128

STEVE RUSSELL
5TH

DISTRICT,

COMMITTEE

ON GOVERNMENT

OVERSIGHT

HOUSE
SERVICES

HOUSE

(202)

OFFICE
DC

BUILDING

20515

225-2132

ON EDUCATION

AND THE WORKFORCE

COMMITTEE

CANNON

WASHINGTON,

OKLAHOMA

AND

REFORM

ARMED
COMMITIEE

((ongre55 of tbe ttntteb $tate5

1!,)oU~t
of l\tprt~tntatibt~
~a5btngton, !!l(( 20515-3605

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. I
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,

<QeveRUS~
Member of Congress
Vice Chairman, National Security Subcommittee
OverSight and Government Reform

PRINTED

ON RECYCLED

PAPER