‘Disturbing lack of attention’: Senator concerned about soldiers’ care after being wounded in Iran
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump praised the military and honored the soldiers who died in Iran in an address to the nation on Wednesday evening.
What You Need To Know
- As the war in Iran stretches into its second month, more than 300 American service members have been wounded, per the Pentagon
- While many have already returned to duty, a Wisconsin senator is raising concerns that some who have come home with injuries aren’t getting proper care
- The Defense Health Agency said the soldiers are receiving “timely, appropriate care”
- Baldwin said she wants that confirmed by the service members who she’s heard from
“Our armed forces have been extraordinary,” he said.
But Senator Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., is raising concerns about those who have come home wounded.
“We have heard from a couple of Wisconsin soldiers who were in Kuwait during the drone strike, and after several weeks, found themselves at Fort Hood and were very concerned that, despite obvious symptoms of traumatic brain injury, they weren’t being seen by neurologists, they weren’t being seen by behavioral health and experts, and they needed care,” she said.
Baldwin said she has called the Defense Health Agency (DHA) and followed up with a letter, telling Spectrum News 1 questions need to be answered about a “very disturbing lack of attention” they were getting to traumatic brain injuries.
“Any service member who dons the uniform and fights on our behalf, I believe we owe the best and immediate health care,” Baldwin said.
DHA said in a statement to Spectrum News that “DHA leadership reassured Sen. Baldwin service members received timely, appropriate care and they will continue to receive appropriate care as part of their demobilization.”
Baldwin said she wants “that confirmed from the service members that I’ve been hearing from.”
Congressman Derrick Van Orden, R-Prairie du Chien, is a retired Navy SEAL. He said in a statement that “any service man or woman who is injured in the line of duty deserves the best medical care available. If this is not happening, it needs to be rectified immediately.”
“However,” he added, “I am disappointed that Senator Baldwin would release such a vague letter without first understanding that most of the protocols she is calling for have been implemented years ago, making her letter appear to be political in nature and not designed to address the potential problem at hand.”
Baldwin responded: “Several that I have either directly heard from or indirectly heard about through their colleagues at Fort Hood had clear signs of traumatic brain injury, were very proximate to the drone attack and were not being seen by the appropriate medical personnel. And so protocols or not, I’m asking what is still in place and why aren’t they following it.”
Baldwin said this issue speaks to a larger point that, in her view, the Trump administration was unprepared for what she calls a “war of choice” that’s “illegal.”
The president said Wednesday the objectives are clear, and the war is close to being finished.
“We are systematically dismantling the regime’s ability to threaten America or project power outside of their borders,” President Trump said.
The White House sent Spectrum News this statement:
“President Trump and all Americans grieve for our fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation. They represent the very best of our country – and President Trump will never forget their service and selfless devotion in support of the noble Operation Epic Fury. There is no greater advocate for our men and women in uniform than President Trump – and the President will continue working tirelessly to improve the quality of care for our great veterans at home. The President will never forget the service and sacrifice of those who served in support of Operation Epic Fury, and will continue to be a champion for all of our American heroes who bravely served our country in uniform.”
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