Although not widely reported, it is old news that Halliburton's subsidiary KBR installed faulty showers on U.S. bases that led to shocks and even the deaths of U.S. servicemen. The problem though is what is and what is not being done about it. Not only was KBR engaged in these dangerous activities, putting soldiers' lives at risk, but the system itself was all about giving the corporate entities a pass and covering up the deaths they caused.
From The Army Times:
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class David A. Cedergren, 25, of South St. Paul, Minn., died Sept. 11, 2004, while showering. His family was told he died of natural causes.
Late last year, the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology changed the manner of Cedergren’s death to “accidental,” caused by electrocution and inflammation of the heart. The Naval Criminal Investigative Services has reopened an investigation into his death, Ed Buice, a NCIS spokesman, said Monday.
Cedergren’s death is among 18 electrocution deaths under review as part of a Department of Defense Inspector General inquiry. The inquiry primarily involves electrical work done at a facility where a Fort Campbell, Ky.-based Green Beret, Staff Sgt. Ryan Maseth, 24, of Pittsburgh, was electrocuted while showering in January 2008.
It is heartening to hear that that military is now taking an interest in pursuing the cause of their deaths instead of merely covering up the evidence. For too long KBR, Halliburton and the rest of the war profiteers over there have been allowed to get away with crimes against Iraqis and our very own troops. The culture over there has been beyond the pale. Now that people within the Pentagon are realizing the seriousness of the situation and are acting on it, the important thing is how they should ultimately act. Slapping KBR on the wrist or prosecuting a few low-level contractors will not get to the root of the problem. The remedy is to go straight for the top.
