Commandant suspended

[OldRetSWO]

WoW! to Allegation 6.
Most of the others could be differences of opinion as to what was official/authorized and what was not but that kind of interaction with a CADET does not seem to be very explainable.

 

[BBBRRRTT]

I paged through the report. It looks like they spent a lot more on producing 150 page report then what might have been lost in "marginal" travel expenses. Actually they probably spent more just redacting it! Sometimes I think organizations loose site of the big picture. This looks like blown out of proportion "fake" news event. I know everyone on here gets a big kick when I say I have this "on good authority".....but this time I have to say, the accused individual actually stepped up and helped out a recruit's family with an issue while she was on vacation. They missed that in the report I would take all of this with a grain of salt, just my two cents.

 

[Walman888]

Well, once again a GOFO is torpedoed by substantiated travel and ethics infractions, plus the catch-all, “failed to maintain a healthy command climate.” I don’t know what it is about some General Officers and Flag Officers when they put on that star, they lose that part of their brain that keeps them in bounds with the travel and ethics regs (and often the part of the brain that tells them they can sleep with the wrong people or become a screamer). Those infractions form the rock-solid part of the case, and then it’s easier to carry the “command climate” charge, which is more subjective by its nature.

No doubt she did many good things during her career to get where she is, but all it takes is one “oh s_ _ t” to erase a pile of attaboys/girls.

It will be interesting to see the outcome. Retire quickly with one star, pay and allowances intact, repay the govt for estimated travel infraction? Something more punitive? No doubt a letter of censure in her record.

As the old adage goes..... Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

But still and all, she is a nothing short of a soup sandwich.

 

[BBBRRRTT]

WoW! to Allegation 6.
Most of the others could be differences of opinion as to what was official/authorized and what was not but that kind of interaction with a CADET does not seem to be very explainable.

I believe that was a credit card that was not working, so she reached out to a cadet that was traveling to help out. The bill was paid off in 28 days, and last time I checked, credit card companies usually have a 30 day billing cycle. Read that in the first article in air force times.

 

[OldRetSWO]

I believe that was a credit card that was not working, so she reached out to a cadet that was traveling to help out. The bill was paid off in 28 days, and last time I checked, credit card companies usually have a 30 day billing cycle. Read that in the first article in air force times.

A senior officer, especially in a training environment must never get into any financial arrangement with the trainees. The only instance where I'd even consider it would be in a true life or death situation and even then, as soon as humanly possible would report this to my boss and/or JAG to head off any repercussions such as this.
The Commandant and a cadet having this sort of transaction can be considered fraternization. Frat is not just sexual, it is any unduly familiar relationship and this is certainly in that neighborhood.

 

[BBBRRRTT]

A senior officer, especially in a training environment must never get into any financial arrangement with the trainees. The only instance where I'd even consider it would be in a true life or death situation and even then, as soon as humanly possible would report this to my boss and/or JAG to head off any repercussions such as this.
The Commandant and a cadet having this sort of transaction can be considered fraternization. Frat is not just sexual, it is any unduly familiar relationship and this is certainly in that neighborhood.

Don't get me wrong, I carry a backup and a backup to the backup credit card when I travel. Credit card companies are quick to shut down cards thinking everything is fraudulent when making purchases out of the ordinary daily purchases.

 

[BBBRRRTT]

Wow is right. While not lieing, cheating, and stealing applies to Cadets and Midshipman, those entrusted with leadership roles at the SAs can be expected to behave in a manner consistent with those requirements.

Of course, I'm assuming that the report is correct as to her being found guilty of that offense as charged.

The allegation #6 is supposedly constituting a gift, but since it was paid back in 28 days, it's seems like a stretch. This is getting close to the level of the whole quid pro quo Trump stuff. To each their own I guess.

 

[SaltiDawg]

The allegation #6 is supposedly constituting a gift, but since it was paid back in 28 days, it's seems like a stretch. This is getting close to the level of the whole quid pro quo Trump stuff. To each their own I guess.

I deleted my post after reading your post. I do not see this as an Honor Offense nor is it Fraternization.

I'm not at all sure how a Cadet and a Commendant get in a situation where they are traveling together and have this come up....

