Ellis wrote that he initially thought the transfer was designed to protect him from reprisals from other squadron members and that the move would be temporary, but that he later learned that Guard officials blocked his access to security squadron facilities, a rare move if a member was expected to return after a temporary assignment. He also had to remove his gear from a security unit locker as part of a locker room upgrade but wasn’t given a new locker. Instead he was given a locker in a locker room for lower-ranking officers.

Guard officials also began an in-depth review of his medical history in November, Ellis wrote in the complaint. They eventually prepared a memo for an Air Force medical review board listing his medical problems that the Guard has been aware of since he joined 18 years ago, including pain in his feet. He argued in the complaint that the problems have long since been resolved and any restrictions on his physical training have been lifted, but that Eakens still recommended in the memo to the medical review board that Ellis not be retained.

Ellis said in the interview that he’s two years away from retiring with full benefits. A medical discharge would deny him those benefits, particularly the right to collect half his salary for the rest of his life.