News-Info-Alerts

Re: Buyer: Thanks, But No Thanks

From: POW-MIA InterNetwork

Date: June 15, 2003

"Army: Buyer was security risk
Scenario in letter is different than the interpretation by U.S. House member

By Maureen Groppe
mgroppe@gns.gannett.com
 
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Steve Buyer took a leave of absence from Congress in March to serve in the Iraq war because he said he had the "unique skill and experience" needed by the military.

The U.S. Army, however, told Buyer nearly two weeks later that there were others who could fill the same slot, according to a letter the Army sent Buyer, which was obtained by Gannett News Service.

The Army rejected Buyer's offer to serve because "we are able to meet the need without your participation," and "we are concerned that your presence would put in jeopardy the safety of those serving around you," stated the March 31 letter signed by Army Secretary Thomas White.

That's a different picture than what Buyer painted when he first announced he was being activated, then later said he would not be going.

When Buyer said on March 20 that he was taking an indefinite, paid leave from Congress to serve in the war, his office explained that "a need was identified, of which Congressman Buyer has the unique skill and experience to meet the requirements."

When he announced 10 days later that he had not been activated and was returning to Congress, Buyer cited only the security concerns as the reason for the Army's decision.

He declined to release the three-paragraph letter from White, which was obtained from the Army through a Freedom of Information Act request.

Buyer declined to be interviewed about the letter.

Buyer began thinking about going to the Mideast when he was updating his personnel record for a possible promotion in rank, an Army spokesman said.
The congressman said an aide with the Army Reserves told him there would be positions available in the war for which he was qualified. A lawyer, Buyer had served as a reservist in prisoner of war camps during the Persian Gulf War.

Buyer responded that if he was needed, he would go, according to Buyer and Army Maj. Steve Stover.

Believing a call-up was imminent, Buyer returned to his home in Monticello to get ready and asked House Speaker Dennis Hastert for a leave of absence.

Defense Department rules, however, prevent those on active duty from campaigning for and holding elective office.

Army lawyers then determined there were others who could fill the same position yet not be a target for terrorists as a member of Congress would, according to Stover.

©2003 IndyStar"