VFW Demands Trump apologize for downplaying severity of TBIs
Washington (CNN)The Veterans of Foreign Wars is demanding that President Donald Trump apologize for downplaying traumatic brain injuries sustained by US service members in Iraq after Iranian missile strikes on American troops earlier this month.
Earlier this week, Trump said he does not consider potential traumatic brain injuries to be as serious as physical combat wounds, minimizing the severity of the injuries, saying he heard that some troops "had headaches, and a couple of other things, but I would say, and I can report, it's not very serious."
"The VFW expects an apology from the President to our service men and women for his misguided remarks," William "Doc" Schmitz, VFW National Commander, said in a statement Friday, following the Pentagon's announcement that 34 US service members have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries in the January 8 Iranian attack.
"And, we ask that he and the White House join with us in our efforts to educate Americans of the dangers TBI has on these heroes as they protect our great nation in these trying times. Our warriors require our full support more than ever in this challenging environment," Schmitz added.
The VFW, described on its website as America's largest and oldest combat veterans service organization, said TBI is a "serious injury and one that cannot be taken lightly."
On Friday, the Pentagon announced that 34 US service members have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries in the January 8 attack, which was in retaliation for the January 2 US drone strike that killed a top Iranian general.
https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/25/politics/trump-vfw-traumatic-brain-injuries/index.html
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In a 3-minute video posted to his Facebook and Instagram accounts,
Eddie Gallaghe referred to some members of his former troops as "cowards"
and highlighted names, photos and — for those still on active duty —
their duty status and current units.
Link to tweet
