U.S. Senator Josh Hawley | Official U.S. Senate headshot
U.S. Senator Josh Hawley | Official U.S. Senate headshot
U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has sent a letter to General Christopher G. Cavoli, Commander of the United States European Command, urging immediate action to address reports of unhealthy living conditions faced by Missouri troops deployed in Poland.
Whistleblowers informed Senator Hawley's office that members of the 1221st Transportation Company, an Army National Guard unit stationed in Swietoszow, Poland, have been forced to rely on shipments of food and bottled water from family members due to contaminated supplies on base.
"My office has received numerous reports of contaminated food and water supplies that have sickened members of the 1221st Transportation Company," wrote Senator Hawley. He noted that over five months, 25 unit members contracted E. coli due to these conditions. Additionally, guardsmen must be bussed off-site for showers.
Senator Hawley further stated, "Numerous guardsmen have repeatedly found insects in their food. These conditions are totally unacceptable for the men and women of our military." He expressed surprise that the issue had not yet been resolved and highlighted that Missouri families had resorted to mailing essentials like water bottles and ramen noodles to their loved ones.
In his letter dated September 10, 2024, addressed to General Cavoli at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, Senator Hawley detailed his concerns about the basic necessities being unmet for the deployed troops. He emphasized that clean and safe food and water are fundamental requirements for military personnel.
The senator requested a detailed plan of action from General Cavoli to ensure service members' health and access to uncontaminated supplies. Specific questions posed included the number of E. coli cases among the 1221st Transportation Company, available medical resources for affected soldiers, and whether American contracting services would be considered over Polish Provided Logistics Service (PPLS) due to reported failures.
Senator Hawley's letter was also copied to Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III.
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