FORT BRAGG, N.C. — Army leaders directed a non-commissioned officer to medical screening for a traumatic brain injury after he advocated for soldiers and displayed compassion to fellow human beings, sources confirmed today.All Posts

Colleagues grew concerned last month when they witnessed Sgt. Andrew Hawthorne having rational conversations at a reasonable volume with lower-ranking service members on multiple occasions, according to his platoon sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Greg Bolster.

"I knew for sure something was wrong when he asked [the personnel officer] about a pay issue for one of his soldiers," said Bolster. "I have never even heard of soldiers getting paid on time, so this was big indicator for me."

After weeks of seeming aloof and dedicated to the development of his squad members, Hawthorne was referred to Womack Army Medical Center. His rate of deterioration shocked doctors who had never seen a case of TBI that advanced.