Sick Bay Commandos

Soldiers and Marines that frequented sick call has historically been referred to as “Sick Bay Commandos”. An old Jody Call goes: “Blind, Crippled and Crazy, we are all lazy” troops on sick call were made to sing marching to sick call. (years ago – I doubt many Troops or Marines have to march in formation to sick call in today’s military.)

Members of the military must now prove to the United States government, i.e. the military medical system and Veterans Administration that wounds received in action or line of duty injury or illness can be attributed to military service. This can be a complex issue for TBI victims and other wounded or ill members of the military that have not documented their medical issue. I urge family members to keep a seperate medical file for their military loved ones. If they receive a yellow sticky note, make a copy of it. Keep it in chornological order too.

Cases that go to medical boards and compensation and pension hearings (before the VA) must be documented. Any witness statements are very, very helpful too. There is no such thing as to much documenation. No injury or illness is to small.

Case in point. Firefight, 42 years ago. Squad leader fires his M-16. The muzzle of the weapon is next to the right ear when he fires. The Marine says: “Damm Sarge” and moves to another position. Of course, now, 42 years later he has a bad ear. No proof exists. He did not leave his squad. There was no such thing as sick call for something considered so minor as a sore ear.

Now, the guy with the “bad ear” can in no way prove the injury is related to combat service. There is no record of it. Finding the sqaud leader is not an option.

Marines, Soliders, Sailors, Airmen and Coast Guard Personnel – do yourself a huge favor – doucment any medical issue. There is no such thing as “too minor” today. This does not mean that you are “Sick Bay Commando”. It merely means that you will be prepared if you need the nation to care for you later in life – when, if it is not in writing – you stand a reasonable chance of being denied benefits.

Regards All

Dale R. Suiter

Dale R. Suiter

Dale R. Suiter served in the United States Marine Corps June 1966 – February – 1970. He served with Ammo Company First FSR, 2nd CAG Q-6 and Q-3, H&S 81’s 3/9 and 1/3. His service “On the Rock” was with Ordanance Schools, Camp Hansen. Following the Marine Corp, he completed a career in public service – prison and jail operations. In addition, he completed a career as a reserve officer with the Michigan Army National Guard. His two sons and two sons-in-law are veterans of the war on terror. The family continues in service to the United States of America.