Florida Wing CC Dismissed

[RAZOR]

FLWG CC, Pat O'Key, gets canned by SER Commander James Rushing!

Pat O'Key has been FIRED from his position as the Florida Wing Commander!


ACTUAL EMAIL SENT OUT BY O'Key:

Sent: Sat, 29 Sep 2007 6:05 pm
Subject: Future of the Florida Wing

All,

I have enjoyed working with all of you. We have done some great things with the wing. My 1 year probation period was due to end on Monday, 01 October. Unfortunately, I received a phone call from Jim Rushing about 5:30 pm today informing me that he was not going to make my command permanent on my 1 year date. He would not give me any reason why except that he was being pressured from high ranking CAP members that they did not want me to stay. So, effective immediately, I am no longer the commander of the Florida Wing. I have been told that Col Rushing will be announcing Al Bedgood as an interim commander and will most likely be accepting applications for a permanent replacement.

I wish you all the best and hope that you continue to do the great things that you do.

Pat O'Key

[afgeo4]

I find it odd that no reason was given. Doesn't the reason have to be documented somewhere? I know in the military, someone not liking someone else just isn't a good enough reason to relieve them of command. There must be documented instances of that person doing something wrong or of sub-par performance. What is "sub-par" is of course subjective.

Allowing CAP officers to relieve each other without proper reasons may lead to legal issues, not to mention to favoritism and corruption (I'm not saying we don't have it already).

[SDF_Specialist]

You think this is related to TP?

[arajca]

During the probationary period, no reason needs to be given.

[afgeo4]

During the probationary period, no reason needs to be given.

Is that what the regs say? Do they say one must be given outside of probationary terms? What constitutes a "probationary term" in the regs? I don't remember reading anything about that.

[IceNine]

All though it is not necessarily the "right thing" to keep a reason from the officer involved.  There is no requirement that a reason be documented as 35-5 only says that

The permanent grade of colonel is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of assignment and must be recommended by the commander of the individual concerned.

What constitutes a "probationary term" in the regs?

1 year from date of appointment


Edit: Quote tags - TA

[afgeo4]

All though it is not necessarily the "right thing" to keep a reason from the officer involved.  There is no requirement that a reason be documented as 35-5 only says that

The permanent grade of colonel is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of assignment and must be recommended by the commander of the individual concerned.

During the probationary period, no reason needs to be given.

Is that what the regs say? Do they say one must be given outside of probationary terms? What constitutes a "probationary term" in the regs? I don't remember reading anything about that.

1 year from date of appointment as per regs

That's a reg regarding a promotion to Colonel, not to position of Wing CC. They are different things, even though one depends on the other.


Edit: Quote tags - TA

[a2capt]

* a2capt cranks up a little Queen ..

... o/~ another one bites the dust .. o/~

The Black Vans are turning around now.

[Skyray]

When you play with the big dogs, every once in a while you get bit.  I hold no brief for or against O'Key.  From what I heard in the rumor mill (and you all know how reliable that is) he mishandled the Hayden affair which could have been defused at its inception.  I have heard really good things about Rushing from his staff.  So this could play out either way.  Pineda has held a strangle hold on Florida even while he was climbing the national ladder; several Wing Commanders have been summarily relieved without explanation for offending Pineda in one way or the other.  So this event could play either way as I said before.  Maybe he was canned for being a Pineda man, maybe not.  There are some good members in Florida who have managed to keep their heads down, hopefully one of them will be chosen.  Hey, I was a Lieutenant Colonel and completed Level V; and I have four years on wing staff as the wing safety officer, maybe they'll choose me.

[Stonewall]

Maybe I'll apply for the job...

[mikeylikey]

Maybe I'll apply for the job...

I will back you.

Strangely though......being fried so close to when you command becomes permanent.  The guy should have been fired after the 1 OCT mark so he could gracefully keep his eagles.

[BillB]

It is possible to retain the eagles provided the Region Commander (or National Commander recommends it. It's happened several times where a Wing Commander resigned or was replaced and allowed to retain the eagles. Any member of the NEC can approve retaining the promotion to Colonel with less than one full year in the position.

[JAFO78]

Maybe I'll apply for the job...

I will second this......All in favor.......

[Pylon]

Maybe I'll apply for the job...

Ultimate Kirt for FLWG/CC! 

[Stonewall]

Obviously joking, guys.

No way do I have the time, experience, flexible job and flexible family for me to be a CC of a wing like FL.

