WASHINGTON — Hundreds of soldiers who were stationed at Camp Arifjan over the last decade are set to receive Purple Hearts due to their exposure to dangerous levels of chlorine at the base swimming pool, Pentagon officials report.
The recent development comes on the heels of a report released by a Pentagon working group late last month detailing the Army's mishandling of soldiers injured by chemical weapons in Iraq. Under Secretary of the Army Brad R. Carson issued a formal apology and mandated a review of awards for affected soldiers. Today he extended his sentiments to soldiers stationed in Kuwait from 2003 to 2012.
"I personally apologize for another glaring oversight and the Army's mistreatment of soldiers exposed to toxic chemicals in the line of duty," Carson told reporters. "We want to make sure we cover all veterans and active duty service members and ensure they get the medical compensation and recognition they deserve, no matter how small the injury."