 

[OldRetSWO]

I deleted my post after reading your post. I do not see this as an Honor Offense nor is it Fraternization.

I'm not at all sure how a Cadet and a Commendant get in a situation where they are traveling together and have this come up....

A senior officer borrowing money from a much junior SUBORDINATE has actually been used as an example in Frat training that I went through so I think that other folks that actually make policy might disagree with your assertion.

Remember, the APPEARANCE of impropriety can be just as corrosive to Good Order and Discipline as actual impropriety.

 

[THParent]

"Brig Gen Kristin E. Goodwin wrongfully accepted a loan from a U.S. Air Force Academy cadet, by requesting the cadet charge her (Brig gen Goodwin's) official travel expenses on the cadet's government credit card"

I had to read that twice. I was so dumbfounded by how stupid that is, that I just couldn't believe it at first.

 

[Wishful]

What I don't understand is that if the Generals' card wasn't working thus her expenses had to be charged to the cadets' govt. card, why did the general have to pay the cadet back? And if I remember the Air Force Times article correctly, the general took her time paying the cadet back the amount which was close to $900.

 

[OldRetSWO]

What I don't understand is that if the Generals' card wasn't working thus her expenses had to be charged to the cadets' govt. card, why did the general have to pay the cadet back?

Each servicemember has to pay back their Government Charge card from their expense reimbursements. This is exactly how corporate cards that I had at a number of companies were managed.

 

[Korab]

I paged through the report. It looks like they spent a lot more on producing 150 page report then what might have been lost in "marginal" travel expenses. Actually they probably spent more just redacting it! Sometimes I think organizations loose site of the big picture. This looks like blown out of proportion "fake" news event. I know everyone on here gets a big kick when I say I have this "on good authority".....but this time I have to say, the accused individual actually stepped up and helped out a recruit's family with an issue while she was on vacation. They missed that in the report I would take all of this with a grain of salt, just my two cents.

Is your son the "recruit" she helped while on vacation? if so, do you think that colors your view of her actions?

I believe that was a credit card that was not working, so she reached out to a cadet that was traveling to help out. The bill was paid off in 28 days, and last time I checked, credit card companies usually have a 30 day billing cycle. Read that in the first article in air force times.

She received notification the card would be replaced weeks before the trip, didn't do anything about it until 2 days before the trip, blamed her staff, and then charged it to a cadet's card instead of her own, because she was already under investigation by the IG's office for the other allegations at the time this happened.

Don't get me wrong, I carry a backup and a backup to the backup credit card when I travel. Credit card companies are quick to shut down cards thinking everything is fraudulent when making purchases out of the ordinary daily purchases.

Read previous comment - this wasn't a sudden, unexpected failure of a credit card. It was due to her own inattention and failure to plan. She knew it was cancelled when she left. Even her spouse was uncomfortable with the charges going on a cadet's card.

The allegation #6 is supposedly constituting a gift, but since it was paid back in 28 days, it's seems like a stretch. This is getting close to the level of the whole quid pro quo Trump stuff. To each their own I guess.

The cadet had to chase her down to be repaid. As a parent of a cadet, this is disgusting.

"Brig Gen Kristin E. Goodwin wrongfully accepted a loan from a U.S. Air Force Academy cadet, by requesting the cadet charge her (Brig gen Goodwin's) official travel expenses on the cadet's government credit card"

I had to read that twice. I was so dumbfounded by how stupid that is, that I just couldn't believe it at first.

So true - and so inappropriate. Who is going to say no to a general - which is why it is so inappropriate. Not to mention in contravention of rules.

It is important to note that this incident occurred WHILE SHE WAS ALREADY UNDER INVESTIGATION BY THE IG'S OFFICE FOR THE OTHER CHARGES!

