The commanding officer of Wounded Warrior Battalion East was fired Monday and two other staff assistants were placed on administrative leave, Marine Corps officials said.
Marine officials have provided few details about why Lt. Col. Chris Hrudka was removed except to say that the regiment commanding officer, Col. Larry Miller, relieved him “due to a loss of trust and confidence,” Marine spokesman Capt. Andrew Bolla told Marine Corps Times.
“Miller based his decision on issues stemming from a command investigation,” Bolla said.
The story was first reported by The Daily News of Jacksonville.
Two unnamed civilians were also placed on administrative leave and Miller is recommending they be removed from federal service.
“They each have seven days to respond or request an extension,” Bolla explained. “During this time, they will have an opportunity to review the investigation Col. Miller has based his decision on.”
The assistant deputy commandant for Manpower & Reserve Affairs will review the investigation and the employees’ final responses before coming to any final judgment about the status of their employment.
Hrudka is pending reassignment to another unit at Camp Lejeune while Wounded Warrior Regiment Executive Officer Lt. Col. Larry Coleman will temporarily take over command of the battalion.
Before being assigned to the Wounded Warrior Battalion, Hrudka served as the director of future requirements for U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command.
“The Wounded Warrior Regiment is committed to the care and recovery of our wounded, ill and injured service members and holds our leaders to the highest standards,” Bolla said.
Shawn Snow is the senior reporter for Marine Corps Times and a Marine Corps veteran.
