AWOL Soldier turns himself in on Veterans Day
Spc. Jeff Hanks has turned himself in after refusing to return to Afghanistan when the Army denied him medical care. Jeff has served in Iraq and Afghanistan with the 101st Airborne Division and was due to receive medical evaluation and treatment during a leave from his tour in Afghanistan. But his military command effectively canceled his medical appointments to send him back to combat. Jeff made the difficult decision to go AWOL to get the care he so desperately needed. With the help of Iraq Veterans Against the War's Operation Recovery Campaign, Jeff is getting the medical care, and moral and legal support he needs.
Thousands of soldiers like Jeff are being denied their right to heal by the U.S. military so it can continue its ongoing occupations. Approximately 20% of the current fighting force are suffering from un-treated trauma. Our Operation Recovery Campaign will to stop the deployment of traumatized troops and hold those accountable who send them back into war. Sign the Pledge to support Operation Recovery to end the deployment of traumatized troops.
Jeff now awaits the decision of his command and could face an Article 15. He is hoping that instead of punishing him, the Army gives him the medical treatment he so desperately needs.
