Tag: Military Officers

Air Force 1st Lt. Anais Tobar Died From a Non Combat Related Injury in UAE in Support of Operation Inherent Resolve (July 18, 2016)

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1st Lt. Anais Tobar, US Air Force

Air Force 1st Lt. Anais Tobar, 25, of Miami, Florida died from a non-combat-related injury on July 18, 2016 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. She was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve on behalf of the 4th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina. The Miami Herald reported the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) was investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. The official cause of death is unknown.

Related Links:
1st Lt. Anais A. Tobar
DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty
Deployed 4th FW Airman found deceased
Seymour Johnson officer killed in southwest Asia
Air Force Officer Supporting Inherent Resolve Dies of Noncombat Injury
Female Air Force Lieutenant Stationed in UAE Found Dead
Air Force officer supporting Inherent Resolve dies of noncombat injury
US Air Force lieutenant found dead in room in UAE
US Air Force lieutenant stationed in UAE found dead in her room
Air Force Lt. Anais A. Tobar from Miami dies in southwest Asia
US Air Force lieutenant stationed in UAE found dead in her room
Air Force lieutenant from Miami dead at 25, part of anti-ISIS team
An Air Force 1st Lt. Dies In Southwest Asia While in Support of Operation Inherent Resolve
US Air Force lieutenant, 25, stationed in the UAE as part of anti-ISIS team is found dead in her room
Air Force lieutenant attached to anti-ISIS mission found dead in Abu Dhabi
Osceola High grad dies while serving in Air Force
Death Of U.S. Airforce Lieutenant Investigated
Air Force probes overseas death of U.S. lieutenant
Investigations into death of US air force lieutenant in Abu Dhabi under way
Air Force Investigates Circumstances Surrounding Overseas Death of U.S. Lieutenant
Mystery Surrounds Death of Female Air Force Lt. on Anti-Islamic State Mission in UAE
Tribute To Our Fallen Soldiers – US Air Force 1st Lt. Anais A. Tobar, 25, of Miami, Florida
Happy Birthday Air Force


1st Lt. Anais A. Tobar, US Air Force

Army Captain Nathan Smith Sued Barack Obama Claiming ISIS Fight is Illegal, Unconstitutional, and US President Lacks Authorization (May 4, 2016)

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Captain Nathan Smith, U.S. Army

Army Intelligence Officer Captain Nathan Smith, 28, is suing President Barack Obama in federal court claiming the war with ISIS/ISIL is unconstitutional and illegal. Captain Smith alleges President Obama does not have authorization to engage in a fight with Syria. At the time of the case filing in May 2016, Captain Smith was overseas deployed to Camp Arifjan in Kuwait. The original suit was rejected in November 2016 ruling that Captain Smith ‘didn’t have standing to sue and that disputes over war powers are best left to Congress and the president to fight out in the political arena.’ In April 2017, Captain Smith asked an appeals court to take the case and settle the issue once and for all.

In his own words:

Nathan Smith’s Lawsuit Against the President of the United States on Rackets: Who Are the Real Gangsters? Podcast

Why I Sued My Commander-in-Chief, President Obama

“As a soldier, I thought the war in Syria was illegal, as I do now. That’s why Trump is right to get out.” -Nathan Smith, Army veteran

