Man loses security clearance for keeping in touch w/ his family in Iran

Natasha · 08-26-2008, 08:53 PM

This is a story that's starting to gain a lot of attention locally.

August 26, 2008

VIDEO: Suspended Robins Worker Fired

Randall Savage
Time is running out for a Robins Air Force Base employee who lost his security clearance and job because of alleged connections with Iran.
Rezaee was born in Iran but became an American citizen 16 years ago.
He worked as an electrical engineer at Robins for 13 years. But he was suspended without pay in January and notified last week that he's terminated Wednesday.

Rezaee came to America in the late 1970s and served in the United States Navy. After becoming an American citizen, Rezaee obtained a security clearance and worked as an electrical engineer at Robins for 13 years.

But in January, Robins officials suspended him without pay because his security clearance had been revoked. According to hearing records supplied by Rezaee, his security clearance was revoked because he'd kept in contact with family members back in Iran.

"I haven't done anything illegal," Rezaee said. "I have been a good employee. I never had any problem with anybody. The only sole decision was made because of the security clearance."

Rezaee appealed his firing, but lost. He was notified last week that his termination would become effective Wednesday.

Before Robins officials issued the termination letter, a federal administrative judge upheld the decision to fire Rezaee. The judge issued several reasons for his decision. He said Rezaee's wife holds dual American and Iranian citizenship; they've traveled to Iran; they have family contacts in Iran and they bought an apartment in Tehran.

The judge also found Rezaee's marriage created a heightened security risk because they live in the same home.

Rezaee recently contacted 8th District Congressman Jim Marshall.

"This is the first time we've had a complaint that's like this one, and we'll start out by contacting the base. We'll also look into what the role of a congressman might be," Marshall said.

Because of the circumstances surrounding his dismissal, Rezaee said he can't find work.

"I've been trying to get a job," Rezaee said. "But it's very hard. There's a big cloud over my situation, because a lot of people don't understand the whole nine yards. I haven't got a single interview."

Rezaee hopes Marshall can help him get his job back or find a new one.

But Marshall said his role will be to determine how officials followed procedures and if they were even-handed i handling Rezaee. Robins officials will make the ultimate decision, he said.

Department of Defense officials in Washington referred questions to Robins Air Force Base.

Robins officials didn't respond to our questions about the Rezaee situation.

gLing · 08-26-2008, 09:37 PM

This is crazy. Unless those family members are involved in the Iranian government then why is he a security risk?

08-26-2008, 08:53 PM	#1
Natasha Kate is the awesomest!!! Senior Staff Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Warner Robins, GA Posts: 12,598 Tokenz: 45,147	Man loses security clearance for keeping in touch w/ his family in Iran This is a story that's starting to gain a lot of attention locally. August 26, 2008 VIDEO: Suspended Robins Worker Fired Randall Savage Time is running out for a Robins Air Force Base employee who lost his security clearance and job because of alleged connections with Iran. Rezaee was born in Iran but became an American citizen 16 years ago. He worked as an electrical engineer at Robins for 13 years. But he was suspended without pay in January and notified last week that he's terminated Wednesday. Rezaee came to America in the late 1970s and served in the United States Navy. After becoming an American citizen, Rezaee obtained a security clearance and worked as an electrical engineer at Robins for 13 years. But in January, Robins officials suspended him without pay because his security clearance had been revoked. According to hearing records supplied by Rezaee, his security clearance was revoked because he'd kept in contact with family members back in Iran. "I haven't done anything illegal," Rezaee said. "I have been a good employee. I never had any problem with anybody. The only sole decision was made because of the security clearance." Rezaee appealed his firing, but lost. He was notified last week that his termination would become effective Wednesday. Before Robins officials issued the termination letter, a federal administrative judge upheld the decision to fire Rezaee. The judge issued several reasons for his decision. He said Rezaee's wife holds dual American and Iranian citizenship; they've traveled to Iran; they have family contacts in Iran and they bought an apartment in Tehran. The judge also found Rezaee's marriage created a heightened security risk because they live in the same home. Rezaee recently contacted 8th District Congressman Jim Marshall. "This is the first time we've had a complaint that's like this one, and we'll start out by contacting the base. We'll also look into what the role of a congressman might be," Marshall said. Because of the circumstances surrounding his dismissal, Rezaee said he can't find work. "I've been trying to get a job," Rezaee said. "But it's very hard. There's a big cloud over my situation, because a lot of people don't understand the whole nine yards. I haven't got a single interview." Rezaee hopes Marshall can help him get his job back or find a new one. But Marshall said his role will be to determine how officials followed procedures and if they were even-handed i handling Rezaee. Robins officials will make the ultimate decision, he said. Department of Defense officials in Washington referred questions to Robins Air Force Base. Robins officials didn't respond to our questions about the Rezaee situation. __________________ Quagmire: Hey there sweetie, how old are you? Connie: 16. Quagmire: 18? You're first. Connie: Mom! Quagmire: I like where this is goin'! Giggidy, giggidy, gig-gi-dy!

08-26-2008, 09:37 PM	#2
gLing The Bionic Hobbit! Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 5,158 Tokenz: 7,709	Re: Man loses security clearance for keeping in touch w/ his family in Iran This is crazy. Unless those family members are involved in the Iranian government then why is he a security risk? __________________

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