safety
Wounded soldiers, families accuse Army of downplaying war injuries
By Jonah Kaplan at CBS4 Miami
· June 24, 2026
· 7 min read
When Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was asked about the toll of the conflict with Iran in March, he told reporters that "almost 90%" of the 400 injured American service members had sustained only minor injuries and had since returned to duty.Now, some of those wounded soldiers tell CBS News the inju
Key takeaway Chief Warrant Officer Rodney Bearman's body was riddled with shrapnel in the early hours of the war on March 1 when an Iranian drone slammed into his work station in Kuwait.
Why this matters in The Miami
The controversy over the Army's handling of war injuries has significant implications for Miami 's large military community. Many service members and their families reside in South Florida, and the region's proximity to major military bases and medical facilities means that wounded soldiers often receive treatment and rehabilitation in the area. The allegations that the Army is downplaying the severity of injuries will likely resonate with local veterans and military families, who may have experienced similar challenges in seeking recognition and support for their own sacrifices. As the situation unfolds, it will be important to watch how local military leaders and support organizations respond to these concerns, and whether they will push for greater transparency and accountability in the way the Army classifies and treats combat casualties. Miami's congressional delegation may also face pressure to investigate these claims and ensure that local service members receive the care and recognition they deserve.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 7 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? When Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was asked about the toll of the conflict with Iran in March, he told reporters that "almost 90%" of the 400 injured American service members had sustained only minor injuries and had since returned to duty.Now, some of those wounded soldiers tell CBS News the inju
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jonah Kaplan at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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