Three dependents apologize for base vandalism

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GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Three family members were disciplined Nov. 8 for vandalism that damaged unoccupied base housing, according to the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate.

Each family member faced a Dependent Misconduct Board (DMB) for their actions. The DMB is an administrative hearing in which dependents voluntarily appear before the board to account for their misconduct.

Board president Lt. Col. John Winkler, Deputy Commander of the 319th Mission Support Group, admonished or counseled each respective dependent and directed him or her to write formal letters of apology to the Grand Forks Air Force Base community. Winkler also directed the family members to clean the affected homes and to create and pay for signs on all the vacant housing warning future trespassers or vandals that they will be held accountable for their actions.

The text of the family members' letters to the community follows:
  • "I am sorry for portraying negativity upon Grand Forks AFB, my Dad's squadron, and his name. I made some bad choices with my peers and learned the hard way. I ended up paying for it in the long run.

    "My family talks about core values and how we have to have integrity first. In the beginning, I tried to hide the fact we messed with some of the old housing units, but when I told my dad, he made me go the next day to tell on myself. I didn't like it but realized I was better for doing so. For this is integrity: doing what's right, even if no one's watching. If I've learned anything through this it's that when you mess up you have to take responsibility for it and make it right.

    "I feel like I've learned my lesson and have suffered the consequences. I feel like I lost a lot of my friends and I have lost a lot of trust from my parents. I only hope one day I will get it all back."
     
  • "I would like to apologize to the base populous for my actions in vacant housing. I have found that my decisions and behavior not only affect me but also could affect my family and the base as a whole. I have learned a valuable lesson and will not make the same mistakes again."

     
  • "I would like to apologize for the actions that I took on Labor Day weekend. I am really sorry for damaging government property by kicking in these doors to the houses, misusing the fire extinguishers and throwing crab apples at them.

    "I have accepted responsibility for the vandalism that I have done to the homes. When I am out from now on, I will think twice before I use bad behavior like this again. I am truly sorry for my actions and I did not mean to disappoint anyone."
(Courtesy of the 319th Air Base Wing Office of the Staff Judge Advocate)