Secretary of the Army Resigns Over Condition of Hospital

March 2 - Secretary of the Army Frances J. Harvey resigned today over the state of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. His resignation comes only a day after the two-star general in command of the facility was fired, and hours after President Bush ordered a complete investigation of healthcare facilities available to returning veterans.

Defense secretary Robert M. Gates said he was, "disappointed that some in the Army have not adequately appreciated the seriousness of the situation pertaining to outpatient care at Walter Reed," and said that the "flagship institution" must have a new commander who would adhere to higher standards. Mr. Gates answered no questions after announcing the resignation, and gave the distinct impression that Mr. Harvey had been hastily shoved out after revelations as to the hospital's condition had caused a public relations crisis.

In his Saturday radio address, President Bush said that plans to appoint a bipartisan committee to conduct a "comprehensive review of care that America is providing our wounded servicemen and women." Said another White House spokeswoman, "The review will examine their treatment from the time they leave the battlefield through their return to civilian life as veterans, so we can assure we are meeting their physical and mental health needs."

The initial firing of Maj. Gen. George W. Weightman, the commander of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center came ten days after the Washington Post published a story detailing the abysmal living conditions of soldiers undergoing outpatient care at the hospital. The article also revealed that bureaucratic problems were keeping soldiers from getting adequate treatment.

Lt. Gen. Kevin Kiley, the commander chosen by the surgeon general of the army to temporarily replace Mr. Weightman, took issue with the Washington Post article, saying that it blew the matter out of proportion. "While we have some issues here," he said, "this is not a horrific, catastrophic failure at Walter Reed."

Nonetheless, Defense Secretary Gates said, "The care and welfare of our wounded men and women in uniform demand the highest standard of excellence and commitment that we can muster as a government. When this standard is not met, I will insist on swift and direct corrective action and, where appropriate, accountability up the chain of command."

400,000 of America's veterans enjoy homelessness each year, with 700,000 being unemployed. This particular case is just another example of the way the United States treats its soldiers.

Sources:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/01/AR2007030100999.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/02/washington/02cnd-general.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin