Probe shows misconduct in 186th

By By William F. West / community editor
Feb. 25, 2003
Bigotry, inefficiency, slackness and an illegal liquor store are among the findings of official investigations into a Meridian-based national defense operation.
The 186th Air Refueling Wing of the Mississippi Air National Guard, based at Key Field, was the target of in-depth probes by the Air Force Inspector General's Office and the U.S. Transportation Command.
Maj. Gen. James H. Lipscomb III, commander of the Mississippi National Guard, couldn't be reached for comment. But a spokesman issued a statement that said Lipscomb is reviewing the documents.
January report
The Air Force Inspector General's office issued a report on the 186th Air Refueling Wing in January after complaints by Joe Henry "Jody" Bryant Jr., a Meridian resident and former member of the wing. The report substantiated some of Bryant's allegations that Col. David Weaver was derelict and negligent in some of his duties as commander of the 186th.
The report found that Weaver disregarded accurate training documentation, certified false evaluation documents and cheated on military education examinations or research papers.
It also found that Weaver personally used and heard others use racial slurs and that he also abused his authority by barring a black officer from Key Field.
And it concluded that Weaver allowed a liquor store at the 186th without any "reasonably-related" state or federal accounting, record-keeping and auditing practices.
Weaver was unavailable for comment.
December report
The second report was prepared in December by Gen. John Handy at Lipscomb's request to see if the 186th was able to safely perform flying operations and accomplish assigned missions.
Handy is head of the U.S. Transportation Command and U.S. Air Mobility Command. He could not be reached for comment, but a spokesman for Air Mobility Command maintained the 186th is combat ready.
Handy's inspectors found several deficiencies including lack of documentation, inadequate training programs, lack of management oversight and lack of attention to detail.
Handy later told Lipscomb in a memo that the 186th should be temporarily relieved of its major missions and instead be limited to flying in the Meridian area.
Bryant said that the wing was temporarily relieved of such duties.
The charges in both reports have gained the attention of Republican U.S. Sen. Trent Lott. The senator is expected to discuss the reports when he meets Lipscomb today in Washington.
THE FINDINGS
An Air Force Inspector General's report substantiated some allegations that former 186th Air Refueling Wing member Joe Henry "Jody" Bryant Jr. leveled against its commander, Col. David Weaver. The core allegations are:
Disregarding accurate documentation, certifying false documents and cheating on examinations or research papers.
Personally using and hearing others use racist terms about blacks and barring a black officer from the base.
Allowing the presence of a liquor store on base.