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'Sorry' Gates: We Let Down Our Soldiers

He regrets poor treatment for Iraq, Afghanistan vets

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted May 2, 2008 7:04 AM CDT

(Newser) – Defense Secretary Robert Gates admitted yesterday that the US military made mistakes in taking care of soldiers back from Afghanistan and Iraq, reports Reuters. He said he regretted that veterans had received inadequate care for physical and mental problems, particularly those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Gates also acknowledged that not all returning soldiers have obtained suitable housing.

Gates made his apologies during an announcement of new procedures to encourage soldiers to seek treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder without fear of harming their careers. A recent video on YouTube showing veterans living in squalor has added to Gates' woes. "Soldiers should never have to live in such squalor," he said, adding that the army had launched an investigation.

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Defense Secretary Robert Gates takes part in a news conference at the Pentagon. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)

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The video of barracks in Ft. Bragg, NC, which Robert Gates apologized for in a speech yesterday. (leerburg)

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'Sorry' Gates: We Let Down Our Soldiers