Airman Fights ‘Don’t Ask’ Dismissal

Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach, one of the highest-ranking officers investigated for violating the Pentagon’s “don’t ask-don’t tell” policy, is fighting his potential removal by the Air Force. Fehrenbach announced Aug. 11 that he had filed an injunction in federal court to stop his discharge, claiming that it would “cause him irreparable harm.” Air Force and Justice Department attorneys are now reviewing Fehrenbach’s request for an injunction, according to a subsequent USAF release, and will file a response in federal court. Fehrenbach’s discharge case remains under review by the Air Force Review Boards Agency—its decision will eventually work its way up to Air Force Secretary Michael Donley, who can then pick up the case if he chooses. Air Force officials said media reports claiming that that Donley is already reviewing the case are inaccurate. Fehrenbach’s homosexuality surfaced during a police investigation after he was accused of a sexual assault. No charges were ever filed against him. (See New York Times report)