LOC Rebuttal Example

Responding to a Letter of Counseling

MEMORANDUM FOR MDG/CC

FROM: SSGT JOE BLOW

SUBJECT: Response to Letter of Counseling, dated 15 Oct 2013

1. This statement concerns the LOC I received on 15 Oct 2013 for being a No Show for my Fitness Assessment scheduled on 9 Oct 2013 at 0730. Although I am not contesting the LOC received, in the interest of clarification I d like to submit the following additional information.

2. I believe the issue hinges on the fact that I didn't properly report to my supervision that I had begun eliminating narcotic medication from my medical treatment, and was going through withdrawal and symptoms associated with it. A few months earlier upon speaking with my rheumatologist he had notified me that the combination of narcotic medication I have been taking had lead to a rising number of patient deaths. Being a mother of two young children I immediately made a plan with all of my providers to cut back on all medication possible. On 7 Oct 13 I started weaning off of a dose of strong medication I had been taking. This was a morning dose and it had begun taking its toll on my body and the symptoms placed me in the restroom during the morning hours. I arrived at the gym between 0715-0718 when I passed the front desk I felt an intense sense of nausea and went to the restroom. I attempted to rush and get to the FAC doors but right as I rounded the corner the door was being shut.

3. I immediately attempted to do what I could to correct the situation. I entered the FAC and spoke with MSgt Smith. He stated that unfortunately being at the door at 0730 had made me a No Show . I asked what he recommended I do as a next step and he stated the 0900 slot still had spaces available. I immediately reached out to my supervisor and UFPM and notified them on what had happened. The UFPM rescheduled me to test at the 0900 Fitness Assessment slot which I attended and completed my FA that same day.

4. In conclusion I would like to express my gratitude for allowing me the opportunity to respond to the LOC I received. I would like to again express my sincerest apologizes to my squadron especially my flight and Commander. I will use this as an opportunity to learn from and better myself while ensuring my leadership is aware of all possible issues that could negatively affect my work. I thank leadership for the chance to correct this issue and respond to this LOC.

JOE H. BLOW, SSgt, USAF
MDG Health Service Management