A decision earlier this month to place S.C. Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom in command of the South Carolina State Guard is being questioned given his widely-publicized affair and high-profile divorce.
Eckstrom was named interim commander of the State Guard earlier this month. Since then, numerous sources have told FITS that they believe he should be relieved of that command based on his personal foibles.
Obviously, infidelity isn’t illegal – nor is it necessarily hazardous to one’s political career. But it’s clearly something that military leaders frown upon – particularly under certain circumstances.
According to the uniform code of military justice, adultery is not specifically listed as an offense punishable by court martial. However, in some instances it can be prosecuted as “conduct of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces.”
Specifically the manual for military courts martial outlines three criteria for such a prosecution.
First, it must be proven that “the accused wrongfully had sexual intercourse with a certain person.” Second, it must be proven that “the accused or the other person was married to someone else” at the time of the adulterous act. Finally, it must be proven that “the conduct of the accused was to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces or was of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces.”
“Adultery is clearly unacceptable conduct, and it reflects adversely on the service record of the military member,” the manual states.
So … does Eckstrom’s conduct fit these three criteria? Obviously he’s admitted his guilt on the first two counts, but what about the third? Has Eckstrom “brought discredit” to the military?
In addition to his recent affair with former GOP superintendent of education candidate Kelly Payne, Eckstrom settled a sexual harassment suit filed against him while he was serving as State Treasurer. The woman, Leanne R. Johnson, received $57,000 from South Carolina taxpayers as a result of the settlement.
Eckstrom may have had additional affairs. In fact, FITS is investigating reports that Eckstrom had an affair with one of his staffers as well as a statewide official in another state. Eckstrom is said to have confirmed the latter relationship to multiple sources, although a spokesman for the elected official – who works in Oklahoma – has denied his allegation.
Obviously, we don’t believe Eckstrom should be subjected to a military court martial. Our guess is that tons of military personnel engage in affairs, and besides – the “prejudice of good order” and “bring discredit” criteria are inherently subjective.
Having said that, we believe that the State Guard erred in placing Eckstrom in a position of leadership – and should find someone more fitting to fill this position.
A division of the S.C. Adjutant General’s office, the State Guard responds to emergencies in coordination with the S.C. National Guard and the state’s Emergency Management Division (EMD). Eckstrom currently holds the rank of brigadier general within the organization.
What do you think? Vote in our poll and post your thoughts in our comments section below …
Loading ...***
By The truth of the matter June 15, 2011 at 11:10 am
The truth of the matter is that the State Guard really doesn’t matter. It is a bunch of wannabe’s and use to be’s that are part of an antiquated system.
By crackahasscrackah June 15, 2011 at 11:11 am
No, Eckstrom should not be in command of the State Guard. He is clearly a freak of a David Vitter – Anthony Weiner variety. But, here’s a better question for ya, Folks – Should the State Guard exist at all? Why continue to use scarce public resources so old men can play soldier?
By who cares? June 15, 2011 at 11:18 am
The state guard isn’t exactly a military organization. Most people don’t understand that. These guys don’t carry weapons.They don’t do a whole lot. Frankly, its not a big deal.
By FT June 15, 2011 at 11:21 am
This was also discussed about former S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford:
http://www.free-times.com/index.php?cat=1992912064017974&ShowArticle_ID=11011407092176737
Gov. Mark Sanford, who serves as a captain in the Air Force Reserves, is unlikely to be sanctioned for any possible military misconduct in the wake of an adulterous affair he admitted to carrying on with a woman in Argentina, according to an Air Force spokesman.
“At this time we do not intend to conduct an investigation [of Sanford] or otherwise pursue any administrative actions,” says Lt. Col. Leslie Pratt, chief of public affairs at Air Force Reserve Command headquarters near Macon, Ga.
By Is this SHIITE for real June 15, 2011 at 11:26 am
Should this man be in charge of the state guard? He doesn’t even know how to be in charge of his own weiner.
By Colonel Cucumber June 15, 2011 at 11:49 am
Quit giving this attention whore more headlines. He’s eating every bit of it up.
By Anthony Weiner June 15, 2011 at 11:54 am
I’m a Weiner! he is just a slimy dick!
By Sam June 15, 2011 at 11:57 am
General Livingston should be publicy working against this amoral man. But like most of our republican statewide officers Livingston has no courage to fight Eckstrom.
Adultry, stalking, sexual harrassment…these are not the traits of a military leader and they bring shame on SC.
By crackahasscrackah June 15, 2011 at 12:16 pm
@FT
Sanford had a no-show “job” but it was with the actual military – the U.S. Air Force Reserves. The State Guard isn’t the military.
Its old men playing soldier. Take a look at these guys for yourself: http://www.sg.sc.gov/
By fine specimen June 15, 2011 at 12:19 pm
Its sad to watch such good kids disgraced by their fathers inability to act like an adult.
By The truth of the matter June 15, 2011 at 12:21 pm
They were quick to fill the useless slot in the State Guard but the director of the South Carolina Emergency Management Division has been vacant since March. We are in the middle of hurricane season after all…..whats the hurry?