Maybe one day, but not before I'm retired.

[SDF_Specialist]

Obviously joking, guys.

No way do I have the time, experience, flexible job and flexible family for me to be a CC of a wing like FL.

Maybe one day, but not before I'm retired.

Well I'm not a member of Florida Wing, but they need some good leadership from what I've read on here. You got my vote Colonel.

[RiverAux]

If we assume that what O'Key said was true, I think that email makes both of them look like people who just don't get it.  Even if Rushing was getting pressured to relieve O'Key, it was still Rushing's decision.  He shouldn't have more or less said, "hey I like you, but my boss is telling me to let you go".  Rushing should have either refused to relieve him and took whatever "punishment" he might get, or should have relieved him and not tried to make excuses about it. 

And, for O'Key, he shouldn't have been passing along this sort of information in a vain attempt to make it look like he was just some sort of fall guy. 

[Skyray]

Obviously joking, guys.

No way do I have the time, experience, flexible job and flexible family for me to be a CC of a wing like FL.

Maybe one day, but not before I'm retired.

This seems to be a place for opinions, and in my opinion, No One has the time, experience, flexible job and flexible family to be CC of a Wing like Florida in its present state.  The wing is in massive disarray from literally years of commanders, even down at the squadron level, walking on egg shells to avoid offending the Ayatollah.  If the BoG does the right thing today, there is a massive rebuild coming in Florida.  The first thing the new commander is going to have to do is convince his staff and commanders that they do indeed have the authority to act without being summarily relieved.  Levitch truly is up to his eyeballs in the ATT merger IRL; if my recollection is correct, it was he who appointed O'Key although it is not clear that he wasn't being manipulated by TP.  There is so much more, but it will ultimately come out.  Remember, TP pretty methodically eliminated everyone with enough cojones to challenge him for office.  That included some pretty viable candidates for Wing Commander.

[Cecil DP]

If we assume that what O'Key said was true, I think that email makes both of them look like people who just don't get it.  Even if Rushing was getting pressured to relieve O'Key, it was still Rushing's decision.  He shouldn't have more or less said, "hey I like you, but my boss is telling me to let you go".  Rushing should have either refused to relieve him and took whatever "punishment" he might get, or should have relieved him and not tried to make excuses about it. 

And, for O'Key, he shouldn't have been passing along this sort of information in a vain attempt to make it look like he was just some sort of fall guy. 

I feel that Col O'Key was justified in alerting the Florida membership that he was relieved and the reasons that were given to him by Col Rushing


Quote tags - TA

[CapnSuper]

OK I admit this is a sidebar -- but can't figure out what the term "CC" stands for.  I can't find an acronym in CAP that coincides with the letters "CC", however I'm new and have no military experience

So is it some generally accepted reference to a military term like "Company Commander" or ... like me, "Completely Clueless"

 

Thanks in advance

[Capt.karl]

Hmmm... TP+Florida Wing+Higher Ups Pressure= Suspision

[MIKE]

OK I admit this is a sidebar -- but can't figure out what the term "CC" stands for.  I can't find an acronym in CAP that coincides with the letters "CC", however I'm new and have no military experience

So is it some generally accepted reference to a military term like "Company Commander" or ... like me, "Completely Clueless"

Functional Address Symbol (FAS) for Commander.  See CAPR 10-1 Attachments 5 and 6.

[Skyray]

Hmmm... TP+Florida Wing+Higher Ups Pressure=  Suspision

It certainly has all the earmarks of a TP hatchet job, except that my background information is that he was part of Tony's Team.  Bowling is still up there.  You don't suppose there could be a high level falling out, do you?

[jeders]

OK I admit this is a sidebar -- but can't figure out what the term "CC" stands for.  I can't find an acronym in CAP that coincides with the letters "CC", however I'm new and have no military experience

So is it some generally accepted reference to a military term like "Company Commander" or ... like me, "Completely Clueless"

 

Thanks in advance

CC is used to denote Commander

[lordmonar]

If we assume that what O'Key said was true, I think that email makes both of them look like people who just don't get it.  Even if Rushing was getting pressured to relieve O'Key, it was still Rushing's decision.  He shouldn't have more or less said, "hey I like you, but my boss is telling me to let you go".  Rushing should have either refused to relieve him and took whatever "punishment" he might get, or should have relieved him and not tried to make excuses about it. 

