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Wisconsin Training Base Commander Suspended Amid Portrait Incident
MADISON, Wis. — The U.S. Army has relieved the first female commander of a Wisconsin training installation, Fort McCoy, after portraits of former President Donald Trump and former Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were reportedly turned to face a wall. This incident has sparked an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the display arrangement at the Army training base.
Details of the Suspension
The Army released a statement on Fort McCoy’s official website indicating that Col. Sheyla Baez Ramirez has been temporarily relieved of her duties as the installation’s garrison commander. According to the statement, this suspension is not associated with any specific misconduct but rather, is pending further review of the situation. The statement refrained from providing additional details.
Chain of Command Wall Controversy
On April 14, the Department of Defense shared images on X, formerly known as Twitter, depicting the portraits of Trump and Hegseth, which are typically displayed on the base’s chain of command wall, faced toward the wall. Subsequent photos showed the portraits had been restored to their original position.
- Initial State: Portraits faced the wall.
- Subsequent Action: Portraits were returned to their proper orientation.
- Investigation: An inquiry has been launched to determine the timeline of events.
The post accompanying the photos read, “Regarding the Ft. McCoy Chain of Command wall controversy … WE FIXED IT! Also, an investigation has begun to figure out exactly what happened.”
Col. Sheyla Baez Ramirez’s Background
Col. Baez Ramirez assumed the role of garrison commander at Fort McCoy in July 2024. Before this assignment, she served as chief of the Reserve Program, U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Her career highlights include:
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- Commissioned as a Military Intelligence Officer: 1999, through the Reserve Officer Training Corps.
- Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Psychology/Mental Health, University of Puerto Rico.
- Master’s Degree: Strategic Studies, Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Awards and Prior Roles
Throughout her distinguished career, Col. Baez Ramirez has received numerous awards and decorations, including:
- Defense Meritorious Service Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Korean Defense Medal
Key Leadership Positions
Her previous roles include:
- Chief of Operations: U.S. Army Reserve Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
- Deputy Commander: 501st Military Intelligence Brigade.
- Deputy Chief: Special United States Liaison Advisor Korea at Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea.
About Fort McCoy
Fort McCoy, in operation since 1909, is a 93-square-mile military training base located in western Wisconsin.