LOR Rebuttal
Absent from Place of Duty

13 October 2012

MEMORANDUM TO COL RED

FROM:

SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO LOR

My name is SrA Yellow. I work as an optometry assistant and would like to respond to the LOR I recently received. I appreciate the opportunity to present my side of the story and would like to express my thanks for the consideration shown by my supervisor and the squadron to allow me this opportunity to refute and shed light on the incidents surrounding these allegations.

I have been in the military for three years now, and it has had such a positive influence on my life that I cannot imagine what or who I would be if it wasn't for the Air Force and the inspiring personnel around me. I have had several positive experiences throughout my time in service. I wish to carry myself to my final date on good terms.

1. On 4 August 2012, it was stated that I left my place of duty without permission. While I cannot specifically recall exactly where I was at 0915 on that day, I can assure you that the only reasons I would have left the optometry office would have been to fulfill official work-related duties or simply use the restroom. On any given Saturday in the morning hours during drill, our section always has no less than fifteen patients waiting outside our door. I never would have left the section for anything besides professional duties unless I had permission from a supervisor.

2. On 5 August 2012, it was stated in the LOR that I was granted a one hour lunch, but returned one hour and thirteen minutes later. I recall that incident because Sgt Green mentioned to me that I was late returning from lunch. I informed her that I returned from lunch as directed one hour later, but upon arrival back to the squadron, I stopped to use the restroom and engaged in a conversation with an officer at the front desk. When I made it back to my optometry section, it was 1313 and I was now late. I sincerely apologize for my actions. I acknowledge responsibility for my error in judgment, and realize that I had several better options available to me at the time that I failed to use. While I agree that I was definitely in the wrong, I strongly disagree with the severity of my punishment.

3. On 29 August 2012, during the text messaging exchange with Sgt Green, I was in a state of emergency due to Hurricane Isaac, myself and my family was in a house with no power, and my elderly grandparents were fighting off rising floodwaters by themselves and communication with them was intermittent due to the extent of the weather. Their safety during those critical hours was my top priority. In the height of my hysteria, I noticed a missed call from Sgt Green. Because of the sensitivity and volatility of this situation, I opted to send her a text message to quickly assess the importance of the issue for which she was contacting me. During this time, I was completely unaware that SSgt Green was my direct supervisor. I understand the exchange could have and was misinterpreted as disrespectful, but I can assure you I in no way meant for that to be disrespectful. Tone is easy to misconstrue via text message. An understanding of the severity and stress brought on by the state of emergency that I was in needs to be considered. I was literally coordinating rescue efforts to get my grandparents out of the rising floodwaters at the same time I was engaged in the text message exchange with Sgt. Green. I realize until 30 August 2012 that Sgt. Green felt I was blatantly disrespectful. I apologize profusely because I never want to make a supervisor (or any member of the Air Force) feel offended or disrespected as a result of my words or actions It does not reflect well on my commitment to and understanding of the mission of the Air Force.

4. On 30 August 2012, it has been stated that I disobeyed a lawful order. This LOR does not clearly explain what and how I disobeyed a lawful order. I merely explained to Sgt Blue that I did not wish to speak to Sgt Green unless she was my supervisor at which point during the verbal conversation I was officially informed that Sgt Green is in fact my new supervisor. I further explained to Sgt Adams that I was unaware up until our conversation that she was my new supervisor. I immediately understood where his frustration and discord was coming from. I was not offered the opportunity to give my side of the story during our conversation, but instead listen to his verbal reprimand on how I need to put my military commitment first and prioritize my life as well as respect to my superiors. During this thorough shaming, I was advised by Sgt Blue to reconsider my career by disassociating from the Air Force or going inactive due to my recent alleged actions. I was very discontent when our conversation ended and I had no chance to interject and extinguish the flames. I then sent Sgt Blue the text message that was stated in the LOR. The mere suggestion that I should consider separating from the Air Force regarding an allegation, for which Sgt. Blue did not wish to hear the circumstances, was infuriating to me. I have worked very hard to secure and maintain my Air Force career and I have full intentions of it being a long and successful one. Those implications coupled with dealing with the aftermath of the storm, including hosting many displaced relatives clouded my judgment. Although I was offended by his words and tone, I should have never made those comments to my superior like that.

If you look back in my three year career with the Air Force Reserves, I have had no previous transgressions related to insubordination, disrespect, or refusing an order from any superior. This LOR brings forth four serious allegations in less than a one month time span. (4 Aug 2012-30 Aug 2012) This concerns me gravely and makes me weary of the security of my future career.