Racist Remark Ended General’s Career

A racially charged comment forced Maj. Gen. Michael Keltz to resign last week, according to Air Education and Training Command.

While serving as the convening authority at a company-grade officer’s Article 15 hearing April 9, Keltz said the accused and another officer looked “drunker than 10,000 Indians” while referring to a photograph of the two officers. {snip}

As the convening authority in the Article 15 hearing, which was to determine whether the accused officer’s nonjudicial punishment for an unspecified offense was too harsh, Keltz essentially served as both judge and jury.

Because of Keltz’s remark, the accused officer’s Article 15 was terminated, his punishment was voided, and no decision was made at the hearing, Whaley said. That officer’s case has now been sent back to his commander, who will look at the facts and decide what disciplinary action–if any–is appropriate, Whaley said. {snip}

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In a statement provided by Whaley last week, Keltz took responsibility for his statement.

“I inadvertently made an unfortunate comment, I own it, and I hold myself accountable to the same high standards my subordinate commanders are held to,” Keltz said. “As a result, I have tendered my resignation from command and requested to retire from service. [AETC Commander] Gen. [Robin] Rand has graciously accepted that request.”

Keltz will retire after serving 34 years in the Air Force.

Michael Keltz