Lipscomb says 186th commander discharged
By By William F. West / community editor
March 1, 2003
The Mississippi National Guard's top officer said Friday that he not only relieved Col. David Weaver as commander of the 186th Air Refueling Wing but he also discharged him from the Air National Guard.
Maj. Gen. James H. Lipscomb III said personnel rules specify that when an individual is removed from his military position, then he is no longer qualified to serve in the Guard's full-time program.
Lipscomb said that he removed Weaver at a meeting in Jackson on Tuesday and added that Weaver will not appeal his decision.
Lipscomb, who had also been in Washington, D.C., this week, spoke with reporters for the first time since an Air Force Inspector General's report revealed damaging allegations about the 186th.
The report gave credence to accusations of bigotry, fraud, special treatment for favored members and the operation of an on-base retail liquor store at the 186th.
The 186th, based at Key Field, came under scrutiny after accusations were made by Meridian native Joe Henry "Jody" Bryant Jr. and other former members of the unit.
Lipscomb said he was first made aware of the accusations two years ago and turned them over to the inspector general.
Lipscomb said that he received a summary of the inspector general's report on Dec. 17 and that he and his staff have been reviewing the entire text which he said is at least 300 pages long.
Lipscomb, asked about the 186th's liquor store, said he and his staff are looking into the matter but have not yet reached any conclusions about what actions will be taken.
The inspector general's report characterized the store as illegal and lacking in auditing scrutiny.
Lipscomb earlier this week also pledged disciplinary action should he find that anyone in the 186th violated military policies.
He replaced Weaver with Col. Joe Spraggins, commander of the Guard's combat readiness training center in Gulfport. And he elevated the No. 2 man in Gulfport, Lt. Col. Russ Maddera, to replace Spraggins.
Meanwhile, Stuart Kenney, a former member of the 186th, remained wary on Friday, saying he believes all Lipscomb has done is tell Weaver to take an early retirement.
