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For Immediate Release
November, 10 2010, 10:38am EDT
Contact:
Maggie Martin, Iraq Veterans Against the War - 912.596.8484, maggiemartin1@gmail.com
Spc. Jeff Hanks - 904.524.5414
Sgt. Christina Hanks (Ret.), Jeff's wife and US Army Veteran - 434.709.9007
Matthew Leber, Civilian Ally (Day of Event Contact) - 615.414.3788
Afghanistan & Iraq Veteran Jeff Hanks Denied Mental Healthcare, Ordered to Redeploy
Veterans launch offensive on healthcare rights abuses on Veterans Day
FT. CAMPBELL, KY
November 11th, Veterans Day, Army Specialist Jeff Hanks will give a
public statement revealing military healthcare rights abuses. Hanks,
who has served in both Iraq and Afghanistan with the 101st Airborne
Division, sought and was denied care for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A panic attack in the
airport while en route to Afghanistan caused the two-time combat
veteran to seek civilian mental healthcare against the orders of his
command. Now, technically absent without leave (AWOL), Hanks returns to
Fort Campbell where he faces possible military charges.
WHAT: U.S. Army Spc. Jeff Hanks speaks out against the military's
violations of soldiers' rights, including denial of mental healthcare,
hazing of soldiers seeking care, and disregard of professional medical
recommendations. Following a public statement, Hanks will turn himself
in to military authorities.
WHO: Army Spc. Jeff Hanks, Army PFC Nassar Abdo, Iraq Veterans Against the War
WHEN: Thursday, November 11th, 2010, 3:45pm
WHERE: Pancho Villa Grille Parking Lot (In front of Fort Campbell Gate 4)
16268 Fort Campbell Blvd., Oak Grove, KY
WHY: Inadequate veterans' healthcare has become endemic in the United
States. Suicide rates are soaring as soldiers return from multiple
deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan with PTSD. In conjunction with Iraq
Veterans Against the War's Operation Recovery, Jeff Hanks is speaking
out to help other soldiers from being denied the right to heal.
VISUALS: Veterans, Soldiers, Military Police, Signs, Banners
Matt Howard, Communications Director 646.723.0989Media@ivaw.org
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