Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas–Mr. Tolin was called in to assist an operational Air Force pilot (flying the KC-135), who had been re-assigned as an Instructor Pilot (flying T-6) at Randolph.
Unfortunately, this O-3 pilot did not physically do well in the T-6, and some folks in the training command believed he was malingering, because he did not take anti-nausea medication that is sometimes prescribed to pilots experiencing difficulties.
Mr. Tolin teamed with this pilot’s Area Defense Counsel and Defense Paralegal to deep dive into the case and interview multiple witnesses. The investigation revealed that (contrary to the training commander’s belief and understanding), this operational pilot was actually following the flight doctor’s recommendation by not taking certain available medication.
The board heard all the evidence, and just as Mr. Tolin argued, did not take this O-3’s wings. Instead, the board recommended (contrary to his training commander’s position) he be returned to his operational billet or be given a different airframe to instruct.