Related Links:
Nathan Smith, US Army v. Barack Obama
Army Captain sues Obama over ISIS fight
Is the U.S. War Against ISIS Illegal?
Army Captain sues Obama over ISIS fight
An Army Captain Takes Obama to Court Over ISIS Fight
Deployed Army captain sues Obama over ISIS fight
U.S. Army Captain Is Suing Obama Over Legality Of The War Against ISIS
Army Captain Sues Obama For Unconstitutional War Against ISIS
Army Captain Sues Obama over Islamic State War
Army captain sues Obama over lack of ISIS war authorization
28-Year-Old Army Officer Suing Obama Over ISIS
Soldier Suing Obama Over ISIS War Is Doing Fine, Lawyer Says
Army captain sues President Obama over claims the war on ISIS is illegal
Army captain sues President Obama, saying he lacks authority to fight ISIS
Who Is Capt. Nathan Michael Smith? US Intelligence Officer Sues President Barack Obama Over Legality Of ISIS Fight
‘My conscience bothered me’: Army captain sues Obama over ‘illegal war’ on the Islamic State
My Brother’s Challenge to the Undeclared War Against ISIS
Analysis of Lawsuit Challenging War Against ISIL
Constitution Check: Has the U.S. war against ISIS in Syria been illegal from the start?
Does the president think his own war is illegal?
The Dangers of the Ever More Powerful Presidency
When The U.S. Military Strikes, White House Points To A 2001 Measure
Suit Calling War on ISIS Illegal Is Rejected
Soldier who supports war against Islamic State files lawsuit calling it illegal
US Daesh fighter in Syria poses dilemma for White House
Yale prof presents case against Trump
AUMF: The Latest Weapon in America’s Illegal Perpetual War
Judges ask if challenge to Trump’s war powers is moot after waiting 6 months to rule
Nathan Smith’s Lawsuit Against the President of the United States
Why I Sued My Commander-in-Chief, President Obama

Former Fort Hood Army Commander Col. Andrew Poznick Found Dead at Off-Post Residence Near Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania (March 20, 2016)

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Col. Andrew Poznick

Former Fort Hood Battalion Commander Col. Andrew Poznick was found dead at his off-post residence near Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania on March 20, 2016. Col. Poznick was scheduled to join the faculty at the Army War College. Col. Poznick was born on the Fort Bragg, North Carolina post and was considered an Army brat. He himself joined the Army in 1993 as an infantry officer after graduating from Auburn University in Alabama. At Fort Hood, Col. Poznick commanded the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom twice, once in 2006 and again in 2011, where he commanded the last combat troops to exit Iraq on December 18, 2011. Media reports indicate Col. Poznick took his own life.

Related Links:
12th Cavalry Regiment
Colonel Andrew T. Poznick
Obituary: Colonel Andrew T. Poznick
Former Fort Hood combat commander found dead near Carlisle Barracks, Pa
Family and friends remember former Fort Hood combat commander
Soldier suicides: Causes studied in attempt to prevent future tragedies
Violent Crime, Suicide, and Non Combat Death at Fort Hood, Texas
Army Soldiers at Fort Hood in Texas Are Dying at Alarming Rates Stateside (January 1, 2016 to Present)

Vanity Fair Confidential on Investigation Discovery Features ‘Code of Dishonor’

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There are thousands of victims. All members of the American Air Force. How far will they go to stop a covert war against women? -Vanity Fair Confidential

Vanity Fair Confidential on Investigation Discovery featured ‘Code of Dishonor’ which was an investigation of the issue of sexual assault in the military. They highlighted the US Air Force Academy sexual assault scandal back in 2003 and the more recent case of Myah Bilton-Smith, who was also a victim of sexual assault while serving in the United States Air Force. The show revealed that sexual assault can happen to anyone including officers and enlisted.

Related Links:
Code of Dishonor, Vanity Fair
Code of Dishonor Post-Script
Hidden Sexual Assault In The Military: Code Of Dishonor
Conduct Unbecoming
Former cadet talks about rape
`Expect rape,’ ex-cadet says she was warned
More Cadets Speaking Out About Assaults
Former cadets say rapes at academy ended dreams
Defense to investigate cadets’ rape allegations
Ex-Brass Deny Ignoring Victims
Demotion in air academy sex scandal / Air Force general loses one star before retirement
Ex-Superintendent of Air Force Academy Is Demoted in Wake of Rape Scandal
Air Force leadership blamed for sex scandal
Senate to hear female victims of Air Force academy sexual assaults
Interview with Beth Davis, former US Air Force Academy cadet
Air Force Sex Scandal Gets Hotter
Sexual Assault and Violence Against Women in the Military and at the Academies
C-SPAN: Sexual Misconduct in the Military (June 27, 2006)
Albuquerque Reporter Was A ‘Beautiful Girl Inside and Out’
Vanity Fair Confidential ‘Code of Dishonor’ (YouTube)

Fort Hood Army Major Troy Wayman Found Dead at Nolanville, Texas Residence; Death Ruled Suicide by Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound (January 16, 2016)

