Drug use ends Airman's career

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Marissa Tucker
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  An Airman from the 4th Equipment Maintenance Squadron received nine months confinement, reduction in rank to Airman Basic, forfeiture of $933 pay per month for nine months, and a bad conduct discharge in a trial here March 27. 

Airman Basic Lee Allen Knueppel pled guilty to violating Article 80 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice for attempted possession of a controlled substance, four specifications of Article 112a for wrongful use of a controlled substance and Article 121 for larceny. 

The maximum punishment for the violations is one year confinement, forfeiture of two thirds pay for one year, reduction in rank to Airman Basic and a bad conduct discharge.

Airman Knueppel admitted to using cocaine and taking various controlled prescription drugs such as Lortab and Hydrocodone without lawful reason.

He also admitted to assisting in the theft of Hydrocodone from an Airman in the dormitories here. Airman Knueppel was conducting custodial duties in the dormitory area and was given the master key to provide contractors access to dorm rooms to do repairs. He gave the master key to another Airman, who then took the Hydrocodone from another Airman's room. 

A noncommissioned officer from the 4th Equipment Maintenance Squadron said that theft in the dorms decreases the morale of Airmen and creates a non-trusting environment in the dorms and workplace. He also said that drug use takes an Airman out of the fight, leaving their peers to take up their slack. It's not fair and it's selfish, he said. 

Drug use is incompatible with military service and will not be tolerated in the Air Force, said Capt. Charmaine Tupue, 4th Fighter Wing Legal Office, who was a prosecutor in the case. Airmen who violate the law should be punished justly, she said.