There is a LOT more to it than just charges on the cadet's card. Here's the summary of their findings on this issue, but again, there is more - read the all report for all the details.
"The preponderance of evidence supports the conclusion Brig Gen Goodwin wrongfully
accepted a gift, a loan in the amount of $831.85, for 28 days, from an Academy cadet to
cover Brig Gen Goodwin's lodging expense while they were on TOY in Hollywood, CA.
Brig Gen Goodwin's GTC was inactivated due to a Pll breach and she traveled without a
valid OTC. Brig Gen Goodwin claimed she was advised to use someone else's GTC to
pay for her travel expenses, but her testimony was inconsistent with the facts. Three
witnesses she claimed were involved in a "front office" meeting to "plan" how to cover
her travel expenses, plus two other subject matter experts in the wing, all testified
Brig Gen Goodwin did not ask for any advice. Further, they all consistently stated they
would have advised Brig Gen Goodwin to use her personal credit card if they were asked.
While checking in at the hotel, Brig Gen Goodwin asked for one of the cadets to cover
her lodging expenses - one cadet volunteered. However, it wasn't until the cadet's
inquiry nearly four weeks after the TDY that Brig Gen Goodwin contacted the cadet to
repay the debt. Brig Gen Goodwin said she waited until she was reimbursed for her hotel
expenses before paying the cadet, rather than repaying the cadet immediately on return
from TOY."

 

[Walman888]

Is your son the "recruit" she helped while on vacation? if so, do you think that colors your view of her actions?
She received notification the card would be replaced weeks before the trip, didn't do anything about it until 2 days before the trip, blamed her staff, and then charged it to a cadet's card instead of her own, because she was already under investigation by the IG's office for the other allegations at the time this happened.

Read previous comment - this wasn't a sudden, unexpected failure of a credit card. It was due to her own inattention and failure to plan. She knew it was cancelled when she left. Even her spouse was uncomfortable with the charges going on a cadet's card.

The cadet had to chase her down to be repaid. As a parent of a cadet, this is disgusting.



So true - and so inappropriate. Who is going to say no to a general - which is why it is so inappropriate. Not to mention in contravention of rules.

It is important to not that incident occurred WHILE SHE WAS ALREADY UNDER INVESTIGATION BY THE IG'S OFFICE FOR THE OTHER CHARGES!

There is a LOT more to it than just charges on the cadet's card. Here's the summary of their findings on this issue, but again, there is more - read the all report for all the details.
"The preponderance of evidence supports the conclusion Brig Gen Goodwin wrongfully
accepted a gift, a loan in the amount of $831.85, for 28 days, from an Academy cadet to
cover Brig Gen Goodwin's lodging expense while they were on TOY in Hollywood, CA.
Brig Gen Goodwin's GTC was inactivated due to a Pll breach and she traveled without a
valid OTC. Brig Gen Goodwin claimed she was advised to use someone else's GTC to
pay for her travel expenses, but her testimony was inconsistent with the facts. Three
witnesses she claimed were involved in a "front office" meeting to "plan" how to cover
her travel expenses, plus two other subject matter experts in the wing, all testified
Brig Gen Goodwin did not ask for any advice. Further, they all consistently stated they
would have advised Brig Gen Goodwin to use her personal credit card if they were asked.
While checking in at the hotel, Brig Gen Goodwin asked for one of the cadets to cover
her lodging expenses - one cadet volunteered. However, it wasn't until the cadet's
inquiry nearly four weeks after the TDY that Brig Gen Goodwin contacted the cadet to
repay the debt. Brig Gen Goodwin said she waited until she was reimbursed for her hotel
expenses before paying the cadet, rather than repaying the cadet immediately on return
from TOY."

Well done.

 

[emwvmi01]

I paged through the report. It looks like they spent a lot more on producing 150 page report then what might have been lost in "marginal" travel expenses. Actually they probably spent more just redacting it! Sometimes I think organizations loose site of the big picture. This looks like blown out of proportion "fake" news event. I know everyone on here gets a big kick when I say I have this "on good authority".....but this time I have to say, the accused individual actually stepped up and helped out a recruit's family with an issue while she was on vacation. They missed that in the report I would take all of this with a grain of salt, just my two cents.

I find it hard to believe that a General officer doesn't have an understanding of these regulations and understand all of these "marginal" expenses. I have worked for a new one star then a multi-star for three years and they get ethics training as soon as they are selected on travel expenses specifically as well as all their support staff (Aides, XOs, EAs). That is in addition to the mandatory annual training that all servicemembers take on TDY and use of the government travel card. I have spent 81 days TDY this year with a GO and can't imagine ever being expected to use my GTC to cover his expense or another servicemembers. That isn't how the card works. All of these collectively add up to at a minimum a severe lapse of judgement and certainly not what we expect of our senior leaders.

