TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — In response to complaints from Oregon National Guard soldiers, the Army plans to improve care and attention for National Guard and Reserves soldiers returning from deployments.
Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep. Kurt Schrader of Oregon disclosed parts of the plan Wednesday after meeting with Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Chiarelli.
The News Tribune reports they include better communication and leadership to ensure soldiers receive medical attention and benefits. One change would allow soldiers to spend up to 14 days at military hospitals. Currently they’re
allowed five to seven days while they’re demobilized.
Members of Oregon’s 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team complained they were treated like second-class soldiers last May at Madigan Army Medical Center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, after they returned from Iraq.
