View Full Version : Gen. William "Kip" Ward still under investigation
Well this just goes to show that even the top of the food chain can lose it and go off the edge. Looks like if the accusations are true that Gen Ward might be in for a reduction. If the article is correct he and his wife decided that they were special and deserved to be kept like royalty on our dime. Hummmm I see parallels with them and the COC and his wife. Power does corrupt if your moral compass is not strong.
http://www.kypost.com/dpps/news/national/report-details-generals-lavish-travel-spending_7772376
Report details general's lavish travel, spending
Posted: 08/17/2012
By: LOLITA C. BALDOR Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The four-star general who headed U.S. Africa Command used military vehicles to shuttle his wife shopping and to spas, and billed the government for a refueling stop overnight in Bermuda, where the couple stayed in a $750 suite, a Defense Department investigation has found.
A 99-page report details excessive unauthorized spending and travel costs for Gen. William "Kip" Ward, including lengthy stays at lavish hotels for Ward, his wife and his staff members, and the use of five-vehicle motorcades when he traveled to Washington. It also said that Ward and his wife, Joyce, accepted dinner and Broadway show tickets from a government contractor during a trip on which he went backstage to meet actor Denzel Washington and they and several staff members spent the night at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
The report by the Defense Department's inspector general was obtained Friday by The Associated Press.
One incident involved Joyce Ward asking a staff member to go buy her a bag of "dark chocolate Snickers" bars, saying the general would provide "a couple of dollars" for it.
Ward, who is facing possible demotion for his activities, defended the Bermuda layover as a "crew stop" and blamed his staff for making the decision to stay there rather than flying on to Stuttgart, Germany-based Africa Command. His comments were included in the report.
"We conclude Gen. Ward engaged in multiple forms of misconduct related to official and unofficial travel," the inspector general's report said. "He conducted officials travel for primarily personal reasons and misused" military aircraft. It said he also misused his position and his staff's time and received reimbursement for travel expenses that far exceeded the approved daily military rate without approval.
In one case, his request to use military aircraft for a personal trip was denied, so he abruptly changed the trip to an official one, adding a quick meeting, and went anyway.
In numerous other cases, he and his wife used staff and government-rented cars to run errands, pick up flowers, books, snacks and event tickets.
During one 11-day trip to Washington, Ward spent one day visiting wounded soldiers, had a 90-minute meeting on another day and a State Department meeting on a third day but billed the Pentagon more than $129,000 to cover the daily hotel and other costs for him, his wife and 13 civilian and military staff.
The report concluded he did no other official business during that trip.
A common theme running through the report was Ward's insistence that his wife travel with him at government cost, even though it was often not authorized and she often did not perform official duties. He also routinely stayed in high-priced suites in luxury hotels rather than in standard rooms or less expensive locales.
And his staff - which can include advance and security teams - often traveled days prior to his arrival, including on the Bermuda stop, and stayed after he departed. The cost of rooms in Bermuda for Ward and his staff came to more than $10,000, not including meals, transportation or other costs.
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is expected to make a decision on Ward's fate before the end of the month.
U.S. officials said Ward, who was the first head of the U.S. military's Africa Command, was warned several times by staff that his activities were wrong, to no avail.
While the exact amount of alleged misspending was not disclosed, the estimated total evokes comparisons with the $823,000 allegedly spent by dozens of employees of the General Services Administration who were accused of lavish spending during an October 2010 conference at a Las Vegas resort.
Panetta's options regarding Ward are limited by complex laws and military guidelines.
Panetta can demote Ward and force him to retire at a lower rank. Because Ward's alleged offenses occurred while he was a four-star general, he could be forced to retire as a three-star, which officials said could cost him as much as $1 million in retirement pay over time.
In order for Ward to be demoted to two-star rank, investigators would have to conclude that he also had problems prior to moving to Africa Command, and officials said that does not appear to be the case.
In making his decision, Panetta has to certify to Congress that Ward served satisfactorily at the rank at which he is retired.
Ward stepped down early last year after serving at the Europe-based Africa Command, and he intended to retire. He did all the paperwork and was hosted at a retirement ceremony in April 2011 at Fort Myer, Va., but the Army halted his plans to leave because of the investigation.
