This is a revealing article I read by Mark Benjamin on Salon.com earlier today. I’ve been seeing the beginning of Mass Media attention on it, but, when there are so many other, easier to explain targets for the media to focus their attention on, this sort of thing, no matter how important, slips through the cracks.
For example …
Hernandez had served two tours in Iraq, where he helped maintain communications gear in the unit’s armored Bradley Fighting Vehicles. But he could not participate in war maneuvers conducted on a 1,000-square-mile mock battlefield located in the harsh Mojave Desert. Instead, when he got to California, he was led to a large tent where he would be housed. He was shocked by what he saw inside: There were dozens of other hurt soldiers. Some were on crutches, and others had arms in slings. Some had debilitating back injuries. And nearby was another tent, housing female soldiers with health issues ranging from injuries to pregnancy.
And also …
It is unclear exactly how many soldiers with health issues were sent to the California desert. None of the soldiers interviewed by Salon had done a head count, but all agreed that “dozens” would be a conservative estimate. An Army spokesman and public affairs officials for the 3rd Infantry Division did not return repeated calls and e-mails seeking further detail and an explanation of why injured troops were sent to Fort Irwin and housed in tents there during January.
Seriously, can anyone tell me how this supports the troops? When you add this story onto the documented heap of other sins that this administration has committed against the troops and the veterans, remember to get a giant ladder. It’s a long way to the top of this fetid mess.
AND, don’t tell me that I can’t blame this on the administration. They’re the guys in charge, they’re the guys who broke the back of the military, they’re the guys who put Rummy in charge and, ultimately, they’re the guys responsible.
This Command Just doesn’t Get it!!!!!!!!! (They hav disregarded all actions and keep sending Soldiers)
This command has totally disregarded all actions and situations that recently occurred. The Commander’s deployed on the ground are still sending wounded Soldiers to Iraq! This command obviously feels they are untouchable for some unknown reason. Soldiers who were a part of this article are still being sent to deploy. There military doctors have decided to change there original recommendations at the pressure of the command and commander’s who have no concern for Soldiers well being namely LTC RATLIFF the 3rd Brigade’s BSTB Battalion Commander. This man has repeatedly shown no concern for Soldiers health and feels he can’t be stopped by anyone. This is totally unacceptable and he needs to be held accountable!! Please forward this letter to all influential people. Someone has to stop this out of control leader. Soldiers are in need of help. PEOPLE THIS IS REAL AND HAS TO BE STOPPED!!!