By blue364 June 15, 2011 at 12:26 pm
Eckstrom needs to go right along with Ard, Haley and everyone she’s appointed to run her cabinet agencies. If the her pick for who heads the agency I work for has their way I will be out of a job in 3 or 4 years due to privitization.
By Larry June 15, 2011 at 12:27 pm
Eckstrom is a disgrace. I can see him in politics, after all bums are often in office. But to be apponted to be a General is a differnt matter.
The State Guard is saying to the state that their leader is a whore and we are OK with that.
For me, that means it is time to dump the State Guard.
By Keep Em June 15, 2011 at 12:28 pm
Nikki’s puppet-on-a-string and Bob’s dick-on-a-stick
By Militia Man June 15, 2011 at 12:31 pm
@Larry, male whores are cool, liars aren’t.
By Brenda June 15, 2011 at 12:42 pm
He’s just a gentleman. That’s what makes him a little special. There’s a lot of players out there who are me-me players anymore, and General Eckstrom is certainly not one of those. With an incredible amount of talent, drive, and a mind that allows him to stay humble and keep working to get better, Eckstrom is a true warrior.
By cash June 15, 2011 at 12:43 pm
Richard E and his buddy, Bob, decided to have an evening on the town. They drank a bunch and ended up at a brothel. The madam took a look at these two old geezers, and whispered to her manager…”Go up to the first two bedrooms and place an inflated doll in each bed. These two are so old and drunk, I’m not wasting two girls on them. They won’t even know the difference”. The manager does as she is told, and Richard and Bob go upstairs and take care of their business. As they walked home, Bob said “I think my girl was dead”. “Dead”? Richard said. “Why would you say that”? Bob says “Well, Richard, she never moved or made the first noise”. Richard says “It could be worse. I think my girl was a witch. Bob says “A witch? Why in the hell would you say that”? Richard says “While I was making love to her, I kissed her on the neck and gave her a little bite. Then, she farted and flew ou the window…took my teeth with her”.
By Brenda June 15, 2011 at 1:00 pm
Of course, I am sleeping with Eckstrom, so I felt I needed to give him a boost.
By Stuffed Poots June 15, 2011 at 1:06 pm
Brenda, you obviously don’t know this man. Little Dick Eckstrom has no business holding any office or command.
By The Colonel June 15, 2011 at 1:08 pm
Where’s the button for HELL NO THIS TWIT SHOULDN’T BE IN CHARGE OF THE STATE GUARD?
Frankly, the SC State Guard isn’t anything of real concern to anyone and if it were disbanded tomorrow, almost no one would notice but Eckstorm isn’t qualified to lead anything but the Liars and Cheater Club.
By disgusted June 15, 2011 at 1:24 pm
Richard is a retired Captain in the Naval Reserves. I guess he sees those uniforms as Babe Magnets. What a jerk!
By Shlomo June 15, 2011 at 1:45 pm
Except in South Carolina or Mississippi, he wouldn’t be fit to serve as the attendant in a men’s room.
Ask MajorC. He’s served several tours of duty stationed in urinal perimeters. Now there’s a man who’s covered himself in glory.
By Real Housewife of Irmo June 15, 2011 at 1:52 pm
Expecting an Anthony Weiner-type episode from Eckstrom any day now…oh wait a minute…I forgot about his emails to his personal “It Kid” Kelly Payne. Just hope he doesn’t tweet his meat from his state cell phone.
By Real Housewife of Irmo June 15, 2011 at 1:55 pm
Brenda…did he send you a meat tweet or something??
By jimlewisowb June 15, 2011 at 2:14 pm
Captain Off Keel is in Command of the State Gestapo, Colonel Cuckold is in Command of the Gypsy Queen’s Mansion and General Fuckold is in Command of the State Guard.
Life is great in Old South Carolina!
By Huhhh??? June 15, 2011 at 2:34 pm
Who appointed him and does it constitute dual office holding?
By A Person that Knows June 15, 2011 at 2:37 pm
From what I hear, Dickless bitched and moaned to get this position and is mad it’s only interim. Here’s a better idea Sic, how about he resign as comptroller. I don’t really care to have this disgrace as a human being as our state’s chief accountant.
By Michael P. June 15, 2011 at 2:58 pm
The “state guard” could be eliminated entirely and wouldn’t be missed. The requirements to become a member are breathing and being able to semi-move under your own power.
By fine specimen June 15, 2011 at 3:03 pm
Hey everyone….Brenda is Richard. Look on all the stories about him and there are always a few nauseating posts about how great he is. Its old Richard under a different name. What a doufus.
By Anthony W. June 15, 2011 at 3:33 pm
The person who suggested that ths is dual office holding and therefore illegal is probably correct.
Sic, check out the compensation, and more importantly, the retirement benefits accorded to a “General” in the state guard.
I bet they are significant.
Anyone who would drive a state van to Minnesota and back with a wife he was cheating on at the time, will do anything to squeeze a few more bucks out of the taxpayers.
This guy is the poster child of SC scumbag politicos.
At least Gov. Haley apparently had her spouse’s tacit permission to cheat.
