7/23/2019 20151007-follow up letter to SecArmy McHugh.pdf

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STEVE RUSSELL

5TH DISTRICT, OKLAHOMA

128 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING

WASHINGTON, DC 20515

202) 225-2132

COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

AND THE WORKFORCE

HOUSE ARMED

SERVICES COMMITIEE

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20515-3605

COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT

OVERSIGHT AND REFORM

7 October 2015

John M. McHugh

Secretary of the Army

101 Army Pentagon

Washington, DC 20310-0101

Dear Secretary McHugh,

Thank you for your letter of 24 September in response to my query of 15 September. I also appreciate the Army officials

that personally delivered it whom I know and for whom I have a great deal of respect.

While I am fully understanding of the request for additional time, no alternative suspense was suggested, nor has a time

been suggested in the two weeks since. Consequently, I ask that you provide the needed documentation by 15 October.

am also mindful of certain privacy considerations you mention with regard to the medical sick call documents as was

previously stated in my letter of the 15th.

I was somewhat puzzled by the Army officials informing me that many of the documents I am requesting might not be

delivered as they may have been shredded. I stated in our meeting that I believed if this is the case, then it would certainly

complicate the ability to ascertain the information necessary and determine whether the military members allegations

were substantiated, or if we can lay this to rest. It is my sincere hope that on a program with so much national interest and

so much historic significance, that such lack of due care would have occurred-especially given that my request for the

documentation was only 30 days from the completion of the first course being examined.

I had hoped, and I attempted to organize a brief meeting to discuss these issues with you personally. Unfortunately I was

informed of your very busy schedule and it was not accommodated.

On a personal level, I have the highest regard for all of our Soldiers who have taken on the toughest training the Army has

to offer and the sacrifice they make. If we can train all warriors to the highest capacity, why should we not attempt it? It

might also be of interest that I lost two gallant female warriors under my command in combat and decorated a third for

valor.

Thank you for your letter and for your continued service in the defense of our nation and to our warriors. I look forward to

your response. Please confirm receipt of this letter by sending acknowledgement of receipt to Alex Hutkin

Alex.Hutkin@mail.house.gov), or faxing your acknowledgement to 202) 226-1463.

With great respect,