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Wounded Vets Assaulted by Mold—Again

Soldiers ordered not to talk about conditions at Walter Reed stand-in

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 18, 2008 11:50 AM CDT
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(Newser) – In a replay of the scandalous conditions uncovered at Walter Reed Medical Center last year, an Oklahoma barracks that houses wounded soldiers has become infested with mold, soldiers stationed there told USA Today. Twenty soldiers stepped forward, saying they’d been ordered not to discuss conditions at Fort Sill, which they say are deteriorating despite months of complaints.

The soldiers say their concerns have gone unheeded since April. “When I wake up in the morning, I have crud in my eyes, and I have like this slimy phlegm in the back of my throat,” says one soldier. Officers at the base say they were unaware of the April requests, but are now working to fix the ventilation system. “We're going to take care of this for these guys,” one general promises.

Veterans Affairs Secretary James Peake addresses a National Press Club luncheon on the needs of 21st Century veterans in Washington, May 20, 2008.
Veterans Affairs Secretary James Peake addresses a National Press Club luncheon on the needs of 21st Century veterans in Washington, May 20, 2008.   (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
A Purple Heart, bearing the image of Gen. George Washington, is seen on the uniform of Army Sgt. Jerald Gragg of Granite Falls, N.C., in this file photo.
A Purple Heart, bearing the image of Gen. George Washington, is seen on the uniform of Army Sgt. Jerald Gragg of Granite Falls, N.C., in this file photo.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
A purple heart is shown in this file photo.
A purple heart is shown in this file photo.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
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Walter Reed fallout • Department of Veterans Affairs • army hospitals • Walter Reed Army Medical Center • Fort Sill

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