Readers may remember this column about the 144th Fighter Wing of the California Air National Guard that has several members who are being investigated for double dipping, or this column about the Montana State Legislature’s resolution about keeping the planes in Montana.

The Sacramento Bee newspaper is now reporting that an investigation into “dual pay” is being conducted on the former Adjutant General of the Guard, Maj. Gen. William H. Wade II, who is now a “top NATO general.”  Wade was Adjutant General for the California National Guard from September 2005 to February 2010.

The Bee reports that General Wade’s total earnings amounted to “above $1 million during his 4 1/2-year California tenure that ended in 2010 – far more than any elected state official, including the governor’s salary.”

Incredible. You can read the whole story HERE.

According to the Bee, Double Dipping:

State law entitles full-time military employees of the California National Guard up to 30 days annually during which they can assume federal military duties, including training or attending conferences.

For those 30 days, they can receive their regular state salaries in addition to federal pay. This is a legal “double dip.”

Beyond those permitted 30 days, service members must take annual leave or leave without pay for further federal duties.

If they fail to take appropriate leave, according to the Guard, receiving pay from both the federal and state governments would be improper.

Why does this matter in Montana? The F-15s presently assigned to the Montana Air National Guard are supposed to be transferred to the 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno, California. Many folks who support the military here in Montana believe that with the leadership of the 144th in question, the basis for moving the F-15s from Montana to California deserves another look – an impartial look – to ensure Montana received a fair shake.

An impartial look is a very good idea. Terminating the plan to move the planes from Montana to California would be even better.