Army returning amputees to combat.
By on May 30th, 2007 at 10:00 pm
Army returning amputees to combat.
Tales from a broken Army: “In an about-face by the Pentagon, the military is putting many more amputees back on active duty — even back into combat, in some cases.” Sgt. Tawan Williamson, “a 30-year-old Chicago native who is missing his left leg below the knee and three toes on the other foot, acknowledged that some will be skeptical of a maimed soldier back in uniform. ‘But I let my job show for itself,’ he said. ‘At this point, I’m done proving. I just get out there and do it.’”
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I read about this earlier.
Too bad our resident trolls and every other chicken hawk republican won’t sign up to fight in the “war” they support.
Hey chicken hawk trolls. This guy who is missing 3 toes on one foot and his leg from below the knee on the other leg has more ba||s than you.
May 30th, 2007 at 10:07 pmSo, if he were a kid being approached by a recruiter, he’d be labeled 4F. But he’s good enough for George.
I’m sorry, but Britain had this sort of thing under KIng George III. It was called impressment. And it was wicked.
May 30th, 2007 at 10:10 pmhard to say what’s worse:
that he WANTS to go back, or that the army LETS him…
…
by the way, off topic, but really startling breaking news
i just heard on AirAmericaRadio:
LOU DOBBS ADMITTED HE MADE A MISTAKE
ABOUT THE TB STORY… he’s retracted the story…
his source has ties to white supremacy…
good on lou…
May 30th, 2007 at 10:10 pmLee Majors, anybody?
I wonder, will the military deduct a portion of their pay based upon how much of their body is missing…I mean, why pay for a whole soldier if some of the original parts are gone. [/sarc]
On an even more somber note, remember how the military has been charging our wounded soldiers for missing or damaged body armor? Are they going to be made to pay for prosthesis damaged in combat?
This is just [expletive deleted] sick.
May 30th, 2007 at 10:10 pmHey, Karl Rove is only half a man and he’s defending his country. Bill Kristol, Fred Kagan, Glenn Reynolds, Hug Hewitt … they’re not all there either, and they serve! So why not others? Shit, Michelle Malkin isn’t a man period, and she’s serving her country! So there!
May 30th, 2007 at 10:11 pmThese kids have tremendous courage despite the fact that they’re fighting for a lie. As much as I’d like to see them stand up for what’s right and mutiny on this administration of war criminals, I am in awe of what they’re willing to do for their fellow soldiers and their country. May they all return home with no further damage in any capacity.
Let’s keep fighting to end this disastrous war. Every day.
May 30th, 2007 at 10:12 pmAnother aspect of this huge and utter disaster. Based on fear generated by intentional lies, this horrible staggeringly costly war must end.
Why so few congressional “leaders” see this clearly obvious imperative, I don’t understand. Where is there any real LEADERSHIP??? WHERE??? WHERE????
May 30th, 2007 at 10:14 pmAs an amputee myself, I admire those who voluntarily choose to remain in the service. The only difference between me and everyone else is that you put your shoes on before you leave the house, I put on my leg. Yet I lost my 20 year job because of my disability. (I settled for big bucks).
The headline makes it seem like these soldiers are being forced back into combat. They choose to go to be with their comrades. Good for them.
May 30th, 2007 at 10:14 pmJeez, in *any* other war in history, this guy would be given a broad smile, a pat on the back and a gentle push out of the recruiting office. His discharge papers would have been printed up and signed waiting for him beside his bed before he woke up from surgery.
But with our current president, since he and his party have no balls to call for the draft that is clearly needed if he actually wants to fight the way he needs to in order to get the cheap oil his cronies want, this guy gets his rifle, helmet and purple heart and back out he goes.
republican enablers are pu**ies.
May 30th, 2007 at 10:18 pmI’m not sure who good this is. What do the shrinks say? When does PTSD set in? It just sounds too much like Catch-22 to me.
May 30th, 2007 at 10:19 pmGeez, where are the trolls defending this one, or are some situations just too absurd and bizarre to spin?