And, for O'Key, he shouldn't have been passing along this sort of information in a vain attempt to make it look like he was just some sort of fall guy. 

I've got to disagree here.  Sometimes you got to pick your battles.  Assuming that Rushing was having a conversation with National about O'key.....maybe, just maybe, national had a valid reason to direct Rushing to fire O'key.  Happens all the time.  Even on active duty.  The higher ups decide to take a different course of action than the front line supervisor would take....but it's the front line supervisors job to take the action.   It's called shut and color.  Sure Rushing could have decided to fight the good fight....but then he has to ask himself if O'key is worth putting his birds on the line.

[RiverAux]

You misunderstood my objection.  Whether the idea to fire Okey was Rushing's idea or whether it was forced on him, it is just bad leadership to pass the blame up the chain of command on the part of Rushing and it was bad leadership for Okey to pass that sort of information down the chain of command. 

If an AF Wing Commander had sent out that sort of message to his troops after being relieved of command he probably would be on his way out of the AF very soon thereafter.

[JohnKachenmeister]

OK I admit this is a sidebar -- but can't figure out what the term "CC" stands for.  I can't find an acronym in CAP that coincides with the letters "CC", however I'm new and have no military experience

So is it some generally accepted reference to a military term like "Company Commander" or ... like me, "Completely Clueless"

 

Thanks in advance

Component Commander, but I like yours better

[flyerthom]

Maybe I'll apply for the job...

What's the FL statue providing for involuntary psychiatric commitment? You understand this for your own good?

[AlphaSigOU]

Maybe I'll apply for the job...

What's the FL statue providing for involuntary psychiatric commitment? You understand this for your own good?

Chapter 394 of Florida Statutes, but it's popularly known as the 'Baker Act'. In Texas, a similar law allowing for a law enforcement officer to detain someone who is mentally imbalanced/emotionally disturbed is known by the acronym APOWW (Apprehension by a Peace Officer Without A Warrant).

[Stonewall]

I've Baker Acted my share of folks here in FL. 

[flyguy06]

FLWG CC, Pat O'Key, gets canned by SER Commander James Rushing!

Pat O'Key has been FIRED from his position as the Florida Wing Commander!


ACTUAL EMAIL SENT OUT BY O'Key:

Sent: Sat, 29 Sep 2007 6:05 pm
Subject: Future of the Florida Wing

All,

I have enjoyed working with all of you. We have done some great things with the wing. My 1 year probation period was due to end on Monday, 01 October. Unfortunately, I received a phone call from Jim Rushing about 5:30 pm today informing me that he was not going to make my command permanent on my 1 year date. He would not give me any reason why except that he was being pressured from high ranking CAP members that they did not want me to stay. So, effective immediately, I am no longer the commander of the Florida Wing. I have been told that Col Rushing will be announcing Al Bedgood as an interim commander and will most likely be accepting applications for a permanent replacement.

I wish you all the best and hope that you continue to do the great things that you do.

Pat O'Key

This is why the internet is not always a good thing. Why would you post something sensative concerning FLWG on a website where everyone can read it. The FLWG CC has no bearing on someone from NVWG yet you put your business out there for the world to see. I just dont get it

[Stonewall]

Because it's public knowledge and most likely of interest to folks in and outside of FLWG.  Not everything posted on CAP Talk is of interest to me.  Guess what I do?  I ignore it.

[flyguy06]

So do I, but I am just making a point. I wouldnt want my personal business (especially if I had gotten fired) to be out there for everyone to read. This is a volunteer organization. These people dont get paid. Its not like they are some high positioned executive. They are volunteers. i think people fprget that sometimes.

[RiverAux]

The guy sent it to everyone in Florida Wing.  Frankly, his decision to send out an email to his command that deliberately makes his superior look bad tells me all that I need to know about whether or not he should have been in that job in the first place.  Almost as telling as TP's post-suspension email. 

[Stonewall]

So do I, but I am just making a point. I wouldnt want my personal business (especially if I had gotten fired) to be out there for everyone to read. This is a volunteer organization. These people dont get paid. Its not like they are some high positioned executive. They are volunteers. i think people fprget that sometimes.

The guy sent it to everyone in Florida Wing.  Frankly, his decision to send out an email to his command that deliberately makes his superior look bad tells me all that I need to know about whether or not he should have been in that job in the first place.  Almost as telling as TP's post-suspension email. 

What he said.

