Here's an example of trickle-down at work

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Air Force Chief of Staff Named in FBI Contract Probe

May 18, 2006 5:17 PM

Brian Ross and Len Tepper Report:

The Air Force's highest-ranking officer, General T. Michael Moseley, and his predecessor, Gen. John Jumper, are the subjects of an FBI investigation into the handling of a $49.9 million dollar contract for the Air Force Thunderbirds, the air demonstration squadron.

Law enforcement officials tell ABC News the FBI is investigating allegations the two Air Force generals helped to steer the Thunderbird contract to a friend, retired Air Force Gen. Hal Hornburg.

Six months after leaving the military, Gen. Hornburg, whose command included the Thunderbirds,
became a partner in the company that won the contract.

"One of the highest ranking Air Force officers just creates his nest to land in when he leaves the military," said Danielle Brian of the Project on Government Oversight.

Investigators say Gen. Moseley and Gen. Jumper knew their friend was connected with the company when they awarded the contract.

The FBI investigation came about after complaints from Air Force insiders and from a rival company whose bid was for half the amount.

"We don't need it, it's a complete waste of money, and it is unethical the way it came about," said Sen. Tom Coburn of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.

The contract was cancelled earlier this year when the Air Force General Counsel questioned the "integrity of the process" and the involvement of four star generals.

The case was referred to the Inspector General for the Department of Defense, and the FBI later joined the investigation.

All three Generals have denied any wrongdoing.