 Star News Online -- A Wilmington man killed Monday in Iraq once served as the director of a program at Camp Lejeune that counseled military members and their families, officials said.
Cmdr. Charles K. Springle, 52, was one of five people killed when a soldier opened fire at a clinic at a base in Baghdad, according to the U.S. Department of Defense and The Associated Press.
A soldier was charged with multiple counts of murder in connection with the shooting, and military officials have pledged to look into the mental health treatment provided for troops, according to The Associated Press.
1st Lt. Craig Thomas of Camp Lejeune said a Navy officer is assisting Springle’s family and answering any questions they may have.
Springle was a licensed clinical social worker who joined the Navy in 1988, according to a statement from Camp Lejeune. He was recently deployed to Iraq with a medical company.
Springle’s friend, Bob Goodale, told The Associated Press that Springle had dedicated his life to helping soldiers cope with emotional problems caused by combat stress. Goodale works with the Citizen-Soldier Support Program in Chapel Hill, an organization Springle dealt with when he directed Camp Lejeune’s Community Counseling Center.
The center provides counseling for problems including substance abuse, anger management and sexual abuse, as well as pre- and post-deployment issues and classes on post-traumatic or combat stress, according to Camp Lejeune’s Web site.
Springle was promoted to the rank of commander in 2002. He had received numerous decorations including multiple overseas service ribbons, according to the statement from Camp Lejeune. |
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Fair Winds And Following Seas