Retired Officer Exposes General's Fraternization With Subordinate (NM Guard/Richardson cover-up)

The New Mexico Channel ^ | 22 April 2003 | Larry Barker

[Cogadh na Sith]

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- New Mexico's highest-ranking military official quietly resigns, but a Target 7 investigation finds the resignation is clouded by scandal.

Investigative reporter Larry Barker uncovers the truth about the sudden departure of Adjutant General Randall Horn.

He is a two-star general appointed four years ago to head up New Mexico's National Guard.

His resignation yesterday came as a surprise.

Governor Richardson was quoted as saying, it was General Horn's decision to leave the guard, and he had done a good job.

But that's not the real story.

"He crossed the line and that's why this is a serious offense," said Virgil Vigil, a retired military officer who directly negotiated with the governor's office on behalf of the family about alleged misconduct by General Horn.

Vigil says Horn had an improper personal relationship with a subordinate officer.

She is identified as an active duty staff sergeant who works at the Air National Guard as a secretary.

"They traveled extensively together. He helped her with her homework at the community college. I know he constantly called her five times a week. I know that he would actually have lunch with her three or four times a week," said Vigil.

We have learned the Air Guard secretary is married with two small children, but as a result of her friendship with Horn, she is now separated from her husband.

We have also learned recordings between Horn and the Air Guard Sergeant have been turned over the governor's office.

The allegations of fraternization by a military officer were brought to the military's attention one week ago, and late last week the governor's office negotiated with Vigil to work out a settlement.

According to Vigil, the governor decided to do nothing.

"The governor decided to do nothing. The governor decided to let Randy Horn, despite the allegations, retire graciously and basically what it is is a cover-up," said Vigil.

Fraternization is an improper relationship between a military officer and a subordinate. It is a serious offense, and punishable by court marshal, possible jail time, or loss of rank, or pension.

Neither General Horn nor the governor's office returned phone calls for comment.

The Air Force says it will launch an official investigation into the activities of General Horn.

[KantianBurke]

Sorry about that, Bill Bennett. He was Reagan's Secretary of Education and Drug Czar. He's written quite a bit in terms of the breakdown of society. Smart fellow and very eloquent.

I tend to disagree with regards to "what one chooses to see." If one lives in a violent neighborhood, one can notice how pretty some of the surrounding houses are. But that still doesn't displace the fact that you're living in gangland.

[ninenot]

I never had a problem with cheating either. My wife knows how to use guns.

[Cogadh na Sith]

I don't know where you come up with your stats, but I'd be interested to see some proof of all that boinking going on between married enlisted females and male officers.

I'm sure it doesn't hold across the board, but--holy cow--do we have a lot of cases of that in and around my unit...

[MineralMan]

"I tend to disagree with regards to "what one chooses to see." If one lives in a violent neighborhood, one can notice how pretty some of the surrounding houses are. But that still doesn't displace the fact that you're living in gangland."

And the answer to that is to move out of that violent neighborhood and find one that pleases you, isn't it? Same with relationships. If the only women you're meeting in your current surroundings are not suitable, then change your surroundings. Join a church. Attend functions where good people are.

William Bennett may be an intelligent man, but I doubt that his position is that it is impossible to have and hold a good marriage. I read a review of his book on the topic, and it seems to me that he is pointing out the dangers society presents to marriage. I doubt seriously that he is counseling folks not to marry.

You control where you live and who you meet. Change your surroundings and you'll change your perspective, or at least you'll have a chance to change your perspective.

On the other hand, if you expect only to find evil or noxious persons, that is what you will find. I'm reminded of the old story of the person who whined that all the people around him were unfriendly. He moved to a new town, and found the same thing there. No matter how often he moved, he found unfriendly people. Why? Because he was unfriendly himself and expected only to meet unfriendly people.

Seek what you want, and you will find it. Be who you wish to find, and you'll find others like yourself.

[oldironsides]

Officers learn early on that fraterization with enlisted is not acceptable. We all knew it. That goes for female officers also. We just saw the admiral of a battle group headed toward the middle east lose his command for fooling around. We saw the general of Aberdeen Proving Ground lose his command when someone called on an 800 hotline and told of his fooling around.

[KantianBurke]

I wonder what the husband of the cheating spouse of this story would say to your advice. I pity the two youngins even more.

And with regards to the neighborhood analogy, what if every neighborhood is analogous to that or one doesn't possess the funds to move out?

[Cogadh na Sith]

So how do guys like Randy Horn-dog keep getting put in command. I mean, we all knew he was screwing around and with whom!

[Tijeras_Slim]

So how do guys like Randy Horn-dog keep getting put in command?

Probably because they're politicians and not military men, they see their advancement as their "duty" first and foremost.

[MineralMan]

"I wonder what the husband of the cheating spouse of this story would say to your advice. I pity the two youngins even more. "

Single examples prove nothing. I see that you are not interested in changing your attitude. Perhaps your time in the Marines will help. You will have to learn to trust your fellow man to succeed there. If you do not, you will fail as a Marine, since the Marine Corps is built on trust.

I do hope you'll find some happiness in your life. That's my last comment.

[Falcon488]

I'm sure it doesn't hold across the board, but--holy cow--do we have a lot of cases of that in and around my unit...

Is it effecting unit morale and performance? If so, you have a problem. Most of the cases I knew of this were/are kept pretty much under wraps (i.e., the participants were not flaunting it).

[Marysecretary]

MineralMan has a good suggestion. Our church is full of people who are committed to one another in marriage. Some have been married over 50 years and they're still in love. I'm truly sorry your experience has been the opposite but they are still out there.

[hardhead]

Doesn't this sound familiar? Richardson was one of bubba's buddies and bubba................? Was richardson covering up? (no pun intended)

[Cogadh na Sith]

Is it effecting unit morale and performance?

Sure it is....

If so, you have a problem. Most of the cases I knew of this were/are kept pretty much under wraps

If they ever cracked down on fraternization within the NM Guard, there wouldn't be more than a Company left... It is sickening and it starts at the top.

[Cogadh na Sith]

bUMP for The Night Crew....

[fuzzthatwuz]

Good comments and a nice try!

[KantianBurke]

Once again as I have remarked before this isn't a personal issue for me. I feel that I'm merely stating the obvious. Also please leave my personal goals out of the discussion. If you must, one of the reasons I'm looking forward to trying to become a Marine is precisely because of the trust such a form of solidery creates. Something which is lacking in our society. Thank you for the frank discussion.

[KantianBurke]

Sigh - for the last time my position is NOT predicated upon my own life but on what I've observed and read both here on FR and in other works.

That said, I would find it more laudable for a couple to remain together for such a long time if they were to get married today. Those who married 50 years ago did so in a society with vastly different expectations and morals.

[Squantos]

LOL.....Remember Baca ? This horn dog could'nt compare with his oh dark thirty antics if he had a free supply of viagra. Didn't think I'd ever miss that infamous IBM poster boy .....Gov. Tony Anaya !

Stay Safe Chookter !!

[SLB]

The KY AG who was in office, Robert DeZarn, when I was in the guard is still in prison I believe. He was convicted of soliciting bribes (contributions) to a campaign for governor. Kentucky is noted for the best in government that money can buy.

[Marysecretary]

Yes, I agree, this is a whole new age. But I see a lot of young people who are filled with the Holy Spirit and gung ho for the things of God. Not all kids are losers, boneheads, druggies, sexually perverse or loose. Gotta look in the right places, my FRiend.