California National Guard top commander is fired after ordering troops to carry ... trends now
A California National Guard top commander was fired after officials received reports that he used subordinates for personal errands.
Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Magram used troops to take his mother grocery shopping and complete mandatory online cybersecurity training.
Reports also indicate the general put an F-15C fighter jet on standby in a way that some said could be used in a way that might frighten civilian protesters.
Magram is set to be 'involuntarily transferred' to the U.S. Air Force retired reserve, which is considered 'parallel' to a firing, according to National Guard spokesman Lt. Col. Brandon Hill.
Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Magram used troops to take his mother grocery shopping and complete mandatory online cybersecurity training
Reports also indicate the general put an F-15C fighter jet on standby in a way that some said could be used in a way that might frighten civilian protesters
When looking into the allegations against the general, National Guard officials also found out that Magram also had one Guard member drive him 120 miles roundtrip for a dentist appointment.
The serviceman who complained is cited in one document, saying: 'My job is to take care of the airmen in the state of California and not be a chauffeur for a general.'
Officials also said they heard accusations Magram readied a fighter plane for a 'possible domestic mission' in 2020.
The group said they feared his order would be considered 'buzzing' and solely an attempt to disperse crowd members during the George Floyd protests.
Maj. Gen. David Baldwin suspended Magram with pay in 2021 after a report on the incident was shared by the Los Angeles Times.
At the time, Baldwin denied that the jet had been prepared to fly and insisted the suspension had nothing to do with the LA Times report.
When looking into the allegations against the general, National Guard officials also found out that Magram (third from left) also had one Guard member drive him 120 miles roundtrip for a dentist appointment
The general said he believed the trips fell under the Air Force' 'wingman concept,' about looking out for fellow servicemen and women
The Guard member who took Magram's mother to the grocery store spoke with officials and described the trip.
'She was particular. When I say particular, it had to be at Whole Foods. … It just took her a long time to decide what she wanted, a lot of comparison shopping amongst products,' the unnamed Guard member stated.
The report stated that Magram did not deny the claims, and even generally confirmed the