May 30th, 2007 at 10:29 pmFor once, I’ll cede to the neocons. Using service as a means of rehabilitation is sometimes as important as two years in a nursing facility. It all depends on the person and the situation.
May 30th, 2007 at 10:29 pmBy the bye, I am not a troll!
May 30th, 2007 at 10:30 pmRepugnant when we have viable trolls who should be there instead but choose to hide like Jason Hendler behind his very slight condition, Seixon hiding in Norway, jake pretending to be 70… Pathetic.
May 30th, 2007 at 10:31 pmSpeaking on behalf of the amputees does not make me in favor of the war. I am as opposed to Bush as anyone on this sight. At the same time we should respect the efforts of those amputes who volunteer to serve.
May 30th, 2007 at 10:32 pmI was on a flight with an active duty amputee in early May. He was returning to his post. I was very surprised to learn he was returning to active duty. His leg was blown off at the knee by an IED. I didn’t ask if the return was voluntary. Nonetheless, the military was accepting him to active duty. I found the article very interesting. It would be nice to know the history of amputee service in the military.
May 30th, 2007 at 10:33 pmOne example – Lord Horatio Nelson.
May 30th, 2007 at 10:38 pmthat isn’t the POINT! Of course the troops are to be admired for sticking by their comrades, they don’t want to leave their buddies there and they can’t worry about the politics of war. They are incredibly brave.
May 30th, 2007 at 10:39 pmBut to send them back into combat is to send a compromised soldier! We are so short on troops we have to send maimed soldiers into battle?? Im all for them staying in the service and allowing them to do A job but come ON! Amputees on the front line? These guys will do ANYTHING to support their buddies and I admire them tremendously for it but the utter lack of decency and responsibility of a govt. who would even CONSIDER doing such a thing is beyond the pale. This is beyond shameful.
This is an outrage! They are sending boys back IN who are already diagnosed with PTSD from previous tours!
WaltTheMan, you’re out of your f#*kin’ mind.
May 30th, 2007 at 10:41 pmWaltTheMan, you’re out of your f#*kin’ mind.
Comment by the republic of stupidity — May 30, 2007 @ 10:41 pm
Why? Do you disapprove of heroism? Duty to country?
May 30th, 2007 at 10:45 pmActually, I don’t Walt. Hard to believe you’re not a troll from the comments you’re making.
By the time someone has lost body parts defending their country, I think they’ve been heroic enough. I suppose if someone’s determined enough, they could continue to serve, but are all the amputees going back doing so voluntarily?
There’s also the question of being able to do your job. If you have to pick up and run, how fast are you going to go on one leg, prosthtic devices notwithstanding? If your fellow soldiers’ lives depend on your abilities, how can they be sure missing an arm won’t cost them their lives?
Nelson was an Admiral aboard a sailing ship in the 19th century. No doubt he had all the help he needed taking care of things around the ship. All he had to do was give orders, not climb masts, man a cannon… I’m sure you get the picture.
May 30th, 2007 at 10:53 pmit isn’t about duty to country or heroism! There is no question the troops are all heros and the bravest of the brave but they lack decent leadership and should not be worn down so hard! War is hell and these boys are fighting it with a lack of equipment and the armored vehicles they desperately need and doing tour after tour after tour and now they have to fight with missing limbs??
May 30th, 2007 at 10:57 pmI’m off to the sack, but remember that my grandfather accompanied both Teddy Roosevelt and George Patton in two wars.
May 30th, 2007 at 10:58 pmThank you, Justice. you said that better than I did.
May 30th, 2007 at 10:59 pmI’m off to the sack, but remember that my grandfather accompanied both Teddy Roosevelt and George Patton in two wars.
Comment by WaltTheMan
So what the F*#k does that mean? You get to offer your half-baked opinion up but anyone else who has an opinion is wrong? And BTW, how do we know that story is even true?
May 30th, 2007 at 11:02 pmWaltTheMan, you’re out of your f#*kin’ mind.
Comment by the republic of stupidity
Walt is not a troll. He’s a brilliant and thoughtful man.
May 30th, 2007 at 11:05 pmI do understand, Walt. As you said, “It all depends on the person and the situation.” An amputee that wants to rejoin his/her comrades is quite different than someone with PTSD who does not want to return to a combat zone. In a way, it’s like getting back on the horse after being thrown.
