Pubdate: Fri, 05 Aug 2005
Source: Des Moines Register (IA)
Copyright: 2005 The Des Moines Register.
Contact:  http://desmoinesregister.com/index.html
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/123
Author: Maj. Sue Springer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n1183/a08.html

SHOULDN'T TOLERATE DRUG ABUSE

I am appalled at the decision of Maj. Gen. Ron Dardis to allow Spc. Larry 
Deetz to remain in the Iowa National Guard after testing positive for 
methamphetamine ("Soldier Avoids Removal for Use of Meth," July 26). Not 
only did Deetz test positive, he admitted to daily use for weeks prior to 
his deployment.

I have been a member of the U.S. Army Reserves for 20 years. Having just 
returned home from my third deployment since the beginning of the war, I 
know there was no circumstance in which I would have wanted to be deployed 
with a drug abuser.

I was stationed at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany to provide 
anesthesia for soldiers requiring surgery. The medical professionals see 
the worst part of the war, fighting day and night to keep the soldiers 
alive with their devastating injuries. I, too, received three medals for my 
service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Does that make it right for 
me to abuse drugs between deployments? No.

- -Maj. Sue Springer

Prairie City
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MAP posted-by: Beth