A Black airman in Arizona who claimed he was being denied a special duty assignment is facing Uniform Code of Military Justice punishment after a U.S. Air Force investigation found that the airman faked racist text messages from his supervisor.
In a statement, a Luke Air Force Base spokesman confirmed that the airman’s accusations were false,
“The 56th Fighter Wing has concluded its investigation into reports that an airman was denied a special duty assignment by their supervisor based upon their demographic identity. Following an exhaustive investigation, authorities determined that the statements published did not occur and the text messages were fake.”
Everything started in May when the airman posted screenshots of the alleged racist text messages to an Air Force Facebook page, saying they were from his supervisor who denied him a special duty assignment,
“We won’t be sending your name up for [redacted] at the squadron,” the screenshot of the text message read, “You currently have a shaving waiver which isn’t a professional image, and I think the Air Force is looking for somebody of white complexion and with the image that the Air Force needs.”
To which the airman responded,
“This is the third job that has been held over my head due to my looks, and something that’s based on personal preference,” according to the Air Force Times.
A Task & Purpose report said the airman who was accused of sending the racist message was identified as a White technical sergeant who served with the black airman in the 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron.
The investigation discovered the messages were fake.
The report comes as military members have spoken out against the ‘woke’ culture in the ranks, which they say has led to a recruiting crisis and has led to leaders feeling fearful of being accused of being racist, with one service member saying,
“Merely questioning the goals or methods used to promote ‘Equity & Diversity’ is punished and that punishment is swift, harsh and public.”
Another said,
“I 100% believe the military is woke. I see daily minorities, overweight people and women not adhering to military standards. Nobody corrects them due to the fear of being fired and labeled a racist or a sexist.”