Since then, he has been working in Northern Virginia, serving as a special assistant to the vice chief of the Army.
ZonieDiver
08-18-2012, 16:43
Something happens to some people when they pin on those stars. I've had seen with a few generals, but had direct contact with only one, Maj Gen George L. Mabry, Jr. He was CG of USARSO when I was in 8th Group.
I met him twice, neither were pleasant. He seemed focused on trivial crap on the first meeting. On the second, which occured at JOTC's "Leadership Reaction / Target Detection and Engagement" course (BB-guns fired from the hip), he came during lunch. While we SF instructors and our Marine students had cold C-rats, they set up a little table with a white tablecloth and served him a hot meal. (When I see it in my mind's eye, there's a silver candlelabra on it, but I don't think that was really there.)
As he was coming in, I got up, took my C's, walked about 10 yards down my lane - followed by my four Marines - and ate my C's in the jungle.
Besides two stars, he had the MOH from WWII. When I read the narrative, it was difficult for me to associate the man he was back then with the man he became.
Sad.
If those accusations are true it's clear cut fraud waste and abuse. Since he's not a junior grade officer I doubt he'll get anything worse than a golden parachute ride. I hope I'm wrong.
BMT (RIP)
08-18-2012, 17:12
Ward is now a 2 star.
BMT
Ward is now a 2 star.
BMT
Has Panetta made his decision? Have not seen any announcement yet.......
I am sure he will be demoted but you never know......
Bettendorf
09-01-2012, 15:47
Has Panetta made his decision? Have not seen any announcement yet.......
I am sure he will be demoted but you never know......
Here's the IG report on the newly christened MG.
http://www.dodig.mil/fo/Foia/PDFs/WardROI_Redacted.pdf
Should be courtsmartialed period......what an arrogant ass.
Here's the IG report on the newly christened MG.
http://www.dodig.mil/fo/Foia/PDFs/WardROI_Redacted.pdf
He is a MG because he was not in a position for a General for the time he was in a holding pattern in DC waiting for the investigation. Their lack of fast action caused him to revert to MG so they did not have to do anything.
He should have been courtsmartialed like we all feel but they are taking care of the ass. Generals taking care of Generals. If it was a low ranking Officer or Enlisted they would be in jail right now. This burns me up........
Inflexible Six
09-02-2012, 13:20
I actually read this, which shows you how boring my life is. Yes, he should be in jail...And Mrs. General Ward should be doing some weed-whackin around the NCO Club...
Badger52
09-02-2012, 14:51
I got detailed (very briefly*) in Berlin once back in the day to drive for a member of the bde staff who had some big 'godfather' somewhere. That guy could've "grown up" to be this POS. (One thing never painted on the sides of mil sedans during that time was For Official Use Only.) Came to a head when he got back in the car late one night after I was coolin' my heels in some side street off the Ku'damm in front of a (great) Balkan restaurant while he took care of his Norwegian mistress. His counter-offer implied perhaps I'd rather be staring across the wire at some VoPo with binos & a radio. Pointing out that it would be a helluva lot closer to my MOS than what I was doing probably cemented the deal.
My point is that I don't believe such knuckleheads as this suddenly get that way. The scope may get larger but at some point their network is gonna overlook some stuff and, absent any rudder corrections, you get this. Neither first nor last. Docking his number of stars? BS.
Still, my oath is the only one I can protect. Hang 'em & move on. Perhaps Mrs. Ward will get used to "my husband, the corrupt & disgraced General." Just doesn't flow the same....
:rolleyes:
* My Opns NCO said, "23 days, that might be a record." :D
And people wonder why our troops have a hard time respecting the Officer Corps. Typical, take care of your buddy bullshit. If this was a Lt Col or below they would be HUNG. I am so tired of this crap.
Norfolk Virginian-Pilot
October 5, 2012
Don't Demote General, Top Officer Urges
By Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press
WASHINGTON--America's top military officer is opposing the demotion of a four-star general who is accused of spending tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars on lavish travel and other expenses in a case that has been sitting on Defense Secretary Leon Panetta's desk for weeks, U.S. officials said Thursday.
Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is among those who believe that Gen. William Ward, the former head of U.S. Africa Command, should be allowed to retire at his full four-star general rank, the officials said.
A Defense Department inspector general's report released in mid-August concluded that Ward "engaged in multiple forms of misconduct related to official and unofficial travel." It said Ward "conducted official travel for primarily personal reasons," misused military aircraft and received reimbursement for travel expenses that far exceeded the approved daily military rate without authorization.
Panetta has not made a final decision, officials said.
Other officials have argued that the allegations made against Ward in the IG report were serious and that senior officers need to be held accountable. Officials have suggested that similar misconduct by a lower-ranking officer or enlisted military member would garner severe punishment or dismissal.
Retiring as a three-star would cost Ward nearly $30,000 a year in retirement pay - giving him about $208,802 a year rather than the $236,650 he would get as a four-star. He also could be required to reimburse the Defense Department for tens of thousands of dollars.
The inspector general's report found that Ward used military vehicles to shuttle his wife on shopping trips and to a spa and billed the government for a refueling stop overnight in Bermuda, where the couple stayed in a $750 suite, a Defense Department investigation found. It detailed lengthy stays at lavish hotels for Ward, his wife and his staff members, and the use of five-vehicle motorcades when he traveled to Washington.
mark46th
10-05-2012, 08:02
We had a Major in the 46th Co, Taco 6, who was, IIRC, jailed for such nonsense...
And people wonder why our troops have a hard time respecting the Officer Corps. Typical, take care of your buddy bullshit. If this was a Lt Col or below they would be HUNG. I am so tired of this crap.
Norfolk Virginian-Pilot
October 5, 2012
Don't Demote General, Top Officer Urges
By Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press
WASHINGTON--America's top military officer is opposing the demotion of a four-star general who is accused of spending tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars on lavish travel and other expenses in a case that has been sitting on Defense Secretary Leon Panetta's desk for weeks, U.S. officials said Thursday.
Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is among those who believe that Gen. William Ward, the former head of U.S. Africa Command, should be allowed to retire at his full four-star general rank, the officials said.
A Defense Department inspector general's report released in mid-August concluded that Ward "engaged in multiple forms of misconduct related to official and unofficial travel." It said Ward "conducted official travel for primarily personal reasons," misused military aircraft and received reimbursement for travel expenses that far exceeded the approved daily military rate without authorization.
Panetta has not made a final decision, officials said.
Other officials have argued that the allegations made against Ward in the IG report were serious and that senior officers need to be held accountable. Officials have suggested that similar misconduct by a lower-ranking officer or enlisted military member would garner severe punishment or dismissal.
Retiring as a three-star would cost Ward nearly $30,000 a year in retirement pay - giving him about $208,802 a year rather than the $236,650 he would get as a four-star. He also could be required to reimburse the Defense Department for tens of thousands of dollars.
The inspector general's report found that Ward used military vehicles to shuttle his wife on shopping trips and to a spa and billed the government for a refueling stop overnight in Bermuda, where the couple stayed in a $750 suite, a Defense Department investigation found. It detailed lengthy stays at lavish hotels for Ward, his wife and his staff members, and the use of five-vehicle motorcades when he traveled to Washington.
Not that I had any respect for Dempsey to begin with, but that just seals it. I wonder if he knows the damage that he (Dempsey) does to other GOs by doing this? If it were anyone else, they would be hammered and in Leavenworth.
This inDUHvidual just needs some additional training. I'm thinking that a branch reclassification to Hard Rock Mining is in order with concurrent reassignment to Ft. Leavenworth.
Dozer523
10-05-2012, 10:53
This inDUHvidual just needs some additional training. I'm thinking that a branch reclassification to Hard Rock Mining is in order with concurrent reassignment to Ft. Leavenworth.
Leavenworth isn't as cool as it used to be. The farm is gone, the rose greenhouse, the shops are all gone. Trustees don't even bag groceries in the commissary any more.
The Reaper
10-05-2012, 16:22
Okay, what is the message here if we punish everyone below the rank of GO for these crimes, but a four-star does it and gets away with minimal punishment?
