May 22, 1997
If you're concerned that gender bias is a factor in the court martial of Lieutenant Kelly Flinn, be aware that most service members who are guilty of sexual misconduct, lying and fraternization have not received court martials but "non-judicial punishments."
Consider the 140 naval and marine aviators who were referred for disciplinary action for sexual misconduct (including indecent exposure) and for the sexual assault of 90 individuals. Fifty-one of the 140 military aviators were found to have lied during the investigation. None of these pilots or navigators received a court martial. All received non-judicial punishments such as verbal and written reprimands and fines.
Consider the U.S. Army staff sergeant and private first class that were discharged from the Army in lieu of court martial for lying, adultery and having sex with a 12-year old girl (the daughter of an Army sergeant). This occurred in November 1996 at the Army base in Bamburg, Germany. This 12-year old is pregnant, and the father is outraged that these two men were not sent for court martial and imprisonment.
So far in 1997, a total of 12 cases have been referred for prosecution for sexual misconduct in the Air Force. Of those cases, 42% (5) have been women, even though women comprise only 16% of the Air Force.
A lieutenant colonel at Minot Air Force base, where Lt. Flinn was stationed, last year had sex with a subordinate--his secretary, which constitutes adultery and fraternization, and was given only a reprimand and a fine. Lt. Flinn was having an affair with a civilian, and she is up for a court martial, facing up to 9 1/2 years in prison if she is convicted.
ACTION NEEDED: Contact Lieutenant General Phillip J. Ford, the 8th Air Force commander, and let him know that you think he should halt court martial proceedings and give Lt. Flinn a non-judicial punishment (an Article 15) so that she may proceed to fulfill her Air Force commitment. He can be contacted at 318-456-2242 (phone), 318-456-4222 (fax), or fordp@hq8af.barksdale.af.mil .
Her family also has established a legal defense fund. They can be reached at http://members.aol.com/kjfdefense/index.htm or kjfdefense@aol.com .