Anyone who doesn't realize that email is not a secure means of communicating shouldn't hold a position of authority.  However, I don't think the originator (FLWG/CC) had that in mind as he did send it to the wing as an "open email".  Nothing preceded the information like "PLEASE DO NOT TELL ANYONE" or "FOR YOUR EYES ONLY".  Even with thos "tags", nothing is sacred, even if he wanted it to be.  Obviously it wasn't meant to be a secret.

[flyguy06]

The guy sent it to everyone in Florida Wing. 

The Florida Wing. Ever heard of keeping things in the "Family" (The Florida family)

[lordmonar]

The guy sent it to everyone in Florida Wing. 

The Florida Wing. Ever heard of keeping things in the "Family" (The Florida family)

He made a public announcment....if he wanted to keep it in the family then he should not had sent it at all.

You cannot selectively announce something like this via a mass e-mail.  Heck we can't keep things that should be confidential (like IG interviews) off the net.

[Maj Ballard]

Actually, he didn't send it to the whole wing. He must have sent it to a select group of people. I am on every email list in the Wing known to man, and yet I heard from CAPtalk. My commander heard from me. He has not yet heard from any "official" channels. As far as I know, there has not been an announcement to the entire Wing as of yet.

They did, however, quickly change the picture/bio on the FLWG website.

[Stonewall]

They did, however, quickly change the picture/bio on the FLWG website.

So much for all the he said - she said.  It's a done deal.  New wing commander appointed, I'd say that involves family outside of Florida.

[Skyray]

They did, however, quickly change the picture/bio on the FLWG website.

So much for all the he said - she said.  It's a done deal.  New wing commander appointed, I'd say that involves family outside of Florida.

New Wing Commander, or Interim Wing Commander.  If it is New, who is it?

[RiverAux]

the guy announced in the email we've been discussing...

[floridacyclist]

I'm not sure if my commander even knows...and not sure if I'm the one who should be telling him LOL

[ZigZag911]

If FL Wing CC job is up for grabs, I nominate Kach!

[Ricochet13]

During the probationary period, no reason needs to be given.

Common courtesy and manners would say different.  But regs are regs I guess.

[John Bryan]

A side question......once again we see a wing commander let go for whatever reason and instead of the wing vice commander being the acting commander an officer from outside the command staff ( and outside the wing) is picked. It appears the new acting FLWG commander was lasted assigned to region hq.

My question is why do we have vice commanders.....it would appear the only place they assume command in the event the commander is removed is at National. I know in my wing the same thing took place.

[SarDragon]

Maybe I'll apply for the job...

What's the FL statue providing for involuntary psychiatric commitment? You understand this for your own good?

Chapter 394 of Florida Statutes, but it's popularly known as the 'Baker Act'. In Texas, a similar law allowing for a law enforcement officer to detain someone who is mentally imbalanced/emotionally disturbed is known by the acronym APOWW (Apprehension by a Peace Officer Without A Warrant).

In CA, it's Section 5150 Of The California Welfare And Institutions Code.

[SarDragon]

A side question......once again we see a wing commander let go for whatever reason and instead of the wing vice commander being the acting commander an officer from outside the command staff ( and outside the wing) is picked. It appears the new acting FLWG commander was lasted assigned to region hq.

My question is why do we have vice commanders.....it would appear the only place they assume command in the event the commander is removed is at National. I know in my wing the same thing took place.

The Vice Commander assumes the duties as commander when the Commander is unable to perform them, like when he's out of state, or sick. Has happened frequently in CAWG.

[Maj Ballard]

A side question......once again we see a wing commander let go for whatever reason and instead of the wing vice commander being the acting commander an officer from outside the command staff ( and outside the wing) is picked. It appears the new acting FLWG commander was lasted assigned to region hq.

Just to clarify, yes, the Interim Commander (the one listed on the website) was most recently assigned to Region HQ, but he lives in Florida and has been on Wing staff, been a Group CC in Florida Wing, etc. He's not an "outsider."

[flyguy06]

They did, however, quickly change the picture/bio on the FLWG website.

So much for all the he said - she said.  It's a done deal.  New wing commander appointed, I'd say that involves family outside of Florida.

How does the appointment of a new FLWG commander affect those of us not living in Florida?

[floridacyclist]

It doesn't...unless you choose to click on the link reading "Florida Wing CC Dismissed" and then you lose anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes from your total alloted time left to live....but at least it was your choice to click.

