Sgt denied extension of leave as newborn son struggles for life

[cboy4]

Soldier torn by 2 calls of duty

By Jeff Long and Sara Olkon | Tribune staff reporters
December 24, 2007

During his two tours in Iraq, Army Sgt. Chris Williams has been in many firefights, but a battle with military brass over a leave extension as his newborn son clings to life has been the scariest and most frustrating of his career.

<snip>

The Army says Williams' country needs him more than his family does.

"They are fighting a war," said Catherine Caruso, a spokeswoman at Ft. Lewis, near Tacoma, Wash., where Williams' unit is based. "Even one person missing does have an impact. Sometimes, hard decisions get made."

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-armykid_24_bothdec24,0,4702707.story?coll=chi_tab01_layout

At least you were sensitive and compassionate in your remarks Catherine. :puke:

[izzie]

1. That is how the service does things. I was a wife of a service man

Human rights are left at the door most of the time. I sort of like the coolness of it all but you have to be that type person to do it. Service life for both sides, husband and wife, is a style only a few would like. That is how I think any how. Kids really pay for it all as far as I can see. It has been studies as a true sub-culture.

[Breeze54]

3. No, that's how this gung-ho commander does things!

"As the end of his R&R leave was approaching, Capt. Wells told him he would
grant a 10-day extension, contingent on the CO's decision."

There have been many other cases like this and the soldier's were sent home or got extended leave!

[izzie]

5. That IS how it should be done. Can not say it always is.

--

[Breeze54]

2. Initially told by officials at Ft. Lewis he had been granted an extension

He should just go AWOL until the baby is out of danger!!

This is BS!! That commander is an asshole!! :grr:

snip-->

Initially told by officials at Ft. Lewis that he had been granted an extension to his leave until Jan. 3, Williams learned Sunday morning that it has been rescinded by his commander in Iraq, who left the soldier a voice mail message that Williams would be "making it harder on himself" if he did not get on the first available plane.

Williams has booked a flight on Friday, the first he could find, but can't understand why the original extension was canceled. The Army says it was never officially approved.

"It's like they just write you off and you are a horrible soldier," Williams said. "I used to love what I was doing. I have a lot of military in my family. It was always a good experience. You come home, and people are thankful for what you are doing."

Now he's rethinking a career in the military.

His father, Douglas Williams, called it flabbergasting that the military would think it's a good idea for his son to lead troops overseas when his mind is obviously on his wife, LeeAnn, 23, and their ailing son.

"He's leading people," Douglas Williams said. "His mind has to be on what he's doing."

[MrScorpio]

4. Yeah, the guy's commander is an asshole

He could have granted the extension, but I guess he wants to look ate up to his troops