More disciplinary action likely in Guard's 186th
By By William F. West / community editor
Feb. 27, 2003
The commander of the Mississippi National Guard pledged Wednesday that members of the 186th Air Refueling Wing found in violation of policies will be punished.
Maj. Gen. James H. Lipscomb III was in Washington, D.C., and unavailable for comment, but announced his decision through a Guard spokesman, Lt. Col. Tim Powell.
Powell said members of the 186th who received notice of disciplinary action will be given their chance to rebut allegations substantiated by an investigation by the Air Force's Inspector General. Powell said Lipscomb will follow the "letter of the law."
Col. David Weaver, the 186th's Wing Commander, was relieved of his duties on Wednesday and reportedly given 15 days to respond to damaging allegations in an Air Force Inspector General's report that covered a range of charges.
Background
The unit, based at Key Field, is under scrutiny because of allegations made by Joe Henry "Jody" Bryant Jr. and other former members of the 186th.
The Inspector General's investigation gave credence to a number of Bryant's claims against Weaver and others including bigotry, inefficiency, fraud, special treatment for favored members and the operation of an on-base retail liquor store.
Col. Joe Spraggins, head of the Guard's combat readiness training unit in Gulfport, has been named as interim leader of the 186th.
Bryant said he doesn't have a problem with Lipscomb's caution, knowing that the actions the general takes could end the military careers of some people.
Further reactions
Stuart Kenney, a former member of the 186th, said he believes the change in leadership resulted from the heavy media attention prompted by the Inspector General's findings.
Clyde Romero, who said he faced racial discrimination for years as the 186th's lone black pilot, said it was time for the change in leadership.
But Romero said, "It's really not all over because the state is just replacing one guy with another guy."
Romero said he was barred from the base after filing complaints of racial discrimination.
