McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas–Following a hard fought administrative discharge board, resulting in probation and rehabilitation, and the ultimate retention of an NCO with medical issues resulting in PT failures, Mr. Tolin didn’t settle there.
After multiple PT failures in a row, the client’s command followed the all-too-easy approach of progressive discipline from the menu without thorough investigation of underlying facts. So, she was administratively demoted (as JAGs might say–not as punishment).
After she scored a 97 on her first PT test after finally getting the specialty care she needed for previously-undiagnosed polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Mr. Tolin worked with her squadron, group, and wing command to support a HQ waiver to restore her rank well after the regulatory timeline. It took some incredible teamwork, support from her unit, and hubris from the wing who had previously relied on the advice of its medical group, but it finally worked.
Her E-6 stripe was rightly restored, and she was able to continue serving until retirement. Unfortunately, the injustice caused by the delayed medical care took away any opportunity she had to promote to E-7 or above, but at least the unit helped right this wrong.