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, In Their Name, Military Policy, PTSD, TBI, Mental Illness, Stateside Death, SuicideLeave a comment
Troy Wayman
Major Troy Wayman, US Army

Army Major Troy Wayman, 45, died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound on January 16, 2016 at his residence in Nolanville, Texas. Major Wayman’s home of record is listed as Lincoln, Nebraska; he entered military service in the Nebraska Army National Guard in August 1989 as an Armor Cannon Crewman. Major Wayman was commissioned as a second lieutenant and entered active-duty military service in May 1998; he was assigned to the First Army Division West at Fort Hood since October 2014. Major Wayman served two tours in Saudi Arabia (including Desert Shield/Desert Storm), two tours in Iraq, and one tour in Kosovo. The circumstances surrounding the incident were investigated and on January 22, the Army Times reported Major Wayman’s death was ruled a suicide by the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas, Texas.

Related Links:
Obituary: Major Troy Wayman
Death of a Fort Hood Soldier
Fort Hood: Army major dies of gunshot wound
Army major’s gunshot death near Fort Hood ruled a suicide
Fort Hood Death of Major Ruled Suicide
Experts worry high military suicide rates are ‘new normal’
Incident | Gun Violence Archive | Major Troy Wayman
Military Veteran Project: Army Major Troy Wayman
‘Shiite Giant’ Extends Its Reach
Interview with MAJ Troy Wayman | Operational Leadership Experiences
Army Soldiers at Fort Hood in Texas Are Dying at Alarming Rates Stateside
Violent Crime, Suicide, and Non Combat Death at Fort Hood, Texas (US Army)
Military Policy and Legislation Considerations for the Investigations of Non Combat Death, Homicide, and Suicide of US Service Members

Air Force Major John Gerrie Died from Non-Combat Related Incident at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar (2016)

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Major John Gerrie, US Air Force

Air Force Major John Gerrie, 42, of Nickerson, Kansas, died from a non-combat related incident on January 16, 2016 at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. Major Gerrie was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve on behalf of the 453rd Electronic Warfare Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas. The official cause of death is unknown.

Related Links:
Obituary: Major John David Gerrie
DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty
USAF Officer Dies in Qatar
Airman dies in Qatar
S.A. Based Airman Dies In Qatar
San Antonio-based airman dies in Qatar
Air Force officer dies in noncombat incident in Qatar
U.S. airman dies from ‘non-combat’ injures in Quatar
U.S. Airman John Gerrie from Kansas killed while serving in Qatar
Airman, 42, from Kansas dies in non-combat incident in Qatar
US Air Force Officer Dead in Non-Combat Incident in Qatar
Air Force officer from Kansas dead in non-combat incident in Qatar
Tribute To Our Fallen Soldiers – US Air Force Maj. John D. Gerrie, 42, of Nickerson, Kansas


Maj. John D. Gerrie, US Air Force

Highlights of Army National Guard Lt. Col. Teresa James’ Military Sexual Assault and DoD IG Substantiated Retaliation Case

On By AdministratorIn Armed Forces, Army, Felony Crime, In Their Name, Military Policy, National Guard, Sexual Assault1 Comment
Lt Col Teresa James
Lt Col Teresa James

Lt Col Teresa James had a stellar career in the Army National Guard for over 30 years until she reported being sexually assaulted by a senior officer. Shortly after reporting the crime, she took convalescent leave for 30 days to seek medical treatment and eventually was medically retired because “she refused to come into work” according to leadership in the West Virginia Army National Guard. Lt Col James states that she asked for an extension to her convalescent leave (while continuing to seek medical treatment) or to work at an alternate location away from those who were retaliating against her. She did not want to retire and fought the forced medical retirement process but lost those appeals. She is now speaking up about the sexual assault and retaliation she experienced after reporting the assault.  This case is a good example of the complications associated with the expedited transfer policy and how it is applies to the National Guard when both the accused and the victim are permanently stationed at the same location.

