Congresswomen press Pennsylvania National Guard on harassment allegations

HATBORO, Pa. — Two Philadelphia-area members of Congress are asking the Pennsylvania National Guard’s commander to address allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation at the Horsham Air Guard Station near Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, a former Air Force officer, and U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean, whose district includes the air base, wrote Friday that they were troubled by allegations reported by the newspaper last month.

Mishandling of misconduct reports, retaliation a pattern across the National Guard

National Guard members speak out after they say their chains of command bungled their sexual assault investigations and retaliated against them for seeking justice.

Meghann Myers

August 11

The Inquirer's investigation included allegations of rampant sexual harassment and discrimination within the base's 111th Attack Wing and a pattern of reprisal against those speaking out about misconduct.

The letter to Maj. Gen. Anthony Carrelli from the freshmen Democrats says the National Guard "is not immune from the cultural challenges facing our military, especially when it comes to sexual harassment, misconduct, and retaliation."

As adjutant general, Carrelli is responsible for supervision of the state's Army and Air National Guard units.

A request for comment was made to the Pennsylvania National Guard on Monday.