KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFPN) -- A cross-burning incident in Albuquerque, N.M., in March has resulted in discharges for three airmen from here.
An investigation revealed three Air Force personnel actively participated in the burning of a wooden cross in the fenced-in backyard of one of the member’s apartment. While the cross-burning incident was not directed at any specific individual, a neighbor living in the apartment complex witnessed them burning the cross.
Active participation, such as public demonstrations, in organizations that espouse supremacist causes is a violation of Air Force regulations and is not tolerated in the Air Force, according to base officials.
The three individuals were given Articles 15, and their punishments included reduction in rank, restrictions and reprimands. After reviewing the service records of each individual, the unit commander initiated involuntary discharge action against them. All three have now been involuntarily discharged from the Air Force.