Yet, it is a sad state of affairs that we are reduced to sending invalids into combat zones.
May 30th, 2007 at 11:06 pmI’m a retired Army Nurse…and am not a troll. But this isn’t anything new, I knew of several vietnam era amputees who remained on active duty. One even became a General Officer. A few years ago one of the Golden Parachutists became an amputee due to an accident jumping. He went back on active duty. I’m not sure if he had jump status.
May 30th, 2007 at 11:07 pmThese guys want to do it. It isn’t what I would do, but no one is forcing them.
I can understand respecting the wishes of military people if they wish to return to battle, but I think there needs to be careful scrutiny of the possible harm/good which may result.
My first instinct tells me this is unwise. Haven’t they given enough?
May 30th, 2007 at 11:08 pmI can understand respecting the wishes of military people if they wish to return to battle, but I think there needs to be careful scrutiny of the possible harm/good which may result.
My first instinct tells me this is unwise. Haven’t they given enough?
Comment by Zooey
That’s kind of my point, Zooey.
You wouldn’t want a one armed fire fighter trying to drag you out of a burning building. You wouldn’t expect a one-legged cop to chase down a bad guy. I’m not sure why anyone would think it makes sense to send an amputee back into combat, even if he wants to go.
May 30th, 2007 at 11:17 pmI can just picture our Chimp -in – Chief now:
“He’s only got one leg? Heck, he can hop. Send ‘em back.”
“One arm? Tell ‘em to shoot Lefty. Send ‘em back.”
“The twins? Ummm,…. Democrats! Boo!”
May 30th, 2007 at 11:19 pmI’d fight for their right to keep working in the service despite their injury but they should NOT be sent back into battle! If you are missing a limb you just can NOT perform at the same level in battle as someone with all their limbs.
May 30th, 2007 at 11:28 pmIf a wounded soldier wants to stay in the service I say they damn well should be allowed but NOT on the front lines. EVER.
How will he feel if he is hunkered down in a situation with his buddies and because of his loss he can’t perform as well and lives are lost? It is just too much pressure for any one man, brave as they are to be ready to jump back in to be there for their comrades. Their honor is worthy of undying praise but cooler heads SHOULD prevail and their leadership should have the decency and common sense to not allow them to be on the front lines.
We don’t have the men to replace them and that is why. We are in such a dangerous spot right now, it is horrifying.
This is why we are hearing this pullout talk on the down low out of the White House. They are big talkers but the truth is we don’t have the equipment OR the men to keep this up. We are so vulnerable and somewhere alQueda is rejoicing, this is exactly their plan.
God help us all.
Comment by justice — May 30, 2007 @ 11:28 pm
Read this:
Most of those who return to active duty are assigned to instructor or desk jobs away from combat. Only a few _ the Army doesn’t keep track of exactly how many _ have returned to the war zone, and only at their insistence, Arata said.
To go back into the war zone, they have to prove they can do the job without putting themselves or others at risk.
Key phrases:
– only at their insistence
– they have to prove they can do the job without putting themselves or others at risk
May 30th, 2007 at 11:33 pmAnne
You say “they want to do it” how do you know they aren’t being ordered back in? Do you have any proof that this is not an order? If so please link it, they are being ordered back in!
Their commanders have ALREADY broken their own rules and promises and not even given the boys their MANDATORY home time! ( or their benefits when they get home or their signing bonuses they are promised!)They are worn to a frazzle, that is why they want to go back they know their pals NEED them and they are courageous and brave and determined to stick by them, their actions are incredibly honorable but because we just don’t have the men to replace them, they are desperate to be there helping but their leadership has failed them. They are stuck between Bush’s impossible demands and a lack of men!
Sorry but this just turns my stomach.
Im glad the soldiers all asked Joe Liarman “when are we going HOME!”
May 30th, 2007 at 11:36 pmMr. President,
How stringent are the tests for combat readiness?
They are already sending back soldiers suffering from PTST.