[flyguy06]

Yes it was my choice Thanks

[a2capt]

Things that happen outside your realm ... sometimes do have a bearing that might effect you.

In the case of the unnamed General and the precedent set by the stacking of the electoral body ..

It's nice to see that one by one they are being looked at and perhaps it's because they are deciding if some of these people in positions are in fact what is best for the respective wing and the greater region.

..and just logging into eServices gives you the same window, so it's not like it's unknown news. There's what, 4 Wing CC announcements on there now?

As well, Florida, like California, and I'm sure nearly many others with their wing wide email distribution list, also has many folk from outside the immediate geographic boundary that receive the same broadcasts for many reasons not worth debating what they are.

What goes on the other side of the country can affect me, as like what goes on here can affect you.

If you don't wanna read it, don't click.

It's not as if the posting is costing money, this is not 1982 and every byte cost a buck to download.

[JAFO78]

FL wing web site has all ready been update with LT Col. Al Bedgood's Bio. I have read it and I am impressed by it. I think we all should welcome the Col. to his new post.

[Skyray]

FL wing web site has all ready been update with LT Col. Al Bedgood's Bio. I have read it and I am impressed by it. I think we all should welcome the Col. to his new post.

I agree.  I am a little intrigued that he was not listed as a Colonel but as a LtCol.  The first announcement that I heard was that he was an interim commander.  Could the rank issue be a subtle indication that there are more to come?

[floridacyclist]

No idea...we finally received official notification through the chain of command late this morning and issued an announcement to the squadron minus the negative language.

FL Wing welcomes Lt Col Alvin Bedgood to his new position as interim FL Wing Commander. Col Bedgood has a lengthy list of accomplishments which are far too numerous to list here. Please see http://flwg.us/html/bedgood.html for a photograph and complete biography.

The Tallahassee Composite Squadron wishes Col Bedgood great success in leading the best wing in the nation. We will do our best to help him keep us at the head of the pack.

I found it rather interesting that they took so long to announce it officially as I've always thought of that as one of the most important parts of a change of command if for no other reason than folks need to know who is in charge. For example, I just found out that my Inland SAR Application was sent to the Wing Commander late last week....needless to say, it is being re-submitted.

[Cecil DP]

FL wing web site has all ready been update with LT Col. Al Bedgood's Bio. I have read it and I am impressed by it. I think we all should welcome the Col. to his new post.

I agree.  I am a little intrigued that he was not listed as a Colonel but as a LtCol.  The first announcement that I heard was that he was an interim commander.  Could the rank issue be a subtle indication that there are more to come?

Al Begood is the interim Commander. Until he is actually appointed Wing Commander he remains at his curent grade. The fact that he was not named Commander  seems to indicate that there will be a selection process and applications submitted from interested personnel

[flyguy06]

Things that happen outside your realm ... sometimes do have a bearing that might effect you.

In the case of the unnamed General and the precedent set by the stacking of the electoral body ..

It's nice to see that one by one they are being looked at and perhaps it's because they are deciding if some of these people in positions are in fact what is best for the respective wing and the greater region.

..and just logging into eServices gives you the same window, so it's not like it's unknown news. There's what, 4 Wing CC announcements on there now?

As well, Florida, like California, and I'm sure nearly many others with their wing wide email distribution list, also has many folk from outside the immediate geographic boundary that receive the same broadcasts for many reasons not worth debating what they are.

What goes on the other side of the country can affect me, as like what goes on here can affect you.

If you don't wanna read it, don't click.

It's not as if the posting is costing money, this is not 1982 and every byte cost a buck to download.

Its not the fact that I dont want to read it. I can just as nosey as the guy. Its just that if yourfamily is going through an embarassing situation, you dont want people outside of your family knowing. If for wexample my brother (I dont really have a brother) was picked up by the cops for selling drugs. I am not going to go out and broadcast it to people I dont even know. thats all I am saying. Thanks.

[Skyray]

So you consider the situation with the National Commander, the Florida Wing Commander, the California Wing Commander and all the rest of it an embarassing situation that should be hidden from public view?  If you thought you had cancer would you refuse to go to the doctor because you were ashamed of what he might find?

[flyguy06]

You're still not getting it. The National Commander effects "me" so yes, I would wantg to know whats going on with thim. The FLWG Commander does not effect "me" so I think it should be kept amongst FLWG members not the national membership.