Where is the fairness and equal application of justice?
GEN Ward abused his authority, violated his trust, and wasted pulic monies for his (and his wife's) direct personal benefit. He was briefed on unethical activities repeatedly during his career, had an IG and a JAG handy to tell him what was legal and what was not. He deliberately chose to disregard all of this and treat himself like royalty.
Read the IG report. This man was a walking, talking bad example.
As a thief, he should be hammered and made an example of.
The fact that he is not speaks volumes about the corruption of our leadership.
I am amazed that no one saw these defects in his character till he was a General. Maybe this was a pattern, and it was ignored for some other reason till now.
Now the rest of us will probably get to sit through four more hours of mandatory annual training on DTS and what constitutes unethical conduct.:rolleyes:
Meanwhile, he (who has been collecting his check, but not reporting in to work for an extended period) gets to retire without punishment and collect a big-assed retirement check.
Where is the justice?
TR
69harley
10-05-2012, 19:25
Ok, I'll say it. Maybe him being a member of a 'protected class' has something to do with not being puished.
Ok, I'll say it. Maybe him being a member of a 'protected class' has something to do with not being puished.Do have any evidence to support this postulation? That is, other than the obvious.
Ok, I'll say it. Maybe him being a member of a 'protected class' has something to do with not being puished.
If you mean a GO then yes. If you mean black, you are wrong.
Dempsey says and does some very questionable things.
His comments about 'retiree's' beeing silent on political events and now supporting a 4 star thief.
I think Dempsey is the perfect example of what a 'good' General looks like to the Obama admin.
Dempsey says and does some very questionable things.
His comments about 'retiree's' beeing silent on political events and now supporting a 4 star thief.
I think Dempsey is the perfect example of what a 'good' General looks like to the Obama admin.
You mean looks and sounds like an Idiot ? ;)
69harley
10-06-2012, 16:49
If you mean a GO then yes. If you mean black, you are wrong.
Really? I am not so sure about that. You are obviously secure in your position on this. Why?
I've an idea....let us let the Dems pull the race card when there is no real proof...that is one thing I never speculate about unless there is a direct link.
I believe this is an example of a stupid GO supporting a stupid GO because he is, well, simply stupid.
Dempsey has already shown his obtuse thought process.....maybe Dempsey thinks it is the right thing to do because the GO is black and he, Dempsey, wants to please his Admin masters....but there is no linkage to prove that....that would simply be Dempsey being Dempsey.
Dozer523
10-08-2012, 12:31
Okay, what is the message here if we punish everyone below the rank of GO for these crimes, but a four-star does it and gets away with minimal punishment?
Where is the fairness and equal application of justice?
GEN Ward abused his authority, violated his trust, and wasted pulic monies for his (and his wife's) direct personal benefit. He was briefed on unethical activities repeatedly during his career, had an IG and a JAG handy to tell him what was legal and what was not. He deliberately chose to disregard all of this and treat himself like royalty.
... The fact that he is not speaks volumes about the corruption of our leadership.
Where is the justice?
TRThe message is that with time and rank comes power and the more you have of the latter the less you have to care of why you were given ( yes, given) it.
Lack of action by those in power sends the message that fairness and equality don't matter to them when they see power in general threatened. Is that the truth? I hope not. Time will tell. If Leadership doesn't "do the right thing" then this will set it back. Shoplifting at the PX is gonna be a lot easier to do. Still be hard to get away with thought.
It has nothing to do with his race or his alma mater. He has probably always manipulated the system and others. He didn't wake up one morning and say, "Jackpot!, Honey."
Really? I am not so sure about that. You are obviously secure in your position on this. Why?
Based on my experiences and observations as both an NCO and an Officer with experience at the ambassadorial and theater army organizational levels, I, too, agree with afchic's comment. The GO club is as exclusive and as protective of "its own" - regardless of gender or race - as is the US Senate.
Richard :munchin
Really? I am not so sure about that. You are obviously secure in your position on this. Why?
Because I have spent the last 8 years dealing with the GO club. I have seen how they work and know they will circle the wagons to protect one of their own. It has nothing to do with the color of his skin but the four stars on his shoulders.