In May 2016, news broke that the Department of Defense Inspector General found that a brigadier general in the West Virginia Army National Guard did in fact retaliate against Lt Col James after she reported that she had been sexually assaulted by another officer. This is the first time that the DoD IG has confirmed a report of retaliation in the military. This case highlights the need for coordinated reform on the part of the Chief, the National Guard Bureau, and all of the state National Guard headquarters. The federal government does not have jurisdiction over the States therefore only the Governor and State Congressional members have authority to enact new laws for the National Guard. The National Guard must enact it’s own policies. The DoD IG has no jurisdiction over the West Virginia Army National Guard therefore cannot court martial or admonish the individuals involved. Lt Col James is focusing on ensuring that all State’s enact legislation to protect their National Guard members.

“My whole reason for speaking out is to educate other survivors,” she said,“ ‘That you are not alone. There are people out there that will help you, and that the best thing to do if you are assaulted is report it.’” (via Charleston Gazette-Mail)

Related Links:
Lt. col. says speaking up about assault hurt her career
Serving in Silence: Rape in the National Guard
Troops who report sexual assault face retaliation
Retiring National Guard officer: Leadership should have done more in sexual assault case
62 Percent of Military Sex Assault Reports Result in Retaliation (A Taste of Creole)
62 Percent of Military Sex Assault Reports Result in Retaliation (NBC Washington)
US: Military Whistleblowers At Risk, Retaliation for Reporting Sexual Assault
WVNG Sexual Assault Claims; Female Officer: Leaders Didn’t Act Fast Enough against Superior
Reporting and Law Enforcement Facts For LTC Teresa James, West Virginia National Guard
Reporting and Law Enforcement Facts For LTC Teresa James, West Virginia National Guard 2
One-star general retaliated against LTC sex assault victim, IG finds
First time: IG confirms retaliation against rape whistleblower
Lt. col. says speaking up about assault hurt her career
IG: Rape whistleblower saw retaliation
DOD report: WV National Guard general retaliated against assault victim
Lt Col Teresa James Shares Experience with Sexual Assault & Reprisal at DoD IG Worldwide Hotline Outreach Conference
DoD substantiates its first-ever sexual assault reprisal case, but victim still waiting for relief
Serving in Silence: Sex Assault Retaliation Complaints Investigated
Retired officer tells of sexual assault, retaliation in WV National Guard
New DOD investigative unit to focus on sexual assault-related reprisals
Military Sexual-Assault Victim Tells Her Story to Social Workers Conference

Scorned, Love Kills Premiered ‘Sergeant Swinger’ on ID: Air Force Captain’s Murder Reveals Wife’s Evil Intent, Adultery & Greed (October 4, 2014)

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Sexy psychologist and doting Air Force wife Michelle begins a swinging affair with Army Sgt. Diamond while her husband, Captain Marty Theer, is away. But all’s fair in love and war, and Marty’s return will remind them that love is a battlefield. -Sergeant Swinger, Scorned: Love Kills (S4,E1)

In 2000, Michelle Theer was an Air Force wife in the military town of Fayetteville until a fatal shooting made her a widow. The investigation into her husband’s death led police to the door of an Army Ranger – taking orders from very unlikely accomplices. -Fayetteville, Sins and Secrets (S2,E3)

Oxygen:

A frantic, distraught woman runs into a video rental store screaming that her husband has been shot. -Michelle Theer & John Diamond, Killer Couples

Killer Couples: S8 E5 Preview – Michelle Theer and John Diamond | Oxygen

Killer Couples: S8 E5 After the Verdict – Michelle Theer and John Diamond | Oxygen

Psychologist Debbie Layton-Tholl talks about her experience meeting with Michelle Theer. -Michelle Theer & John Diamond, Killer Couples

A lonely military wife and psychologist go searching for sex on the Internet with deadly results. -Michelle Theer & John Diamond, Killer Couples (S8,E5)

Editor’s note: With a cable subscription, you can download the free ID Go app and watch Investigation Discovery programming at your convenience. And for those who do not have cable, you can watch “unlocked” episodes on the ID Go app including the latest premieres. For those who prefer commercial free programming during your binge session, Prime Video has an ID channel: ‘True Crime Files by Investigation Discovery” available for $3.99 a month. It’s a compilation of older seasons but totally worth the cost if you are a true crime addict. Download the ID Go app or purchase ID True Crime Files & binge away.

