Military Training Procedures Reform Inspired By Bradenton Soldier

Bradenton FL

04 January, 2021

11:44 AM

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following the death of a Bradenton soldier, a new law requires the Pentagon to examine emergency medical services at U.S. military bases around the world. Rep. Vern Buchanan introduced the measure as part of the National Defense Authorization Act as part of his push for military training reforms, according to a news release from Buchanan's office. The NDAA was signed into law Friday. Buchanan filed the measure to this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in July after Army Specialist Nicholas Panipinto of Bradenton died in a vehicle training accident in South Korea last year. A lack of emergency services on base and delays in medical response was cited in his death, the news release said. "The death of Specialist Panipinto is a tragedy that never should have happened," Buchanan said. "That's why I will keep working to end the heartbreaking and increasingly frequent number of military training accidents. I know how much these reforms mean to Nick's family and I sincerely hope that this new law will ensure that no other family has to endure similar heartache." His amendment requires the Department of Defense to examine emergency response capabilities and services currently available at U.S. military bases around the world and to report to Congress on the potential benefits and feasibility of requiring bases to have properly functioning MedEvac helicopters and fully stocked military ambulances. Like what you're reading? Invite a friend to subscribe to free Bradenton newsletters and real-time email alerts. Panipinto's mother, Kimberly Weaver, praised the new law. "This world is a better place because Nicholas was in it and the legacy he leaves behind will be in protecting the lives of his fellow servicemembers," she said. Deaths during training exercises have risen dramatically in recent years, according to the news release. In 2017 alone, nearly four times as many service members died in training accidents than were killed in action.