Congresswoman Kathy Hochul Calls For Hearing Into Williamsville Soldier's Death

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Kathy Hochul sent a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, requesting they hold a hearing on the September 8th, 2009 ambush of Coalition Forces in Afghanistan, as well as the subsequent investigation. During the fight, ground troops were killed, including Marine Gunnery Sergeant Aaron Kenefick, who hailed from Williamsville.

Last week, Sergeant Dakota Meyer was awarded the Medal of Honor for his valor in the attack.

"The brave men and women of our Armed Forces spend every day risking their lives to protect our way of life, as witnessed from Sergeant Meyer's valiant efforts that saved 36 Marines and soldiers," said Congresswoman Hochul. "After personally reviewing aspects of the report conducted after this attack this weekend, I pledged to inquire into the circumstances surrounding these deaths. However, after watching the "60 Minutes' story last night I was appalled by not only the actions surrounding this instance, but at the repercussions for those involved as well. As the report states, the commanding officers "were inadequate and ineffective' and their actions contributed "directly to the loss of life which ensued.' Gunnery Sergeant Kenefick and all our troops on the ground deserve better, which is why I am now calling for an immediate congressional inquiry."

The four Americans -- Gunnery Sergeant Kenefick, First Lieutenant Michael Johnson, Corpsman James Layton, and Gunnery Sergeant Edwin Wayne Johnson Jr. -- lost their lives during the attack in Afghanistan's Ganjgal Valley on September 8, 2009. A fifth man, Army Sergeant Kenneth W. Westbrook, later died from injuries sustained during the attack.

Representative Hochul thanked local advocate Kathy Weppner for providing her with information and for assisting the family of Aaron Kenefick in their search for an answer.

Hochul added, "As a parent, and as an American citizen, I was shocked by the revelations of the "60 Minutes' report and want to get to the bottom of this as quickly as possible."

Source