Mold inspections took place here in the barracks in April. At that time, officials realized some of the ventilation ducts did have mold growing inside.
"I tell you what if you go back to your house and pull the vents back and look in with a flashlight, i got to be honest with you, you'll see some interesting stuff," said Col. Robert Bridgeford, Fort Sill Garrison Commander.
The mold was ruled common mold but the damage was already done. soldiers who overheard the mold inspection were told to keep quiet but instead they went to the national media.
"The thing that bothered me the most, from what I've seen everyone do here is the idea that there was a concern that went unheated for months," said Maj. Gen. Peter Vangjel.
Officials say the captain who told the soldiers to keep quiet made a mistake and should have told the soldiers that there was no real health concern at that time. Now all of this happened at nearly the same time soldiers were also complaining about being punished for drug abuse.
"We initiated drug testing back in November because let's face it, if you are in the business to heal,illegal drugs ought not be a part of that regimen," said Maj. Gen. Peter Vangjel.