Because I have spent the last 8 years dealing with the GO club. I have seen how they work and know they will circle the wagons to protect one of their own. It has nothing to do with the color of his skin but the four stars on his shoulders.
Tend to agree...I worked at GO level for 5 years....double secret probation is the order of the day until it affects the 'whole club' then you get 'offered up' as it where.
Badger52
10-23-2012, 06:37
Based on my experiences and observations as both an NCO and an Officer with experience at the ambassadorial and theater army organizational levels, I, too, agree with afchic's comment. The GO club is as exclusive and as protective of "its own" - regardless of gender or race - as is the US Senate.
Richard :munchin
Decision Soon On Ex-AFRICOM Chief’s Punishment
By Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press
Early Bird link to AP story (http://ebird.osd.mil/ebfiles/e20121023909421.html)
WASHINGTON — Demoting a four-star general for spending misconduct could be harsh and would force the officer to lose as much as $1 million in retirement pay, the Army’s top military officer said Monday, noting that a lower level officer would never be asked to pay such a high price.
“I’ve never heard of a private getting fined a million dollars,” Odierno told reporters at a news conference on the opening day of the Association of the United States Army conference. But, he added, “This is not a good old boy network. When you do something wrong you will be held accountable.”
He said it may not be fair to compare Ward’s possible punishments to younger officers, who in many cases are often demoted, discharged or arrested and charged in connection with financial crimes or other offenses.
I find this last statement attributed to GEN Odierno at once incredible horsehockey, and completely expected.
QP Richard's comparison to legislative "censure" is getting good odds in my book (you're a bad boy, go to your room & no allowance for 2 weeks). Not like 1 speaking engagement won't make up the difference.
:rolleyes:
More bling should mean more sting.
Odierno's commenst are offensive and out-of-touch. So, someone of lesser grade wouldn't be punished as severely? Do we not expect the behavior of a four star to differ from that of a Private or Lieutenant? Does anyone really believe that a Private or lieutenant wouldn't go to jail over this? Or that he wouldn't be, comparatively (at least) strip[ped of his pay, let alone not being allowed to retire?
He disgusts me.
Dozer523
10-23-2012, 11:39
Decision Soon On Ex-AFRICOM Chief’s Punishment
By Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press
Early Bird link to AP story (http://ebird.osd.mil/ebfiles/e20121023909421.html)
I find this last statement attributed to GEN Odierno at once incredible horsehockey, and completely
More bling should mean more sting. and a Private (on food stamps often enough) knows $million. . . how? Nice to know there are people this out of touch . . . At the top. . . Making decisions . . . About you and me . . . . Just when you think you have seen it all :mad:
These days I can't get drunk enough, fast enough.
Based on the 2012 Pay Table [4-Star over 40 pay: 19,239.90; 3-Star over 40 pay: 16,975.80]
Retirement at 4-Star rank: $14429.92 / month or $173,159 / year
Retirement at 3-Star rank: $12731.85 / month or $152,782 / year
“This is not a good old boy network. When you do something wrong you will be held accountable.”
The utter hypocrisy of many officers at the O-6 level and above is breathtaking...most notably, some of the recent statements of General Dempsey and General Odierno are reminiscent of listening to Stepanie Cutter or Debbie Wasserman Schultz spin a topic...
I have seen more than a few good enlisted men (and some lower ranking officers) have their careers ended for far less than the malfeasance/impropriety/misconduct/misbehavior of General Ward or COL James Johnson...
Ghost_Team
10-23-2012, 12:48
I look at GO's (well, pretty much any officer in command) and see the same thing I see when I look at Congress. A bunch of halfwit jackasses who are so totally secure in their positions of power that they are totally comfortable exempting themselves from the rules that they come up with that the rest of us peasants must live by.
Talk about being out of touch with reality & living at the height of hypocrisy.
:mad:
I look at GO's (well, pretty much any officer in command) and see the same thing I see when I look at Congress. A bunch of halfwit jackasses who are so totally secure in their positions of power that they are totally comfortable exempting themselves from the rules that they come up with that the rest of us peasants must live by.
