After more than five years of a mismanaged war, the Army brass would have enough experience of dealing with embarrassments and then moving on. Yet when Chuck Goeder fought against poor living conditions that wounded vets had been living in on Fort Sill, he got canned. Now of course the army denies that one had anything to do with the other, but they are probably full of bullshit on this one.
From USA Today:
On Monday, USA TODAY reported that the unit's barracks were infested with mold and that soldiers had been ordered by commanders not to speak about conditions there. Maj. Gen. Peter Vangjel, Fort Sill's commander, said base officials had started to investigate and fix the problems.
Roeder was hired at Fort Sill in January. He contacted USA TODAY in July about problems at Fort Sill, which were confirmed by more than 20 soldiers.
Roeder's departure Friday, following his contact with USA TODAY, was purely coincidental, said Col. Sam White, an executive officer at Fort Sill. He said Roeder has a history of confrontations with base officials.
"They can say whatever they want to say, but they're not being truthful," Roeder said. "I stand up for soldiers. I'm sure the word got out that I'd encouraged soldiers to speak."
Colonel White must have a different interpretation of "confrontation" than most of us. If he means that Roeder disagreed with the army's incompetence and lack of care for our wounded vets, then yes, Roeder probably does have a history of confrontations. Colonel White must think that his reputation comes before the treatment our soldiers deserve....but he'd be wrong on that count too.
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