LOR Rebuttal Example

Responding to a Letter of Reprimand

Response to PDI Late Reporting

MEMORANDUM FOR TSGT MadeToGiveThisByTheCommander

FROM: SSGT GettingScrewed

SUBJECT: Response to Letter of Reprimand

1. Sir, I am writing this letter to discuss the issues regarding my letter of reprimand. It is my hope that, after reading this, you will find that I did not violate DOD 5210.42-R/AFMAN 10-3902 and that this action is not appropriate.

2. I believe the issue hinges on the fact that I didn't report passing out due to dehydration during a terrible flu on the same off-duty day that it happened (6 Jan 2010). After returning to duty the next morning and while discussing the event with my coworker, I realized this might be potentially disqualifying information (PDI) and reported it through the competent medical authority (CMA) at the hospital (7 Jan 2010). I do regret that I did not report it sooner, however I feel my circumstances may have been misunderstood and I may have been held to an unwritten (and unspoken) standard.

3. I might have thought about what happened more, but I had woken up dizzy during the middle of the night when it happened (I hydrated, felt better and went back to sleep), so that morning when I actually felt better, it seemed more like a bad dream than something to be concerned of. The rest of the day I was extremely preoccupied coping with the flu while doing my schoolwork and teaching my daughter.

4. In answering Lt Col TightWad's questions I stated, "At no time did I think my reliability was in question." Looking back, I believe he took that to mean that I decided there was no PDI. The fact is that I simply did not recognize or realize that there was PDI until I discussed the experience with my coworker the next morning at work. I did not "diagnose" myself - I have had no medical training as it relates to the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) other than the squadron PRP training. Unfortunately, the only medical conditions the refresher PRP training identifies are "significant medical conditions as identified by the CMA" and the initial PRP training I took over a year ago only addresses the use of medications. Also critical to my charges, the PRP training does not give any time requirements for reporting PDI nor does DOD 5210.42-R/AFMAN 10-3902. The statement there in paragraph C2.7.1 says, "This is a 24 hours per day, seven days per week responsibility." I don't understand how I was expected to read that as "I have 24 hours to report PDI." My point is there was no violation.

5. I understand my delayed reporting looks bad for the unit and that there has been a recent rash of PDI under-reporting in our squadron (at least 10 other individuals), but I believe I am being punished before receiving the necessary instruction that would fix the lack of PRP training. Premature punishment also sets a deterring precedent. It sends a message that says, "If you delay reporting PDI for whatever reason, you are better off just keeping your mouth shut."

6. In case I still appear to have had a lack of PRP knowledge for my position, I have attached a written statement by TSgt Helpful who administered my remedial PRP training saying I passed the test before I was retrained. This shows my indoctrination of the current PRP training program was sufficient and I did not need remediation.

7. I have learned that I need to ask more questions and that it would help if I were in frequent contact with my supervisor. I apologize that I did not report the incident sooner and will endeavor to keep my supervisor involved with any abnormal situation in the future. Thank you for your fair consideration of my response.

Respectfully submitted,

Unfortunately GettingScrewed, SSgt, USAF

Attachments:
Statement regarding PRP test