Edwards Airman Comes Clean on Drugs, Consequences, Regrets

  • Published
  • By Giancarlo Casem
  • 412th Test Wing Public Affairs

An Airman stationed at Edwards Air Force Base has opened up about the devastating consequences of substance abuse after recently facing disciplinary action. His story serves as a cautionary tale for fellow service members grappling with similar challenges.

The Airman initially tested positive for Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol – THC – in late September 2024. Additional testing revealed multiple positive results for both Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC, leading to a summary court-martial in December, where he pleaded guilty to multiple counts of drug use. Although he remains an active-duty Airman, he is facing separation from the Air Force and uncertainty regarding his future as a civilian.

Reflecting on his eight-plus years of service, the Airman expressed frustration over the impact of the incident on his military career. 

“It devastated my career,” he said. “I had planned to do the full 20 years, or at least ten before I got out, and this absolutely canceled all of that,” he said. 

The situation has had the most significant impact on his wife, putting in jeopardy their access to medical care and treatment.

“I don't have a secure job anymore. I don't have on-base housing. I don't have all of the securities that the military does provide, and, in turn, I have now cut my wife off from all that as well,” he said.

He now faces the challenge of providing for his family while navigating potential unemployment. The airman noted that his actions have not only affected him and his wife but have also strained relationships within his team. 

“The trust my team had in me deteriorated,” he explained, citing the frustration experienced by his colleagues as he struggled to fulfill his role as a non-commissioned officer in a critical field. “I couldn't [supervise] troops anymore which meant I couldn't help with leading the unit.” The airman also stated his misconduct caused him to not effectively execute his duties and serve his customers.

In a candid reflection, he urged others to avoid the pitfalls of self-medication, emphasizing the importance of seeking professional help. 

“It’s definitely not worth it... the consequences are irreparable,” he said, acknowledging that personal issues—including family tragedies and personal struggles—led him down a path that compromised his Air Force values. 

The Airman also addressed the stigma surrounding mental health care within the military. He expressed regret for not seeking help sooner. 

“I dug myself into this hole, and that's the biggest thing that I've been preaching to all my teammates at work is that the stigma doesn't matter. It is just that, it's a stigma. There's no need to fall into that, and it's always the best option to go and get the help that you need,” he said. “If I had just taken that first step, none of this would have happened.”