The Travesty At Walter Reed Medical Center

The Washington Post reports about the lack of personnel to adequately deal with in the increase in soldiers with injuries, psychological issues, and some with substance abuse problems. Injured soldiers were required to assist in some of the day-to-day operations at Walter Reed and those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD)were caring for soldiers on suicide watch. Building 18 of Walter Reed was fraught with mice and roach infestations along with deteriorating conditions including black mold, in the building. The excuse for this was mostly bureaucratic red-tape, but mostly due to inept career bureaucrats in the chain of command wanting only promotions.

The Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates became extremely agitated when news of the Walter Reed Medical Center conditions were brought to everyone's attention. It took less than a week for heads to roll.

The first was Army Maj. Gen. George W. Weightman, a two-star general of the North Atlantic Regional Medical Command and Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He was relieved from duty because "senior officials said they lost trust and confidence in his leadership abilities to address injured soldier care at military medical facilities".

The second was Army Secretary Francis J. Harvey. It should be noted that Mr. Harvey is a civilian, not military. He commands no troops and is responsible for budgeting, recruiting and other personnel and resource policies. While he resigned and was not "relieved of duty", I'm sure his only choices were one or the other.

Lt. Gen. Kevin Kiley, commanding General of U.S. Army Medical Command, will be acting as Weightman's temporary replacement, Peter Geren, the undersecretary of the Army, will serve as Harvey's temporary replacement until Bush nominates a new secretary and Maj. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker, 58, will be the new commander of Walter Reed

Hopefully there will be more fallout from this horrible travesty. I highly doubt two people were responsible for this. Of course I'm not sure there is a need for the circus congressional hearings that Ms. Pelosi has scheduled. It looks that things are being taken care of correctly and promptly.