Response to Letter of Counseling
Disrespect

1. I take full responsibility for making the picture; however, I did not mean to demean SSgt Sullivan. It was made as a joke. I showed SSgt Sullivan the picture, and she responded with something along the lines of, "That's funny" or "That's hilarious", I do not remember the exact remark, making me think she was ok with it as a joke.

2. As far as the other NCO telling me to take down the photos, it is true. However, within the chat we have all said to delete photos or not post whatever it was in the past. I can not judge sarcasm or seriousness with just a text. SSgt Santiago should have messaged me or called me directly and let me know her stance, rather than going to leadership directly because she was upset. We are all NCOs, adults, and this should be expected.

3. I never showed SSgt Sullivan the photos on my work computer; I showed her on my phone. So, to suggest I used my government computer to do such a thing is demeaning towards me. Making assumptions isn't doing your due diligence.

4. Me supposedly telling her "They were funny, she should not be offended, and there was no need to go to the IG Office" is something that never was said. To say or insinuate that I pushed her in a certain direction or influenced her not to take advantage of what is available to her is accusatory. I literally showed her the picture, and she stated what is above. If she had stated she didn't like it or wanted me to take it down, I would have done so at that moment.

5. After finding out how she felt towards the photos, I went and personally apologized to her, ensuring there was no malintent, malice, or singling out of just her; it was a joke. I then deleted the photos and assured her I wasn't being mean or singling her out. She stated that she appreciated the apology and accepted my apology.

6. To say I coerced SSgt Sullivan, is a lie. I never coerced her about anything. To accuse me of such an accusation is slanderous in itself. I never stated she shouldn't go to the IG Office or the EO Office about anything. Stating that I told her that is a lie and should be addressed.

7. Also, we as instructors continually preach the "Escalation of Punishment", yet you put me on the highest tier. In that aspect, you don't Practice what you preach.

8. Also, I feel as if I should be able to confront the person(s) who are accusing me of this issue, according to the 6th Amendment. Working off of the second-hand word of other people to persecute the assumed guilty isn't how it should work. If that were the case, everyone should be receiving LORs at the least.