May 30th, 2007 at 11:38 pmI’ve been reading this blog for awhile and I agree with Zooey, Walt is a stand up guy and NOT a troll.
May 30th, 2007 at 11:40 pmJust because you don’t agree with someone on a topic doesn’t mean they are a troll.
Key phrases:
- only at their insistence
- they have to prove they can do the job without putting themselves or others at risk
Comment by Mr. President
I guess that’s it then.
May 30th, 2007 at 11:40 pmWalt? He’s cool.
Walt the Man has been around forever.
Longer than I.
Although not as long as Zooey.
She’s older than dirt on this blog.
(the gauntlet has been thrown….!)
May 30th, 2007 at 11:43 pm:D
mr president
I don’t believe that. They also promised these men they would go home to catch a break, something upper command KNOWS is absolutely necessary for a soldier, then they extended their tours 3 months!
They say endless things that are lies starting with the biggest one
May 30th, 2007 at 11:44 pm“we are making progress”
gimme a break, how is more soliders lost this month than anytime since Fallujah PROGRESS?
Bull, they are recycling these guys and they don’t CARE about the massive damage done to the soldier because they don’t have a new body to replace them.
How stringent are the tests for combat readiness?
Comment by trueblue — May 30, 2007 @ 11:38 pm
Sounds like a good question to investigate for both sides here (those who say allowing injuried troops to return is O.K. and those who do not).
Without this knowledge none of us are on solid ground.
May 30th, 2007 at 11:45 pmAlthough not as long as Zooey.
She’s older than dirt on this blog.
(the gauntlet has been thrown….!)
:D
Comment by trueblue
You’re just full of piss and vinegar tonight, aren’t you? My new friend mini-blue and I are ignoring you…. :P
May 30th, 2007 at 11:47 pmZooey,
Why do I always end up as “Jan Brady”?
I never get to fit in…..
May 30th, 2007 at 11:52 pm(head down…kicks can…)
You’ve much to say, so I think it’s best to start simple, Justice.
You said:
“I don’t believe that.” Comment by justice — May 30, 2007 @ 11:44 pm
What is it that you do not believe?
1) That the wounded soldiers insist on returning.
2) That they must prove that they are not a danger to themselves or others.
or
3) Both.
Option #3 implies that the following statement is consistent with your view: They do not insist and are somehow forced to go, and that they are, indeed, a danger to themselves and/or others.
May 30th, 2007 at 11:52 pmIt is good that amputees are not being discarded by the Bush Administration. The problem is that the reason they are staying is the Bush Administration is incompetent not because they have moment of moral clarity.
May 30th, 2007 at 11:54 pmWhat if a soldier, having lost a limb and suffering from PTSD decides he’d rather go out in a blaze of glory than suffer any more. Is anybody evaluating these soldiers to see what their motivation is. Or did the administrations just decide if they die they die, less money for treatment.
May 30th, 2007 at 11:59 pmZooey,
Why do I always end up as “Jan Brady�
I never get to fit in…..
(head down…kicks can…)
Comment by trueblue
If you think like Jan Brady, you are Jan Brady — truly great wisdom.
Love, Marcia
May 31st, 2007 at 12:00 amMarcia, Marcia, Marcia!
– -Jan
May 31st, 2007 at 12:01 amMy first instinct tells me this is unwise. Haven’t they given enough?
Comment by Zooey
It depends on if they are ordered, or did the soldier request duty.
May 31st, 2007 at 12:02 amI know some amputees that stayed in service, train recruits, etc.
Combat assignment sounds a bit dicey.
If they are being ordered to the front, their COs are low life scumsucking b*stards
Although not as long as Zooey.
She’s older than dirt on this blog.
(the gauntlet has been thrown….!)
:D
Comment by trueblue
You two at it again … couple of ruffians … yeesh.
May 31st, 2007 at 12:03 amGreat point, Shane.
Like I pointed out to Pres earlier, we have no idea what these tests for redeployment are. They are already deeming soldiers ready for redeployment that clearly are not.
It’s insane.
May 31st, 2007 at 12:04 amShane,
She started it!