[Galahad]

You're still not getting it. The National Commander effects "me" so yes, I would wantg to know whats going on with thim. The FLWG Commander does not effect "me" so I think it should be kept amongst FLWG members not the national membership.

Each wing commander is one of only 60 corporate officers of the Civil Air Patrol, a major corporation chartered by the United States Congress.  The Florida Wing commander's influence extends far beyond Florida. He is a voting member on the board of directors of a corporation that receives millions of U.S. taxpayer dollars and has significant influence in Congress.  That's why he's different than you or me, or my cousin Leroy once-removed.  When you control taxpayer dollars you lose most of your right to privacy.  And that's the way it has to be. If you don't like the "fringe benefits", don't ask for the job.

[Galahad]

...seems to indicate that there will be a selection process and applications submitted from interested personnel

What an antiquated approach! 

[FLA POLECAT]

In Florida, Palm Beach County, and Dade County don't know how to use voting machines.  Storms ripped up the state in 2004.  The sharks eat the tourists.  Insurance companies  want our money but don't want to provide coverage.  And the Civil Air Patrol can not keep a commander.  We have had three or four since 2004

Col Pat  O Key was well liked  and  is a people person.

What did Florida do to deserve all  this  crap from national?

[John Bryan]

And don't forget that these new wing commanders will get to join those left standing in voting for the next National Commander and Vice Commander in 11 months. So it does matter ......at least to those who will be seeking those 2 offices.

[ZigZag911]

I agree with the poster who questioned the appointment of 'interim' wing commanders, a practice I've seen all too often....in fact, one was a National staff officer appointed for a five day period so he could vote the way a high ranking national leader (not a current or former CC or CV) wanted....then someone else outside the wing took over for a couple of months (actually, the sitting commander of another wing)....very odd processes.

The wing CV should take temporary command until new wing CC is appointed....perhaps we need this written into regs!

[lordmonar]

I don't quite understand your objection to interim commanders.

As a leader you have to put in someone you think who can do the job.  Now let's take out the TP politics for a moment and just think of a hypothetical situations.

WING XX is going down the tubes in a big way...so you (the National CC) call the regional CC and tell him to ax the WING CC and plug the hole.  Let's say the Regional CC completely agrees with axing the wing CC for all the right reasons but he does not know if the Wing CV is up to the job.  So he bring in his own person to ride the helm for a few months, fix the major problems, and start the process to select a replacement.

The problem is....if you are firing a wing CC....not only are you questioning the CC's ability to do the job but his entire staff.

[ZigZag911]

Lord M, even before TP's regime, most Wing CC removals that I've seen  before the completion of their term have been for reasons of politics rather than competence. It is a rare instance indeed wherein the wing staff is so completely loused up that the CV or CS can't run the wing for a couple of months For those instances there should still be a possibility for the Region CC to appoint another officer as interim CC....but there needs to be some kind of check & balance on this process.

Furthermore, there needs to be a reason required for removal even of probationary wing CCs....there is simply too much potential for political abuse otherwise.

[John Bryan]

For the record the case in my home wing was politics and the Vice Commander who was passed over is an excellent officer and a better choice then the officer who was picked over him.

Speaking of politics......I hope you don't all think that politics is behind us. The race is on for next year (10 months or so).  In the long run.....I do not think much will change other then the names of the officers playing the game.

[Skyray]

I am just a little intrigued that the interim Wing Commander for Florida was on Ray Hayden's Termination Board.  Do you suppose the self licking ice cream cone is still viable?  Or is this maybe the Weasel Empire?

[floridacyclist]

After that nonsensical email rant that he posted to the wing mailing list, I myself would have voted to remove him. Regardless of whether he had been treated rightly or wrongly prior to that, behavior like that is simply unacceptable and not something I would want around any of my cadets.

[Skyray]

After that nonsensical email rant that he posted to the wing mailing list, I myself would have voted to remove him. Regardless of whether he had been treated rightly or wrongly prior to that, behavior like that is simply unacceptable and not something I would want around any of my cadets.

Missed that.  I was removed from the Wing Mailing list by Sharkey, merely because of who I am.  Bob Ebaugh brought me back.  Meanwhile I missed a lot of drama, I guess.  Got a copy?

He does seem to get just a touch monomaniacal; but I guess that has been said around here about me.

I have just been over reading the history of his CAP service and demise in the emails posted on his website.  I guess he got a little irate when he realized that his demise was being orchestrated by his mentor and lost it.