The U.S. Army has suspended Col. Sheyla Baez Ramirez, the first female garrison commander of Fort McCoy in Wisconsin, following a troubling incident involving apparent disrespect.
The controversy erupted after portraits of Trump and Hegseth were found flipped around to face the wall on the base’s official chain of command display, prompting swift backlash from the Department of Defense and the public.
While the Army has stated that Baez Ramirez’s suspension is not related to misconduct, it has acknowledged an ongoing review of the incident.
An undated statement on Fort McCoy’s website confirmed Baez Ramirez’s suspension but remained tight-lipped about the details.
The Army did not clarify who was responsible for turning the portraits or why the images were flipped.
The only clear fact: an internal investigation has begun, and leadership isn’t taking the matter lightly.
The Department of Defense took to social media on April 14 to post images showing the portraits facing backward — and then restored to their proper position.
“Regarding the Ft. McCoy Chain of Command wall controversy … WE FIXED IT!” the post read. “Also, an investigation has begun to figure out exactly what happened.”
Suspended Commander’s Senior Background
Baez Ramirez had only recently taken over command at Fort McCoy in July 2024.
Prior to her appointment, she held senior roles in military intelligence, including chief of the Reserve Program for the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command at Fort Belvoir and deputy commander of the 501st Military Intelligence Brigade in South Korea.
With a long list of awards and credentials, including a master’s degree in strategic studies from the Army War College, Baez Ramirez’s suspension underscores how seriously the Trump administration and the Pentagon are treating any perceived acts of insubordination or disrespect.
Fort McCoy has been a vital component of America’s military readiness since 1909.
Spanning 93 square miles in western Wisconsin, the base trains tens of thousands of troops each year. The integrity and leadership of its command staff are paramount to maintaining that mission.
Turning presidential portraits to face the wall is not a harmless prank — it sends a clear message of disrespect.
For many military veterans, such acts undermine discipline and cohesion in the ranks, especially when they occur at a U.S. Army base funded by taxpayers and operated under the command of the president.
One needs to know who did the turning.. Anyone can go into the office turn a picture, take a picture, then push BS just to get a female fired, etc.. Some man most likely that thought he’d get the job.. Or it could have been the female, but they actually have to have evidence, not just a quick knee jerk reaction.. IMHO
If an investigation shows that Ramirez turned the photos or had them turned, it is better that the true feelings of the perp are out in the open. If she has the integrity that should be required of a col. she will admit her guilt if in fact she is responsible even though it may mean being booted out of the military.