Former soldier with ailing son in Panhandle recalled to duty

[Judi Lynn]

January 15 , 2005

Former soldier with ailing son in Panhandle recalled to duty

The Associated Press - MILTON, Fla.

Small, frail but rambunctious, 16-month-old Will Fitzpatrick suffers from multiple birth defects. He'll need a second open-heart operation within six months and a transplant if he makes it into his teens.

His parents, Terry and Susan Fitzpatrick, have juggled their work schedules to provide the constant care Will needs. That includes daily medication and supplemental feedings through a gastric tube, weekly sessions with physical and developmental therapists and monthly visits to a pediatrician and cardiologist.

If that wasn't enough the Fitzpatricks are facing a new crisis: the Army in October ordered Terry, who was honorably discharged in 2000 after a three-year enlistment, back into uniform for duty in Iraq.

Terry, a 26-year-old carpenter who was an Army mechanic, is appealing for a hardship exemption but so far all he has received is an extension of his reporting date from Nov. 18 until Jan. 30.
(snip/...)

http://www.accessnorthga.com/news/ap_newfullstory.asp?ID=52980

[ausiedownunderground]

1. Yeah, this sounds absolutely "Brutal" but is necessary!

It is absolutely necessary that US Citizens realize that if they go "close" to the Military that they "get what they asked for" - That is US Military!! Not "The Rest of the World's" style Military. US Military!!!!!!!!!!

[Divernan]

2. Father/dad has no problem with the war, evidently.

The article quotes the father/dad as saying, "I'm an all-American guy. I enjoyed being in the military when I was in . . . I won't go AWOL." this implies criticism of those thousands of soldiers who have gone AWOL. Even with his son's life at stake - because it sounds as though no way the family can afford to hire the necessary care the two parents are now providing pretty much round the clock, he's subservient to "the mission."

Have to think he hasnt actually served in Iraq - or he wouildn't say he ENJOYED being in the military - which is substantially different from some soldier saying, war is hell, but I believe in our mission.

Tough situation for this young family.

[Spangle]

3. What war in 1997, 98. 99, or 2000?

I believe your right. He most likely hasn't seen any action. Also, he is a mechanic.

But if I was him and wanting to stay home to help my wife with our son, I wouldn't be talking disrespectfuly towards the military. Or in any way making it look like I was using my son as an excuse not to go when I didn't want to go anyway. I would be making the issue about my son, just like he is. Anything else would just piss off people who would are in charge of approving or disapproving the request.