Readers were outraged the U.S. blocks military families from suing the government for medical malpractice involving troops, the subject of a recent special report. Readers also discussed a recent death during arduous Navy SEAL training and a Navy medals review that found the late Navy SEAL Chris Kyle claimed some medals he did not earn.
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MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
Responses to "Tragedy and injustice: The heartbreaking truth about military medical malpractice," July 11:
I lost my career in the military and am disabled for life because of a military doctor who refused to listen to me about my injuries early on and caused the damage to be far worse than it could have been if she'd done her job. It's amazing how little accountability these doctors have over destroying our lives and careers.
Katie Stringer
Via Facebook
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An incompetent doctor killed my baby brother and my parents could do nothing but grieve and bury a child. My mother suffered mentally the rest of her life. The law is not controversial — it is a crime.
Terry Lynn Weigandt Joyner
Via Facebook
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The spouses lose, too. My son and I were nearly killed due to medical negligence in childbirth after an emergency C-section. They had me sign the papers giving permission, but I wasn't lucid. My husband even pointed out that I was in no shape to sign anything and asked that he be allowed to sign it – they refused.
My son was born blue and had to be resuscitated. Later, when I read my medical records, part of the wording on the form I signed stated I couldn't sue.
Charlotta Sanders-Fuller
Via Facebook
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CHRIS KYLE'S MEDALS
Regarding the July 8 article, "Navy: SEAL Chris Kyle never earned 2nd Silver Star," on Navytimes.com:
R.I.P. you will be remembered for your service and may God bless your family for their sacrifices in support of your service to our country.
Jon Kau'ana
Via Navytimes.com
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My Navy records are still screwed up and I retired 15 years ago. Navy record keeping is atrocious. My retirement certificate is full of errors.
Fred L. Isom
Via Navytimes.com
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I know the Navy brass is getting pushback from the SEAL community to NOT look into his "kill records," because it is HIGHLY likely that is inflated as well, and it would cause a second look at other SEALS' records as well as the chain of command engaged in EVAL and FITREP inflation.
Damon Byrne
Via Navytimes.com
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We can appreciate and honor his commitment AND correct what was previously wrong. Personally for someone as famous and well-revered, I find it hard to believe this is some crazy error and it certainly has an air of being not very genuine. I think Kyle should know how many medals he received and find it unlikely someone as sharp as him would claim ownership of awards he never received unless as a way to....boost his image. However, if you remember him solely for this then you are truly missing the big picture, which isn't measured in number of medals — it's measured in commitment to his job and country.
Thomas Tj Barnes
Via Navytimes.com
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I don't have near the medals that Chris Kyle have even on his amended records. Many of us are careful about what we place on faded uniforms and civilian suit jackets.
No matter what was the last medal count was for Chris Kyle, he was still a vital part of the mission in Iraq. Those of us, including me, a two-war veteran in Iraq, appreciated his skills to keep us safe and take out anyone that wanted us harm.
Matthew Allen Ramsay
Via Navytimes.com
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TRAINEE'S DROWNING DEATH
Regarding the July 6 article, "Coroner rules SEAL trainee's death a homicide," on Navytimes.com:
In this case, there were errors made and the student's safety was not ensured. Analysis of what actions/non-actions resulted in this loss of life needs to be thorough in order to prevent this from reoccurring.
Duffy Melissa
Via Navytimes.com
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First, homicide and murder are not the same thing. Second, there is an NCIS investigation in process and the instructors have been removed from instructing. At the moment, it doesn't sound like their fate has been determined.
Jennifer Lapsner
Via Navytimes.com
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The bigger picture here is that the kid probably had a life beyond making it as a Navy SEAL (given the new exit counseling if necessary)...and he apparently should have been pulled from the water the minute they saw his lips turn blue and his struggling to stay above water. There is a lot at risk involved in SEAL training (I have a friend who tried) in the "we must break you" kind of approach. Yes....the great majority do not finish the program (understandably so, as eventually lives are at stake on missions, so it has to be rigorous).....but you have to make sure those who fail exit breathing. We may hear from a group now saying the instructors need sensitivity training....but in reality...instructors just have to be more strict about when to pull the plug.
Bob Brewer
Via Navytimes.com
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Any Naval SEAL trainer who turns blue is in distress. It isn't the end of the world if he flunks. He wasn't allowed that option. I have read of others who did not pass SEAL training.
Phyllis DeSoto
Via Navytimes.com
