A senior official at Fort McCoy has been suspended as military leaders address an incident involving a display honoring the base’s chain of command.
On April 18, 2025, Colonel Sheyla Baez-Ramirez was removed from her role as Fort McCoy Garrison Commander over administrative matters connected to a controversy concerning the installation’s Chain of Command wall. The incident centered around the top three photographs being turned backward, including images of President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Senior command from the U.S. Army Reserve and Fort McCoy confirmed that Baez-Ramirez’s suspension was not because of misconduct. They also stressed that neither Baez-Ramirez nor any member of the Fort McCoy leadership team ordered or endorsed the removal of the leader portraits.
Officials stated that the Leader Board was corrected immediately after the issue was reported. The command also noted that no further details would be released while the matter remains under review.
In a post on Facebook, the U.S. Army Reserve stated that neither the Fort McCoy leadership team nor the Army Reserve had prior knowledge of the vandalism involving the Leadership Board at a building on Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. Additionally, they emphasized that upholding the highest standards of conduct remains a top priority.
Regarding the Ft. McCoy Chain of Command wall controversy….
WE FIXED IT!
Also, an investigation has begun to figure out exactly what happened. pic.twitter.com/y0gcRtBQZq
— DOD Rapid Response (@DODResponse) April 14, 2025
Additionally, the Department of Defense’s rapid response X account posted the photo proving that they fixed the display and added that they’re still investigating the situation.
Naturally, this situation caused a ton of reactions online. One person posted the original image with the portraits facing the wall, adding, “Fort McCoy playing FAFO….” To which, someone responded, “This is insubordination and should be treated as such.”
Fort McCoy playing FAFO… pic.twitter.com/dfpzdaDJKm
— 0mega6 (@noCinErik) April 12, 2025
Another person stated, “Such disrespect cannot be allowed without consequences.” Someone else added, “So disrespectful.” This is only one of the incidents that have taken place at military forts lately.
On April 27, the army released information regarding the death of a soldier who was in training at Fort Jackson, located in Columbia, South Carolina. This individual was serving with Charlie Company, within the 2nd Battalion of the 13th Infantry Regiment, and was found during a training exercise that took place on Thursday.
The army will not release the soldier’s identity until the next of kin is notified. No information was immediately available about the cause of death, and it is unclear if an investigation has been launched.
In a statement, Fort Jackson Commander Major General Daryl Hood expressed that the loss of a teammate impacts everyone. He extended thoughts and prayers to the soldier’s family, as well as to the cadre and fellow trainees.
Following the death, Fort Jackson initiated a 48-hour training stand down. Officials stated that resources are being provided to both the family and the unit members to help them process the loss. Fort Jackson holds the distinction of being the largest basic training installation in the nation, accommodating over 50,000 recruits for training on an annual basis.
However, this recent tragedy adds to a concerning trend at Fort Jackson. Multiple deaths have been reported in the past two years. Staff Sergeant Corey R. Brown, a 34-year-old drill instructor, was discovered unresponsive at his residence on July 28, 2024, and subsequently passed away.
Prior to that, on March 21, 2024, Sergeant First Class Joshua A. Alfieri was discovered deceased on the installation after emergency responders answered a 911 call originating from a housing unit located on the post.
On April 29, Private First Class Veronica L. Wynn, a 39-year-old individual undergoing basic combat training, became unresponsive while participating in scheduled training activities and subsequently passed away at a nearby medical facility.
Several weeks earlier, in late February, Second Lieutenant Pascal Buma, a 38-year-old chaplain candidate, collapsed while on a physical training run and also died. Several more tragedies occurred in 2023. In June, Army Sergeant Jaime Contreras, a 40-year-old drill sergeant, passed away during a training exercise. Later in December, two more drill sergeants died in unrelated incidents just days apart.
Staff Sergeant Allen M. Burtram, 34, was reported missing after failing to show up for work and was later found dead on December 8. A week later, on December 16, Staff Sergeant Zachary L. Melton, 30, was also discovered deceased. According to Army officials, there was no evidence linking the two deaths.