 

[BBBRRRTT]

Is your son the "recruit" she helped while on vacation? if so, do you think that colors your view of her actions?
She received notification the card would be replaced weeks before the trip, didn't do anything about it until 2 days before the trip, blamed her staff, and then charged it to a cadet's card instead of her own, because she was already under investigation by the IG's office for the other allegations at the time this happened.

Read previous comment - this wasn't a sudden, unexpected failure of a credit card. It was due to her own inattention and failure to plan. She knew it was cancelled when she left. Even her spouse was uncomfortable with the charges going on a cadet's card.

The cadet had to chase her down to be repaid. As a parent of a cadet, this is disgusting.



So true - and so inappropriate. Who is going to say no to a general - which is why it is so inappropriate. Not to mention in contravention of rules.

It is important to not that incident occurred WHILE SHE WAS ALREADY UNDER INVESTIGATION BY THE IG'S OFFICE FOR THE OTHER CHARGES!

There is a LOT more to it than just charges on the cadet's card. Here's the summary of their findings on this issue, but again, there is more - read the all report for all the details.
"The preponderance of evidence supports the conclusion Brig Gen Goodwin wrongfully
accepted a gift, a loan in the amount of $831.85, for 28 days, from an Academy cadet to
cover Brig Gen Goodwin's lodging expense while they were on TOY in Hollywood, CA.
Brig Gen Goodwin's GTC was inactivated due to a Pll breach and she traveled without a
valid OTC. Brig Gen Goodwin claimed she was advised to use someone else's GTC to
pay for her travel expenses, but her testimony was inconsistent with the facts. Three
witnesses she claimed were involved in a "front office" meeting to "plan" how to cover
her travel expenses, plus two other subject matter experts in the wing, all testified
Brig Gen Goodwin did not ask for any advice. Further, they all consistently stated they
would have advised Brig Gen Goodwin to use her personal credit card if they were asked.
While checking in at the hotel, Brig Gen Goodwin asked for one of the cadets to cover
her lodging expenses - one cadet volunteered. However, it wasn't until the cadet's
inquiry nearly four weeks after the TDY that Brig Gen Goodwin contacted the cadet to
repay the debt. Brig Gen Goodwin said she waited until she was reimbursed for her hotel
expenses before paying the cadet, rather than repaying the cadet immediately on return
from TOY."

All good points, Korab. You do get right to the point, I like that! I would say I actually agree with what you have brought to light, I was a little too lazy to read the whole report. You are correct... I would definitely say my experiences with USAFA over the last 6 years "colors your(my) view of her actions". I can also say I was rather pleased to read that she will "excercise her rights" "to seek redress". We will see how it plays out.....best part is people will be held accountable, and that's a good thing.

 

[txfwindian]

So if the Brig Gen had paid the cadet next day, would the outcome be different?

 

[BBBRRRTT]

I find it hard to believe that a General officer doesn't have an understanding of these regulations and understand all of these "marginal" expenses. I have worked for a new one star then a multi-star for three years and they get ethics training as soon as they are selected on travel expenses specifically as well as all their support staff (Aides, XOs, EAs). That is in addition to the mandatory annual training that all servicemembers take on TDY and use of the government travel card. I have spent 81 days TDY this year with a GO and can't imagine ever being expected to use my GTC to cover his expense or another servicemembers. That isn't how the card works. All of these collectively add up to at a minimum a severe lapse of judgement and certainly not what we expect of our senior leaders.

all good points.

 

[Korab]

So if the Brig Gen had paid the cadet next day, would the outcome be different?

Almost certainly not. That was one of 7 sustained charges. The timing of repayment was only one small piece of why it was wrong. The IG found she was untruthful during the investigation and blamed her actions in the credit card incident on her staff.

The report as a whole was very damning. Sounds like a career ender.

 

[emwvmi01]

So if the Brig Gen had paid the cadet next day, would the outcome be different?

No this is second lieutenant 101 you don't ever put a subordinate in a position where you are asking them for a personal favor. I remember that being beaten in during precommissioning training. There is a great scene in Band of Brothers where an officer is gambling with his paratroopers and is reprimanded for just that.