Homosexual tendencies alleged

AF sergeant judged unsuitable

DAYTON AP Staff Sgt. Jackie Tyler, a 14-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, has been judged "unsuitable" and ordered discharged from the service for alleged homosexual tendencies by the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base commander.

Col. Titus C. Hall ordered Tyler's discharge Monday for reasons of "unsuitability," according to a prepared statement read by a base spokesman yesterday.

Tyler's removal from the Air Force was recommended in September by a panel of officers who found him guilty of "habitual association with homosexuals". and "displaying homosexual tendencies" based on letters from Tyler to an admitted homosexual in Germany.

Tyler will be furnished with an honorable discharge in recognition of his

14 years of service," the spokesman read.

"His retention as a noncommissioned officer was not considered to be in the best interest of the Air Force."

Tyler was "afforded "afforded a fair and impartial hearing in accordance with Air Force policy," although "the rigorous 'beyond a reasonable doubt' standard was not applied in his case," the statement continued.

The statement explained that in cases such as Tyler's, "Heavy reliance is placed upon the board members individually using their best personal judgment and common sense in resolving disputed and conflicting evidence."

The WPAFB spokesman declined to elaborate on the prepared statement.

Reached in the base hospital where he is undergoing treatment for mental de-

pression resulting from family pressures after the Air Force charges came to light, Tyler said he has been informed of Hall's decision and intends to appeal to federal

court.

"I feel just the opposite that they feel," Tyler said. "I know I'm suitable for the Air Force. I've been in the service for 14 years. I'm more determined than ever to stay in the Air Force."

The Ohio Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union plans to appeal Tyler's case on a constitutional basis, according to chapter director Benson Wolman.

"The Supreme Court has upheld the dismissal of an admitted homosexual from the military. But this is not what Tyler is charged with," Wolman said. "He is charged with associating with homosexuals and having homosexual tendencies."