Not so with the DICK.
By Alabaster II June 15, 2011 at 4:15 pm
Is Mark Sanford still in the Air Force Reserves? Did that end when he left the office? Just wondering.
By don't tread on me June 15, 2011 at 10:27 pm
I have been around this pervert. How the people continue to elect this guy is a mystery. he is sick and needs serious help.
Anthony Weiner has nothing on this poor, sick, sad excuse for a human being.
By VJMachiavelli June 15, 2011 at 11:58 pm
Eckstrom is the SECOND most corrupt– and corrupting– creep in COLA, after his puppermaster Haley.
By Shlomo June 16, 2011 at 1:02 am
My god, that is one creepy-looking fuck. He’s got a face that screams “sex offender.” Got that flasher mug.
I guarantee you a good cornholing from a striped-ass ape would cure a lot of his sexual addiction.
By Bemused June 16, 2011 at 9:46 am
The problem isn’t Richard Eckstrom’s personal life. The problem, as others have suggested here, is the SCNG. It has long served too long as a “harmless” place of last resort for employing the feckless and otherwise unemployable relatives and friends of politicians.
By Matt June 16, 2011 at 12:52 pm
People need to quit criticizing General Eckstrom. Everyone respects him, he respects everyone. This fine man is the epitome of integrity. He’s the VICTIM. Richard would never cheat, whether it’s on his wife, girlfriend, or the taxpayers.
By Richard Gozyna June 16, 2011 at 2:26 pm
The problem is how deep the apathy or favors run. Too many people are looking the other way while the moral corrupt are running loose. Eckstrom should be asked to resign from his current position as Comptroller General and definitely should not be given a place of honor in any Military, active duty or interim position. He has conducted himself without honor, isn’t that one of the first rules of any military service? Kelly Payne should be asked to resign from teaching or influencing teenage children. Her classroom is used as platform for her political rhetoric. She is Ekstrom’s mouthpiece in more ways than one!
A lie can travel halfway round the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.
- This quote has been attributed to Mark Twain,
By Real Housewife of Irmo June 16, 2011 at 3:38 pm
@Richard Gozyna – you are exactly right. BOTH need to go. Anyone can file a complaint about her conduct to the State Dept of Education’s Office of General Counsel. Misconduct may lead to denying, revoking or suspending a teacher’s certificate, or a public reprimand. Disciplinary actions are posted online and cover various types of bad behavior, including the general catch-all “unprofessional conduct.”
By dog June 16, 2011 at 10:13 pm
I’m a vet, and favor scrapping the State Guard and using scarce resources for the SC National Guard.
Time for the fossils to go home and give the money to the men and women who are actually AT WAR and deploy to the fight.
By Richie's Hamster June 16, 2011 at 11:07 pm
“Man Flu”
By Red Army June 17, 2011 at 1:47 am
With his alcoholism, dude is likely to die off anyway. Just give him some time.
By Groundball June 17, 2011 at 8:34 am
Nothing brings out the comments like a story on this POS! I think that Richard Gozyna hits the nail on the head.
@dog – How does being a veterinarian give your opinion credence? This guy ain’t worth dogshit. Just kidding of course ….. thanks for your service!! We need more like you.
By Red Army June 17, 2011 at 9:41 am
For now the best thing we could do is eliminate the Budget and Control Board. If this windbag loses that power he doesn’t have a reason to continue as Comptroller General.
By Lt Col, USAF June 17, 2011 at 12:56 pm
Makes me question General Livingston’s judgement.
By Col. L. Lott June 17, 2011 at 1:19 pm
Eckstom is a MINO…Man-In-Name-Only
By tricky ricky June 20, 2011 at 2:37 pm
Once again Richard posts under a different name – Matt. Poor guy.
By joestateguardguy September 13, 2011 at 4:50 pm
The State Guard has a lot of good volunteers, but Eckstrom and his “Boy’s Club” won’t allow them to do their jobs! SC has more NG troops serving abroad than any other state. SG troops are willing to fill in. We are waiting for the new AG to make a change, and we think he will… But we need Good Leaders! The Officers who ARE good are being backstabbed by the Old Dudes who want to ‘play army.’ The average SG soldier wants to serve his state. I know some of the current Big Dogs are blowing smoke up Livingston’s A**. Meanwhile, we are losing good experienced citizen-soldiers to this bufoonery. And, hey, what’s with General Hard-On holding TWO constitutional jobs? Isn’t that like…Unconstitutional?
By LT DAN September 13, 2011 at 5:01 pm
…Eckstrom’s gotta go, but I gotta wonder if any of you whiners ever did any service for your country or state?
By kernel September 14, 2011 at 7:24 am
The current “leadership” in the SCSG has run off experienced, capable soldiers from all age brackets. The SG is tasked with protecting the lives and property of SC citizens and other tasks like guarding armories. They are supposed to be trained as back-up for the NG, but the lack of leadership has resulted in hundreds quitting in frustration. These men and women are willing to donate their time and money on a purely volunteer basis, which is great considering our financial condition. Gen. swinging dick needs to go, along with the other deadbeats in Columbia!