Originally published February 26 2006
Sympathizers rally around soldier abused by Army
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The case of 1st Lt. William “Eddie” Rebrook IV, injured during combat in Iraq and subsequently billed for the cost of his equipment losses by the army, has generated an incredible response from the American public, as many citizens are outraged by the Army's treatment of him.
William "Eddie" Rebrook IV had to reimburse the U.S. Army $700 last week for body armor and other gear damaged after he was seriously wounded by a roadside bomb in Iraq.
Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., sent a letter to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld Tuesday, demanding that the Army refund Rebrook's money immediately.
Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., asked why Rebrook was forced to pay for body armor damaged when he was wounded in Iraq.
Byrd asked during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the Department of Defense's 2007 budget.
Peter Schoomaker, the Army's chief of staff, attended the hearing.
"We certainly have procedures that account for battle loss, and I just find it a highly unusual story.
"First Cavalry Division leadership is going to do everything to ensure this issue is brought to a conclusion that is both in line with procedures that apply to all its soldiers and in the best interest of our veterans who have served so proudly and honorably in Iraq," Lt.
Bleichwehl said soldiers are not held financially responsible for any equipment lost, damaged or destroyed in combat.
Rebrook said he borrowed $700 from his buddies to pay back the U.S. Army for the destroyed body armor and gear.
A Charleston radio station, WKWS-FM 96.1, raised $700 for Rebrook in less than an hour Tuesday morning.
The bulk of money for Rebrook was raised Tuesday after the soldier's story was posted on americablog.com, a popular liberal political blog.
Rebrook, who graduated with honors from West Point, said he was never given any records that documented the body armor loss.
The bill included a $570 charge for his Kevlar vest and gear destroyed in battle, and $130 for other lost items.
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