IC Series| Shadows of Resistance: Chains of Command Ripple Effects of Meeker Case

...reflects a microcosm of echoes of themes of dissent, resistance, and accountability that dominated headlines during the Trump era, particularly in the wake of the anonymous essay published in ...

The removal of Col. Christopher Meeker as commander of the 88th Air Base Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in December 2023 represents a watershed moment in the unit's history. This event, unprecedented since the wing's establishment in 1994, underscores the Air Force's unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest leadership and ethical conduct among its senior officers but, to be clear, unprecedented, which means the publicized charges were probably one of many, and this is evident by Col. Meeker’s waiver of Article 32.

The Charges and Legal Proceedings

Col. Meeker faces serious allegations under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, including willfully disobeying a superior commissioned officer (Article 90) and two specifications under Article 134: extramarital sexual conduct and fraternization. These charges, filed on October 25, 2024, followed an extensive investigation. Meeker opted to waive his Article 32 preliminary hearing, which has drawn significant attention due to its strategic implications.

Col. Christopher B. Meeker's decision to waive his Article 32 preliminary hearing could have been motivated by several strategic considerations. An Article 32 hearing might uncover evidence leading to additional charges; in addition, it prevents and denies the government an opportunity to have a third party (the preliminary hearing officer) review the charges and case, as well as avoiding documented characterizations of the original offense and other offenses by the hearing officer to warrant more severe punishment. Also considered should be that Col. Meeker’s defense team may believe they have a stronger case going directly to trial, which creates an avenue for expedited legal proceedings, which is pretty rare. Notably, waiving Article 32 hearing is generally not recommended, as it provides valuable opportunities for the defense to:

• Evaluate the government's evidence.

• Present exculpatory evidence

• Cross-examine witnesses

• Potentially obtain dismissal or reduction of charges

Despite waiving the hearing, Meeker is still presumed innocent until proven guilty by competent legal authority

In summary, regarding the issue of waiving the hearing, Meeker may have sought to avoid the risk of additional charges, deny the government an opportunity for a third-party preliminary hearing officer to review the case, or prevent potentially damaging characterizations of the charges and additional ones. However, this also meant forgoing valuable opportunities to evaluate the government’s evidence, present exculpatory information, and cross-examine witnesses. This decision likely reflects careful consultation with his legal counsel, as it moves the case directly to a general court-martial. Getting booted for having an affair keeps your pension. We can't let this happen unless he sings.

Maj. Gen. Charles D. Bolton, 18th Air Force commander at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, referred the case to trial. Given Lt. Gen. Donna D. Shipton's potential role as a material witness, the court-martial is set to commence on June 9, 2025, at Scott AFB to ensure impartiality. This case is being closely monitored as it unfolds, given its implications for military leadership and accountability.

Col. Meeker’s abrupt removal necessitated an atypical leadership transition. In April 2024, Col. Dustin Richards assumed command of the 88th Air Base Wing through an assumption of command ceremony rather than the traditional change of command ceremony. This departure from protocol underscores the situation's urgency and the Air Force's determination to restore stability and confidence in the wing's leadership swiftly.

An assumption of command ceremony is typically used when a leadership vacancy occurs under abrupt or adverse circumstances, ensuring continuity without the outgoing commander’s presence. This streamlined approach contrasted sharply with the usual ceremonial handover of authority and highlighted the gravity of the situation. With his background in civil engineering, Col. Richards brought expertise essential to managing the base’s infrastructure and security needs during a challenging period.

Lt. Gen. Donna Shipton’s Role and AFLCMC Transition

Lt. Gen. Donna Shipton, who played a pivotal role in removing Col. Meeker from command, also oversees re-designating the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) to the Air Force Air Dominance Systems Center (AFADSC). Considering the role she is moving into it is regarded as a promotion.

Col. Meekers Career before he took command at Wright-Patterson AFB

Here is a snapshot of his resume, which I have in SAFE KEEPING. The why will be evident soon.

Why is Col. Meeker important? His waiver is key. The unfolding case of Col. Christopher Meeker at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base reflects a microcosm of echoes of themes of dissent, resistance, and accountability that dominated headlines during the Trump era, particularly in the wake of the anonymous essay published in The New York Times in 2018, titled "I Am Part of the Resistance Inside the Trump Administration."