Wounded soldier gets 8 surgeries and bill for lost gear?

Oregon soldier shot - then billed

by Pat Dooris

kgw.com

Posted on June 1, 2010 at 5:50 PM

Updated today at 10:28 AM


The U.S. Army is demanding a 33-year-old former Oregon National Guard soldier shot in Iraq, turn in his gear or pay for it.

But Gary Pfleider said he has no idea where the gear is -- he was busy trying to survive.

Back on September 24, 2007, Pfleider sat on an open truck as it began a routine mission. Suddenly, a sniper's bullet hit his left thigh.

"I remember the sound of the bullet hitting my flesh, the smell of it, then me grabbing my grabbing my leg. After that I was out for about 16 hours," said Pfleider.

He was rushed to hospitals in Germany and eventually the U.S. Eight surgeries later, he is able to walk but wears a brace and uses a cane for balance.

Last May, the government sent him a letter demanding he either turn in items he believes were left behind in Iraq or pay more than $3,000.
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Oregon soldier shot then billed