RECOMMENDATION FOR SECRETARY OF DEFENSE DESIGNEE

UNCLAS BUCHAREST 000225 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR EUR/CE: A.SCHEIBE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MARR PREL RO SUBJECT: RECOMMENDATION FOR SECRETARY OF DEFENSE DESIGNEE STATUS FOR ROMANIAN LT.COL PEGULESCU TO ATTEND WALTER REED REF: A. EMBASSY-LRMC MEDCOM EMAIL DATED APRIL 2 ¶B. 2009 ¶1. (SBU) Action Request: Mission seeks Department's support for a recommendation for Secretary of Defense designee status for Romanian Land Forces LtCol. Augustin-Nicusor Pegulescu to be transferred from Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) to Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) for prosthetic rehabilitation. End Action Request. ¶2. (SBU) Background: LtCol Pegulescu sustained injuries on January 9 when his vehicle as part of a Joint U.S.-Romanian reconnaissance mission was struck by an IED in Zabul Province, Afghanistan. Pegulescu received catastrophic injuries to his left arm and leg, and is currently listed in stable condition by doctors at LRMC. Pegulescu was part of the Romanian Army's Task Force Zabul Command and Control Structure. He received several surgeries to his limbs, but requires special prosthetic rehabilitation and physical therapy, upon recommendations from LRMC. Of special note is that the three American soldiers who were killed in the same attack that injured Pegulescu were honored posthumously on January 16 by Army Chief of Staff LtGen. Frunzetti; Major Brian Mescall received the Romanian Land Forces Medal of Honor (the first foreigner to receive such an honor),and Sgt Jason Parsons and Cpl Joseph Hernandez each received the Land Forces Meritorious Service Emblem (III Class). ¶3. (SBU) Upon the recommendation from the Chief of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation at LRMC, Mission concurs that LtCol Pegulescu would be an excellent candidate for prosthetics and rehabilitation to full functionality at the WRAMC Military Amputee Training Center. ¶4. (SBU) Romania is still transforming itself to be more accommodating to individuals with physical disabilities. The transfer of LtCol Pegulescu to WRAMC will make a significant contribution to his quality of life. It will furthermore demonstrate solid U.S. commitment to the Romanian military that continues its unwavering support to operate alongside U.S. forces in the most hostile and adverse conditions. Mission believes that it is in the U.S. national interest to continue to provide the best available treatment to our Romanian allies. GUTHRIE-CORN