Bergman Demands Action, Accountability for Issues Facing Michigan Guard in DC
Washington,
March 2, 2021
Today, Rep. Jack Bergman sent a letter to General Daniel R. Hokanson, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, demanding answers and an immediate remedy for Michigan Guard in DC being fed contaminated and undercooked food. Rep. Bergman issued the following statement:
"After visiting with our Michigan Guard troops in DC, I have heard from many over the past 48 hours regarding additional issues of contaminated and undercooked food being served. This is unacceptable. Our troops don't demand a 5-star resort or expensive food, but at a minimum, they deserve meals that are safe to consume. This is an embarrassment for all those responsible for the care of our troops, and must be met with full accountability. "I'm proud of the Michigan Guard's unwavering attitude to complete their mission. It's time to get our troops home to their families." The full letter can be found here or below: March 2, 2021 General Daniel R. Hokanson Hundreds of Michigan National Guard troops have been deployed in our Nation’s Capital since mid-January to assist with security for the Inauguration and in the days following. They have proudly answered the call, served our country, and continue to make our state proud. These are our neighbors, and many are my constituents. On Thursday, 25 February, I had the opportunity to meet with dozens of our Guardsmen to thank them for their service and hear more about their mission. In recent weeks there have been reports of soldiers being served undercooked and contaminated food. This was an issue of concern to me, and one that I brought up while visiting the troops last week. My understanding at the time of my visit was that this issue had been remedied. However, since that day we have received multiple new reports of soldiers being served raw chicken and other food containing metal shavings. This is unacceptable and an embarrassment to the D.C. leadership accountable for this mission. Having commanded Marine Forces Reserve during, and following, Hurricane Katrina I fully understand that the breadth and scope of a mission this size can pose some unique circumstances and logistical issues. Yet, this is no excuse for the continued poor treatment of our National Guard, who deserve to be fed meals that are safe to consume. I ask that you take immediate action to remedy this situation for the remainder of the time our troops remain in D.C. and provide full accountability for this failure. Respectfully, Jack Bergman |