:)
May 31st, 2007 at 12:06 amHow would Bush and Cheney like to lose an arm, or a leg, or both?
May 31st, 2007 at 12:07 amShane,
She started it!
:)
Comment by trueblue
Did not! Mini-blue and I were just minding our own business, playing with her new puppy, and Jan just barges in…..geez…
May 31st, 2007 at 12:11 amIf they are being ordered to the front, their COs are low life scumsucking b*stards
Comment by Wayne
I agree. It’s a very fine line, and I’m not very inclined to believe the whole thing is on the up and up.
May 31st, 2007 at 12:12 amThey are already deeming soldiers ready for redeployment that clearly are not.
It’s insane.
Comment by trueblue — May 31, 2007 @ 12:04 am
Losing a limb is a huge deal, maybe emotionally more than physically. And many of these soldiers are really young and need somebody to run interference for them. Who will speak up for these guys now? Since Cindy Sheehan was treated so despicably, who will speak up for these soldiers? Can any of us imagine being the mother or father of an amputee sent back into battle. I can’t even imagine.
May 31st, 2007 at 12:14 amShane,
She started it!
:)
Comment by trueblue
Did not! Mini-blue and I were just minding our own business, playing with her new puppy, and Jan just barges in…..geez…
Comment by Zooey — May 31, 2007 @ 12:11 am
LADIES, please! Get back in your corners and wait until the bell rings.
May 31st, 2007 at 12:17 amIcks-nay on the uppy-pay!
That’s not helping.
May 31st, 2007 at 12:18 amDid somebody say new puppy?
But wait, trueblue, did you or did you not imply Zooey was older than dirt around here?
Puppies, puppies, puppies … must see pictures of all puppies!
May 31st, 2007 at 12:20 amPuppies, puppies, puppies … must see pictures of all puppies!
Comment by Shane
Now we know how to divert Shane. :D
May 31st, 2007 at 12:23 amLOL, Zooey!
Look, Shane!
May 31st, 2007 at 12:25 amA Bich-poo!
the GI who had his balls blown off has more balls than the chickenshit , cowardly trolls who refuse to put their bodies where their mouths are.
May 31st, 2007 at 12:25 amNow we know how to divert Shane. :D
Comment by Zooey — May 31, 2007 @ 12:23 am
Kittens work too. Only humans are neocons, blech!
May 31st, 2007 at 12:27 amthe GI who had his balls blown off has more balls than the chickenshit , cowardly trolls who refuse to put their bodies where their mouths are.
Comment by Uncle Ho
Ouch Uncle Ho. But mandatory castration for all trolls, even vv, I’m all for that.
May 31st, 2007 at 12:29 amLOL, Zooey!
Look, Shane!
A Bich-poo!
Comment by trueblue
You mean like a Bichon Poodle mix or are you talking to Zooey again?
May 31st, 2007 at 12:30 amDon’t know how to import a pic onto TP, because if I did, I would have opened up a discussion on one of the Think Fast threads about the subject!
And PS – Zooey has not been helping me to say “No” to this potentially new bundle of fur.
May 31st, 2007 at 12:31 am“full of piss and vinegar”- quick, someone call Mr.P- he’s into watersports, luvs golden showers.
May 31st, 2007 at 12:31 amZooey & trueblue, could you not mention the puppy thing to any trolls … pleeeeease?
May 31st, 2007 at 12:32 amAnd PS – Zooey has not been helping me to say “No†to this potentially new bundle of fur.
Comment by trueblue
If it was up to my daughter and me we’d have a new puppy around here every week. Fortunately my husband is more rational.
May 31st, 2007 at 12:35 amYou mean like a Bichon Poodle mix or are you talking to Zooey again?
Comment by Shane
Daaaa-emmmm!
I’m not going near that one, but it was pretty freakin’ funny. :D
Yes, we are thinking about a mix of those breeds.
May 31st, 2007 at 12:37 ammr. president
I believe they should have commanders that aren’t willing to work them into the ground in any condition. Sure they insist, their buddies are dying!
damn straight those guys are willing to go back, missing leg be damned, but that is why they have leaders, to draw the line, to use reason and follow procedure!