Talk about being out of touch with reality & living at the height of hypocrisy.
:mad:
Not all of us are half-wit jackasses :D.
Based on the 2012 Pay Table [4-Star over 40 pay: 19,239.90; 3-Star over 40 pay: 16,975.80]
Retirement at 4-Star rank: $14429.92 / month or $173,159 / year
Retirement at 3-Star rank: $12731.85 / month or $152,782 / year
“This is not a good old boy network. When you do something wrong you will be held accountable.”
The utter hypocrisy of many officers at the O-6 level and above is breathtaking...most notably, some of the recent statements of General Dempsey and General Odierno are reminiscent of listening to Stepanie Cutter or Debbie Wasserman Schultz spin a topic...
I have seen more than a few good enlisted men (and some lower ranking officers) have their careers ended for far less than the malfeasance/impropriety/misconduct/misbehavior of General Ward or COL James Johnson...
I stand corrected. Based on the 2007 Defense Authorization Act, the following was added IRT retirement:
SEC. 642. INAPPLICABILITY OF RETIRED PAY MULTIPLIER MAXIMUM
PERCENTAGE TO CERTAIN SERVICE OF MEMBERS OF THE
ARMED FORCES IN EXCESS OF 30 YEARS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Paragraph (3) of section 1409(b) of title 10,
United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
‘‘(3) 30 YEARS OF SERVICE.—
‘‘(A) RETIREMENT BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2007.—In the case
of a member who retires before January 1, 2007, with
more than 30 years of creditable service, the percentage
to be used under subsection (a) is 75 percent.
‘‘(B) RETIREMENT AFTER DECEMBER 31, 2006.—In the
case of a member who retires after December 31, 2006,
with more than 30 years of creditable service, the percentage
to be used under subsection (a) is the sum of—
‘‘(i) 75 percent; and
‘‘(ii) the product (stated as a percentage) of—
‘‘(I) 21⁄2; and
‘‘(II) the member’s years of creditable service
(as defined in subsection (c)) in excess of 30 years
of creditable service, under conditions authorized
for purposes of this subparagraph during a period
designated by the Secretary of Defense for purposes
of this subparagraph.’’.
So....he would get the 30 years/75% + 2.5% for every year over that...which would mean 40 years = 100% retirement:
Retirement at 4-Star rank: $19239.90 / month or ~$230,878 / year
Retirement at 3-Star rank: $16975.80 / month or ~$203,709 / year
Guess someone's going to be on food stamps...:rolleyes::mad:
Oh, the humanity...
The Reaper
10-23-2012, 17:11
I guess I just learned a lesson about our CSA.
This is wrong on many levels.
They busted LTG Kensinger for allegedly lying to the Tillman family about what happened to Pat. He did not benefit or profit from the action, and was reduced from 0-9 to O-8, AFTER retirement.
Justice has not been served.
TR
BMT (RIP)
11-13-2012, 12:23
A senior U.S. official says Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has demoted the former head of U.S. Africa Command who was accused of spending thousands of dollars on lavish travel and other unauthorized expenses
http://www.stripes.com/general-demoted-for-lavish-travel-spending-1.196968
:lifter
BMT
A senior U.S. official says Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has demoted the former head of U.S. Africa Command who was accused of spending thousands of dollars on lavish travel and other unauthorized expenses
http://www.stripes.com/general-demoted-for-lavish-travel-spending-1.196968
:lifter
BMT
Panetta stripped Gen. William "Kip" Ward of a star, which means that he will now retire as a three-star lieutenant general despite arguments from the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff against the demotion. Ward also has been ordered also repay the government $82,000.
So he'll only make $200K+ per year in retirement...tough life - not...such BS at the senior ranks as they cover for each other...
According to the official, Panetta reviewed the Ward matter and concluded that the wrongdoing found by the Defense Department Inspector General, in a report released earlier this year, demanded accountability.:rolleyes:
Hahahahahahahahahahaha...
He was already lowered to LTG because he was not in a billet for a 4 Star for over 12 months. So this was not even a demotion just an administrative action. What a POS. Guess they had to do some sort of announcement to show that they are doing something since so many GO's and Col's are in trouble right now.