Federal Daily News
Supervisors targeted whistleblowers in Dover mortuary case, says OSC
The Office of Special Counsel is seeking disciplinary action against mortuary supervisors who it has concluded retaliated against four civilian employees who tried to expose wrongdoing at the U.S. Port Mortuary at Dover Air Force Base, Del.
OSC also is seeking corrective action for the four whistleblowers who had disclosed details about mishandling of the remains of U.S. service members at the facility, and who subsequently complained of retaliation, which included job termination, indefinite administrative leave and five-day suspensions.
“Reprisals against employees are unethical and illegal and counter to Air Force core values,” Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley said in a written statement reported by the American Forces Press Service. “We take violations of the law seriously and have appointed a two-star general to review the report and take appropriate action.”
Separate from the OSC investigation, Donley has ordered an independent assessment of disciplinary actions taken at the mortuary.
“It is my intention to review this assessment, along with any actions taken based on the OSC reprisal investigation, and provide the secretary of defense with a final report on all disciplinary actions,” Donley said.