Madison, Wisconsin – The Army has taken action against the first female commander of a Wisconsin training base, Fort McCoy, for an incident involving portraits of President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Col. Sheyla Baez Ramirez has been suspended from her role as the garrison commander at the base. The suspension is not related to any misconduct but details about the incident are currently under review.
The Department of Defense recently discovered that the portraits of Trump and Hegseth on the base’s chain of command wall had been turned to face the wall. Photos were shared showing that the portraits had been later flipped back to face the corridor. An investigation has been launched to determine exactly what happened in this controversial incident.
Baez Ramirez, who took on the position of garrison commander at Fort McCoy in July 2024, has a long and distinguished military career. With a background as chief of the Reserve Program, U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, she brings a wealth of experience to the role. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology/mental health from the University of Puerto Rico and a master’s in strategic studies from the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Throughout her career, Baez Ramirez has received numerous citations and decorations, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Korean Defense Medal. Her experience as chief of operations of U.S. Army Reserve Command at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, as well as other leadership roles, demonstrates her capability as a strong military leader. Fort McCoy, a significant 93-square-mile training base in the western Wisconsin countryside, has been in operation since 1909.
At this time, Fort McCoy officials have not provided additional information about the incident or the ongoing review of the matter. Baez Ramirez’s suspension has raised questions and concerns within the base and the wider military community. It remains to be seen what the outcome of the investigation will be and how it will impact Baez Ramirez’s future in the military.