GI Held as Deserter in Afghanistan

GI Held as Deserter in Afghanistan
November 16, 2009
Knight Ridder/Tribune

A Maryland Soldier is in Army custody and classified as a deserter -- unfairly, relatives say -- after he extended a two-week midtour leave to take care of his sick wife and their new baby.

U.S. Rep. Roscoe Bartlett has lobbied the secretary of the Army to investigate whether the Army mistreated 20-year-old Pfc. Christopher Pfeiffer of Westminster. Fort Detrick officials have also worked to remedy his situation.

Despite their efforts, Pfeiffer spent seven weeks, from Sept. 14 to Nov. 3, at a Kuwait airport, unable to get a military flight to Afghanistan and lacking the necessities of life. Since Nov. 3, he has been kept in an office at the Bagram airport, still hoping to rejoin his unit.

Army officials would not comment on whether he faces charges or has received nonjudicial punishment.

Lisa Wright, spokeswoman for Bartlett, said Pfeiffer's case was brought to the Army secretary's attention Thursday, the highest level for such appeals.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/gi-held-as-deserter-in-afghanistan.html?col=1186032325324