Registered Offender on Base

  • Published
ELLSWORTH AFB, S.D. --  The Commander's Action Line is a forum for the Ellsworth community to make suggestions or voice concerns about Ellsworth directly to Col. Mark Weatherington, 28th Bomb Wing commander. 

QUESTION 

It has been brought to the attention of many, via the spouses page, that a registered sex offender is employed as a contractor on base. I am very aware of this man's charges he was convicted for, and as the mother of a 9 year old daughter I find it in poor taste that our air force would employ someone of this nature. Our men and women in uniform serve proudly and are held to a standard, however those who are serving in civilian clothes next to them are not? I am disgusted that this man would be welcomed with open arms into our community. I would hope that we would remember that those little girls were someones child, and how would we feel if that was our child he had photos of? I can only wonder if he would have his job if the children in question were one of our own? It shouldn't matter, this man has no business being employed at Ellsworth. It is a privilege, not something to be cheapened by one man and his horrible choices. Thank you for your time.
Col. Mark Weatherington
Col. Mark
Weatherington		   RESPONSE
As a father of three daughters, I place a premium on the safety and security of our families--and I pledge we will take every practical effort to protect our children. I can also assure you that the Air Force and the 28th Bomb Wing take this issue very seriously - it is a breach of the standards we expect of every member of team Ellsworth, whether active duty or civilian. However, just like any other legal issue, we must respect due process and act in accordance with the many laws governing civilian employment on base.
The Privacy Act does not permit me to discuss specific details or potential adverse actions in this or any other case. Please understand we will continue to cooperate with local authorities and those who violate the law will be punished accordingly.
If you desire more information on how the process works in these cases, you are welcome to contact our base legal office at 605-385-2329.