May 31st, 2007 at 12:37 amFront line battle? Absolutely not, the lost limb increases their vulnerability in action and can potentially put other soldiers at risk.
They deserve to continue to serve if that is their desire but in another capacity.
Uncle Ho,
**eewwwwwwww**
;)
May 31st, 2007 at 12:38 amdavid;
May 31st, 2007 at 12:40 am“whoooo, that’s some catch, that catch-22″ “it’s the best there is.”
trueblue-sorry ’bout that, the devil made me do it. snark.
May 31st, 2007 at 12:42 amThat’s OK, Uncle Ho.
Just wasn’t a visual I was prepared for…
:)
May 31st, 2007 at 12:50 amBut so much lovelier than dirt…
May 31st, 2007 at 12:52 amI meant Zooey, NOT Mr. P and his predelictions! Yikes!
May 31st, 2007 at 12:55 amOK-back to bed for me.
May 31st, 2007 at 12:57 amComment by justice — May 31, 2007 @ 12:37 am
“damn straight those guys are willing to go back, missing leg be damned, but that is why they have leaders, to draw the line, to use reason and follow procedure!”
***
Sgt. Tawan Williamson is going to be given some sort of administrative duty in Japan. He is not going to Iraq (I assume that is what you meant by “willing to go back”). The man just wants to stay employeed, and I for one think we should honor his wish…
you know… on accounta it was fightin’ in Iraq that caused is injuries.
***
“Front line battle? Absolutely not, the lost limb increases their vulnerability in action and can potentially put other soldiers at risk.
They deserve to continue to serve if that is their desire but in another capacity.”
***
What’s’isname in the article said that they had to prove that they would pose no threat to themselves and or others, then and only then, upon their insistence, would they be allowed to see combat.
I suppose you think this is a lie?
May 31st, 2007 at 12:59 amComment by Uncle Ho — May 31, 2007 @ 12:31 am
You wouldn’t know water sports if someone pissed in y… wait a minute…
May 31st, 2007 at 1:00 amErratum: Post #78) 2nd section, line 5: missing letter – “h”
line should read:
you know… on accounta it was fightin’ in Iraq that caused his injuries.
May 31st, 2007 at 1:02 ammr. president
May 31st, 2007 at 1:06 amyou bet I do. They are all liars.
apparently you are not watching the hearings and listening to what these soldiers who did make it home are experiencing.
Comment by justice — May 31, 2007 @ 1:06 am
Well, actually I have seen some accounts on the news. I also have a friend who went there twice.
May 31st, 2007 at 1:08 am“Good for you son. Mobile Infantry made me the man I am today.”
May 31st, 2007 at 1:11 amJust remember, trueblue, every atom in your body was just dust floating in space 5 billion years ago!
May 31st, 2007 at 1:29 amJust remember, trueblue, every atom in your body was just dust floating in space 5 billion years ago!
Comment by Briseadh na Faire
Spacey, Briseadh, reeeal spacey
May 31st, 2007 at 1:35 amWhat a dark page in history the Republicans have written for themselves…
May 31st, 2007 at 6:41 amI do not believe that our military/our country is being run by sane people. Surely if the wounded soldiers want to remain in the military, there are many other duties they could perform well; however, sending them back into combat is criminal (even if they ask to be sent back)!
May 31st, 2007 at 10:32 amJustice, I know that the amputees are doing it because “they want to.” Allowing them back on active duty is not just some pvt. making the decision. They have to pass rigorous physical training test as well as psychological testing. You may not want to do this, but some guys do.
Some would lose their retirement benefits if medically discharged, other just love the Army. I know that is hard to believe…but some of us did. I’m sure I wouldn’t be happy now if on active duty but you cannot judge other’s motivations.
Annie B. No one said they were being returned to combat.
I agree with all above who feel this administration has wrecked the military. I’ve come to the conclusion that Cheney et all did this on purpose. They want to replace the volunteer military with their private armies…blackwater et al. That’s the only reason I can come up with for their reckless disregard of common sense.
May 31st, 2007 at 1:01 pmThis is sick.
June 1st, 2007 at 2:06 pm