Illinois National Guard member dies after suffering heat injuries at Camp Shelby in Mississippi

In 2007 I was there for deployment training for OIF. I was 51 years old. We had only been on the base for a few days. We came from California with very little humidity. The squad I was attached to decided rather than allowing us to acclimate to the humidity, decided to start running right away. The night before I had the major problem I had leg cramps while running. The next day on the rifle range I started having problems sighting my rifle (not assault rifle). After about an hour I realized I couldn't see the target and was actually was shooting 90% away at the next range. Luckily no own was on the other range. I took myself off the range, no one on the range paid attention to what I was doing! I asked for a medic who walked over to me looked at me and walked away. An hour or so later I was taken to the arms room and turned in my rifle and walked to the TMC (no battle buddy). They thought I was having or had a heart attached and called an ambulance. They took me to Forrest General Hospital where I was examined and released. I had to go back on sick call the next day where they sent me home (off course they said it was not related to military service!). I have had problems ever since. The VA approved my disabilities which continue through today. I was hydrated, but with close to 100 degrees and very high humidity (in the early morning) as well as body armor helmet etc.. heat injuries should be expected.

Hydration is leadership -- hydrate!