The U.S. Army has suspended Lt. Gen. Gary Volesky, its former head of communications, from his role and placed him under investigation after he posted a tweet that appeared to mock first lady Jill Biden’s response to the Supreme Court’s recent decision on abortion.
According to U.S Today, Volesky responded, “Glad to see you finally know what a woman is,” to Jill Biden’s tweet.
Cynthia Smith, an army spokesperson, said in a statement that Lt. Gen. Theodore Martin, commanding general of the Combined Arms Center, suspended Volesky from his contract as a senior mentor “pending the outcome of the commander’s inquiry.”
Volesky, age 60, is a successful officer with a long military career. Before he retired from the Army, Volesky had commanded the I Corps, a military formation, and led Joint Base Lewis-McChord from 2017 to 2020. Then, from 2014 to 2017, he commanded the 101st Airborne Division, renowned for its role on D-Day during World War II. From 2012 to 2014, he was the chief of the Army’s public affairs division. Volesky also served in the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan. He was awarded a Silver Star, the third-highest military combat honor, for his efforts in northeastern Baghdad.
Volesky has posted other political tweets. In July 2021, he replied to a tweet from Rep. Liz Cheney, in which she announced that she would serve on the select committee to investigate the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of previous President Donald Trump. She tweeted, “Our oath to the Constitution must be above partisan politics.” Volesky wrote in response, “This is all about partisan politics.”
According to U.S Today, Volesky responded, “Glad to see you finally know what a woman is,” to Jill Biden’s tweet.
Cynthia Smith, an army spokesperson, said in a statement that Lt. Gen. Theodore Martin, commanding general of the Combined Arms Center, suspended Volesky from his contract as a senior mentor “pending the outcome of the commander’s inquiry.”
Volesky, age 60, is a successful officer with a long military career. Before he retired from the Army, Volesky had commanded the I Corps, a military formation, and led Joint Base Lewis-McChord from 2017 to 2020. Then, from 2014 to 2017, he commanded the 101st Airborne Division, renowned for its role on D-Day during World War II. From 2012 to 2014, he was the chief of the Army’s public affairs division. Volesky also served in the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan. He was awarded a Silver Star, the third-highest military combat honor, for his efforts in northeastern Baghdad.
Volesky has posted other political tweets. In July 2021, he replied to a tweet from Rep. Liz Cheney, in which she announced that she would serve on the select committee to investigate the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of previous President Donald Trump. She tweeted, “Our oath to the Constitution must be above partisan politics.” Volesky wrote in response, “This is all about partisan politics.”