Army doc, 74, soldiers on toward 3rd tour overseas

[Coventina]

Source: Associated Press

FORT BENNING, Ga. (AP) — Dr. John Burson balked when a skeptical Army staffer asked him to undergo a three-day physical exam to make sure he was fit to deploy as a field surgeon to Afghanistan.

"Look, I'm training to run a half-marathon," replied Burson, 74, a retired lieutenant colonel. "You come down and check to see if I can make it."

Burson won the debate and was declared fit for duty. The ear, nose and throat specialist from northwest Georgia wrapped up a weeklong training course this week at Fort Benning before his scheduled deployment Friday for a 90-day rotation with a unit of the 101st Airborne Division.

The first of two stints in Iraq proved unforgettable back in 2005, he said. Burson was among several doctors assigned to keep watch over an imprisoned Saddam Hussein.



Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h1Cco4_VElRYe6TzAg2F3gfl-6zAD96AJB9G0

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What state is our military in when we have to send a man in his 70s overseas 3 times?!?!? Granted he wants to go, but still.....

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. How old was this guy when he served?

[Coventina]

2. LOL! I had the same thought when I read the story. eom

[freemedic78]

3. Did thid guy get recalled or did he volunteer?

Alot of older guys return to active duty cause they miss it.

[Coventina]

5. They asked him to volunteer, so he did.

I'm not saying he shouldn't be doing it, but I'm troubled that our military has to ask its retirees to come back.

[Captain Hilts]

4. Good for him! More 70 year olds should be fighting this war. nt

[Marrah_G]

6. I, for one, am grateful he is willing to go

I'd rather our guys not be there at all, but at least because of these doctors and nurses, many more will get home to their families.