Zaccaro v. State of New York
Zaccaro v. State of New York
Opinion of the Court
MEMORANDUM-DECISION AND ORDER
Introduction
This action arises from the conduct of several commissioned officers serving in 174th Fighter Wing of the New York State Air National Guard known as “the Boys from Syracuse.” Plaintiff, Captain Anthony Zaccaro, is a F-16 fighter pilot who was assigned to the 174th during the time period relevant to this action. Plaintiff alleges that a female pilot in the 174th subjected him to offensive and injurious conduct. Specifically, he alleges that on different occasions Major Jacque
Presently before the Court is the Defendants’ motion to dismiss brought pursuant to Rule 12(b)(1) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure for lack of subject matter jurisdiction.
Discussion
Defendants argue in their submissions that the Plaintiffs tort claims are barred by the doctrine of inter-military immunity set forth in Feres v. United States, 340 U.S. 135, 71 S.Ct. 153, 95 L.Ed. 152 (1950). Defendants further argue that the Plaintiffs constitutional or statutory civil rights claims are barred by the Chappell v. Wallace doctrine. 462 U.S. 296, 103 S.Ct. 2362, 76 L.Ed.2d 586 (1983) (holding that military personnel cannot pursue actions seeking damages from superior officers in Bivens actions). Defendants further argue that Title VII does not apply to military personnel. See Frey v. California, 982 F.2d 399 (9th Cir. 1993). Finally, Defendants argue that the Court lacks subject matter jurisdiction because the Plaintiff has failed to exhaust the administrative remedies available to him as a member of the National Guard. See Mindes v. Seaman, 453 F.2d 197, 201 (5th Cir. 1971) (finding that before a district court can review the justiciability of a military matter, the court must find that the soldier exhausted all intra-service remedies).
The Plaintiff has failed to respond to the Defendants’ motion as required by General Order # 41 of the Local Rules of the Northern District of New York.
Furthermore, the Court finds that even without the Plaintiffs procedural default, the Court would not have subject matter jurisdiction to entertain the action based upon the authority submitted by the Defendants.
Conclusion
Therefore, after considering the submissions before the Court, and the applicable law on this matter, it is hereby ORDERED that the Defendants’ motion to dismiss is GRANTED, and the Plaintiffs complaint is dismissed in its entirety.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
. General Order # 41 is now incorporated into Local Rule 7.1(b)(1).
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Anthony N. ZACCARO v. The State of NEW YORK State of New York Division of Military Affairs State of New York Air National Guard and General John Fenimore
- Status
- Published