Your Voice: Military Malpractice Case

Byron Pitts brought us Thursday the unforgettable story of Marine Sgt. Carmelo Rodriguez, a 29-year-old Iraq war veteran who died of melanoma, which was misdiagnosed by a military doctor.

The response we received online was overwhelming, including more than 500 comments on our website, and scores of e-mails.

Among them:

"We as Americans have a responsibility to do something about this. If not, we are as guilty as the military."

"As a mother of a Army soldier, I am saddened and disgusted by this story. Most of all, I am outraged that he was not given a military funeral--that the family had to pay."

For more responses, see below.

What You Can Do

Let your representative in Washington know how you feel about the Feres Doctrine. Contact your senator here or contact your representative here.

The group Veterans Equal Rights Protection Agency, which tracks soldiers who are misdiagnosed, says there are hundreds of misdiagnosed cases across the country. Find out how to contact VERPA here.

If you'd like to offer support for the family of Sgt. Carmelo Rodriguez, please click here to e-mail the CBS Evening News and we will profide information about their fund.

And you can always join our online community and comment on Byron Pitts story here, or on his blog post at Couric & Co. blog.

The CBS News investigative unit has reported extensively on veteran health care in America. Read the stories or click here for more information.

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Stressed-out Soldiers

We should be OUTRAGED! This story made be severely ill. Not only to see such a honorable young man dying but that I am part of a society that doesn''t demand better for our military and our human race. Every one of us should stand up and scream to have this situation looked at and someone held accountable for their actions.
Posted by kelmona at 08:32 AM : Feb 01, 2008

We as Americans, have a responsibilty to do something about this. If not, we are as guilty as the military…talk to our congressmen, and talk to other people. It my be our sons the next time.
Posted by m45066 at 07:13 AM : Feb 01, 2008

This story hit home with me, as the Feres Doctrine not only affects the men and women in the military, but their dependant families as well. I feel that the medical staff in the military should be held to the same standards as public and private institutions.
Debbie

I hope your heart wrenching story will draw the attention this injustice needs to affect change.
Assemblywoman Debbie Smith, Assembly District 30, Nevada

It hurt my heart to see the article on SGT Rodriguez. I too served in the military and retired from the United States Army 2 years ago. The law needs to be changed!!
Posted by bullskating at 12:33 PM : Feb 01, 2008

I could not beleive what i saw while watching this segment, it made me want to cry and im a tough dude but not tougher than sgt. Rodriguez...i myself am a member of the U.S. military and im floored...God Bless his family...all prayers go to them.
Posted by stanleydrl at 07:45 PM : Jan 31, 2008

I AM OUTRAGED!! Such a beautiful man reduced to skin & bones, I could hardly contain it when they showed him seconds away from death with his son holding his hand. HOW CAN this be allowed to happen to OUR soldiers?? OUR AMERICAN SOLDIERS??!!!
Posted by PrettyMetal at 11:28 AM : Feb 01, 2008

Words can never express the emotions we feel at times like this. I was so moved by this story. I am about to explode about of my body. I am horrified, absolutely horrified. I am so angry at our nation and their inept medical care for those that sacrifice.
Posted by Molly828 at 06:58 PM : Jan 31, 2008

Let''s hope the govt learns a lesson from Carmelo Rodriguez, and that his life and death not be forgotten.
Posted by rosieroon at 11:29 PM : Jan 31, 2008

I am heartbroken. Almost literally heartbroken and outraged and in tears by the story of Carmello Rodriguez and the other young man profiled in the story. Our government and military should be ashamed for this and other stories like this of the men and women who protect this country,
Posted by DS9Sisko at 06:56 PM : Jan 31, 2008

Be proud of your son who wanted his tragic medical malpractice story told, and of yourselves for telling it! The people need to know and to be outraged with you. We grieve with you as well.
Posted by dvb0708 at 07:06 PM : Jan 31, 2008