Related Links:
Sergeant Swinger | Scorned: Love Kills | Investigation Discovery (S4,E1)
Sergeant Swinger | Scorned: Love Kills | Investigation Discovery (website)
Sergeant Swinger | Scorned: Love Kills | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Fayetteville | Sins and Secrets | Investigation Discovery (S2,E3)
Fayetteville | Sins and Secrets | Investigation Discovery (website)
Fayetteville | Sins and Secrets | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Killer Couples: S8 E5 Sneak Peek – My Husband Has Been Shot! | Oxygen
Killer Couples: S8 E5 Preview – Michelle Theer and John Diamond | Oxygen
Killer Couples: S8 E5 After the Verdict – Michelle Theer and John Diamond | Oxygen
Killer Couples: S8 E5 Bonus Clip – Michelle Was Villified by the Media | Oxygen
Michelle Theer & John Diamond | Killer Couples | Oxygen (S8,E5)
Michelle Theer & John Diamond | Killer Couples | Oxygen (Amazon)
Air Force Capt. Frank Theer Murdered by Unidentified Gunman; Wife Michelle & Army SSG John Diamond Sentenced to Life in Prison (December 17, 2000)
Army SSG John Diamond Convicted of Murder of Air Force Capt. Frank Theer; Military Court Sentenced to Life in Prison, No Parole (August 28, 2001)
Former Air Force Reservist Michelle Theer Convicted of Murder of Husband Frank Theer; Sentenced to Life in Prison, No Parole (December 3, 2004)
Sins and Secrets Premiered ‘Fayetteville’ on Investigation Discovery: Michelle Theer & John Diamond Left a Permanent Mark on Community (January 26, 2012)
Killer Couples Premiered ‘Michelle Theer & John Diamond’ on Oxygen: Affair Leads to Murder of Air Force Capt. Marty Theer (September 3, 2016)
Scorned, Love Kills: 6 Active Duty Military Homicide Cases Featured on Investigation Discovery

PSYOPS Army Major Jonathan Walker Died of Non Combat Related Incident in Qatar in Support of Operation Inherent Resolve (2014)

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Jonathan-Walker31-213x300
Major Jonathan Walker, US Army

Army Major Jonathan Walker, 44, of Merriam, Kansas died of a non-combat related incident on October 1, 2014 at Camp As Sayliyah in Doha, Qatar. He was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve on behalf of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. At the time of the DoD press release, the incident was under investigation. The official cause of death is unknown.

Related Links:
Obituary: Jonathan D. Walker
Army Maj. Jonathan D. Walker
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
Fort Bragg soldier dies in Qatar
Army Loses Two: A PSYOPS Major And a Green Beret Sgt 1st Class
Interview with MAJ Jonathan Walker
Violent Crime, Non Combat Death & Suicide at Fort Bragg

Homicide Hunter Premiered ‘Death Grip’ on ID: Peterson Air Force Base Military Officer Fatally Shoots Michael Faast Because Jealousy (September 9, 2014)

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Officers find the lifeless body of furniture salesman behind the wheel. But Faast didn’t die in the wreck – he was shot point-blank in the temple. Lt. Joe Kenda must track a killer whose promising career took a dark and deadly turn. -Death Grip, Homicide Hunter (S4,E4)

Editor’s note: With a cable subscription, you can download the free ID Go app and watch Investigation Discovery programming at your convenience. And for those who do not have cable, you can watch “unlocked” episodes on the ID Go app including the latest premieres. For those who prefer commercial free programming during your binge session, Prime Video has an ID channel: ‘True Crime Files by Investigation Discovery” available for $3.99 a month. It’s a compilation of older seasons but totally worth the cost if you are a true crime addict. Download the ID Go app or purchase ID True Crime Files & binge away.

Related Links:
The Fastest Discharge in Military History
Death Grip | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (S4,E4)
Death Grip | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (website)
Death Grip | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Death Grip | Homicide Hunter | Investigation Discovery (Hulu)
Air Force Capt. Ronald Ball Fatally Shot Michael Faast; Exercised Right to Remain Silent, Plead Temporary Insanity, Found Guilty But Insane (February 2, 1979)
Homicide Hunter: 10 Active Duty Military and Veteran Murder Cases Featured on Investigation Discovery