The CEO of the Armed Forces Retirement Home is praising members of the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General “for their diligent investigative work” after a report concluded that the former chief operating officer of the home’s two continuing care retirement communities sexually harassed several employees and retaliated against one when she rejected his sexual advances.
“More importantly, I commend the three employees who cooperated in this investigation and reported what was happening to them. No one should be harassed in the workplace — ever,” AFRH CEO Stephen T. Rippe said in a statement. “This case is especially troubling because it involved the Home’s leadership. Our employees and residents should expect the very best from their leaders, who should hold themselves to the highest possible standard.”
James M. Branham resigned from his position as COO at the Washington, D.C.-based AFRH, which serves retired and former members of America’s armed forces and their spouses, on Nov. 9, 2021, according to the report. John S. Riscassi was appointed to replace him in December.
The report contends that Branham engaged in an overall course of conduct in which he sexually harassed three subordinate female employees at the AFRH.
“Mr. Branham’s comments to and interactions with subordinate female employees created an intimidating, hostile, and offensive work environment that made them uncomfortable or caused them distress,” investigators wrote.
Officials at the AFRH declined to comment on whether any legal action will be pursued against Branham, according to an article in Military Times. The report has been forwarded on to Washington Headquarters Services for inclusion in Branham’s personnel file, according to the DOD.
Rippe said that the report “makes clear” that leaders did not hold themselves to the highest possible standard, and he said that he “firmly” stands behind the report’s conclusions.
“Despite this failure of leadership by an individual, the report did not fault the Home’s policies and procedures nor offer any recommendations for improvement,” he said. “The process worked and our employees and residents should take comfort in knowing that we have no tolerance for this behavior and, should it occur, swift action will be taken and consequences will result.”
