-16 Falcon, MQ-1 Predator, MQ-9 Reaper, and other aircraft. Space Force CO Who Got Holiday Call from Trump Fired Over Comments The training mission at Keesler Air Force Base builds airmen who are foundational to the future of the Air Force. Maj. Gen. Craig Wills, 19th Air Force commander, relieved Danielson for a loss of trust and. For example, if an airman is classified as non-deployable because they are not vaccinated, and if they are considered non-deployable for more than a year, the airman would be evaluated to be administratively or medically separated, the Air Force explains on its COVID-19 website. Caption: Col. Jonathan Chung salutes the flag at the 5th SFAB's Assumption of Command ceremony, June 30, 2021 at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington. He and his wife divorced in December 2018. Still, she stressed that the relationship was consensual and positive. I respect Col. Ellis privacy and will not discuss the specifics of any conversations I had with her, he said. But after every session, the ex-husband said, his ex-wife would immediately call Gersten. Is it limited to this vaccine? They went to marriage counseling for several months to try to salvage their relationship. The news outlet previously reported an investigation confirmed Donovan failed to promote a culture of safety and maintain a healthy command climate that fosters order, discipline, teamwork, cohesion and trust. Ellis case is part of a larger conflict unfolding within the Air Force as it arrives at Tuesdays mandatory deadline for active-duty airmen to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Lieutenant Colonel Dec. 1, 2006 Colonel April 1, 2014 Brigadier General Aug. 2, 2020 (Current as of September 2022 . -- Stephen Losey can be reached at stephen.losey@military.com. The 14 individuals were the first to complete a new streamlined naturalization process, The Air Force is shutting down the personnel services website myPers as part of an ongoing effort to modernize the branchs digital human resources platforms. Is it limited to this vaccine? One witness reported losing respect for Gersten after discovering he was visiting the female officers apartment, and believed he took advantage of her. WASHINGTON The Air Force has made a change of leadership at the 81st Training Wing in Mississippi due to a loss of confidence in the commander, a top service official announced this week. Col. Chris Boring, commander of the 309th Aircraft Maintenance Group, was relieved of command on March 3 due to a loss of confidence in his ability to lead and command a group, according to Hill. When asked about the conversation, Graham declined to comment. Bode declined to be interviewed. The 309th performs depot repair, modification and maintenance support on the F-35 Lightning II, the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the F-22 Raptor, the C-130 Hercules, the T-38 Talon and the A-10 Thunderbolt. The commander of a key depot maintenance group at Hill Air Force Base in Utah has been fired, and is under investigation by the Office of Special Investigations, the base confirmed Thursday.
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