SE Valley Times

Congressman Andy Biggs of Arizona has voiced his concern over reports that a member of the 82nd Airborne Division was charged $3,561 for military equipment left behind during the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021. In a letter addressed to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Congressman Biggs called for answers and emphasized that servicemembers should not be financially penalized for following orders.

"We need to get to the bottom of what happened with this servicemember and ensure that he and others are not financially penalized for following orders," said Congressman Biggs. "Our courageous servicemembers ought to be treated with dignity for their service and not slapped with an expensive bill."

The letter, which was cosigned by several other Republican representatives, requests information to determine the extent of this issue among servicemembers deployed to Afghanistan during the withdrawal. The signatories of the letter include Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee, Rep. Warren Davidson of Ohio, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, Rep. Andrew Clyde of Georgia, Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina, Rep. Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma, Rep. Paul A. Gosar of Arizona, Rep. Bob Good of Virginia, Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Rep. Brian Mast of Florida, Rep. Eli Crane of Arizona, Rep. Matthew M. Rosendale Sr. of Montana, Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana, and Rep. Randy K. Weber of Texas.

The congressman's letter demands that Secretary Austin provide answers regarding the case of the charged servicemember and ensure fair treatment for all servicemembers. It highlights the importance of treating those who have served their country with dignity and respect.

The full text of Congressman Biggs's letter can be found [here](link to the letter).

For additional details, please follow this link: https://biggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-biggs-servicemembers-shouldnt-be-hook-lost-military-equipment