October 9, 2024

In 2023, the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records found she was “the victim of an error or injustice,” and ordered that she receive back pay and benefits. She told ABC15 that the National Guard fully compensated her before her retirement.

“Even though this was probably the hardest thing that I’ve had to fight in my military career and stand up for, I think my timing was great and being able to use it and help other people,” Kjornes said.

After ABC15 aired Kjornes’ story, we connected with airmen across the country. Their local commanders also had approved their medical claims, but they were later denied during a second review at National Guard Bureau headquarters.

“We just had a sense that it wasn’t right,” said Lt. Col. Rich Cullen, a Washington Air National Guard member, who had several claims approved, then denied.

“It’s either incompetency, apathy or corruption,” said Lt. Col. Mitch Hall. “You kind of feel abandoned.”

Read more: www.abc15.com/news/local-news/investigations/update-20-air-national-guard-benefits-claims-denied