Soldier Sues Over Fifth Deployment

Reservist takes Army to court over tour he says could cost him home, job

By Dustin Lushing, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 9, 2007 8:22 AM CDT

(Newser) – A 26-year-old sergeant is suing the army to prevent his fifth deployment to Iraq, claiming that the Army follows inconsistent policies in mobilizing reserves. The military wants reservist Erik Botta return to Iraq next week, the Miami Herald reports, but Botta is suing to stop the order he says will devastate his family, education, and career.

Botta has served 4 deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq in the last 6 years. Another one could force him and his wife out of their home, and would cost him his job working for a military contractor. "They told me to get on with my life, and I did," muses Botta, who says he’s proud of his Army service. "Now it seems they've changed their mind.''

American Troops Patrol in Southern Baghdad (Getty Images (by Event))

A picture released by the US Deaprtment (Getty Images)

American Troops Patrol in Southern Baghdad (Getty Images (by Event))

In this undated handout picture received 31 May 2007, British... (Getty Images)

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Soldier Sues Over Fifth Deployment

Reservist takes Army to court over tour he says could cost him home, job

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14 Troops Killed in 2 Days

5 soldiers dead after roadside bomb explosion; death toll hits 3,545

Troops Bomb Ethics Test

Pentagon: troops are out of line with "soldier's rules"

Troops to Serve Longer in Iraq

Many will spend more time in combat zones than the boys of World War II

Little Left for Fiancée of Fallen Soldier

Unmarried loved ones have no standing, get nothing from Army

'Miracle Marine' Dead After 3-Year Struggle

Struck by roadside bomb, he endured 100+ surgeries

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Soldier Sues Over Fifth Deployment

Reservist takes Army to court over tour he says could cost him home, job

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Iraq • Florida • military • deployment • federal courts • US troops • Erik Botta • tour of duty • Army Reserves • US Army • soldier

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

14 Troops Killed in 2 Days

5 soldiers dead after roadside bomb explosion; death toll hits 3,545

Troops Bomb Ethics Test

Pentagon: troops are out of line with "soldier's rules"

Troops to Serve Longer in Iraq

Many will spend more time in combat zones than the boys of World War II

Little Left for Fiancée of Fallen Soldier

Unmarried loved ones have no standing, get nothing from Army

'Miracle Marine' Dead After 3-Year Struggle

Struck by roadside bomb, he endured 100+ surgeries

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Newser By Users

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