Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 2/22/2011

Question
I joined the Air Force in 2004 as a 2w2.  Then in 2007 I joined the Army as a combat medic.  I serve the 2nd and 506th INF Dog CO.  I returned home from my first deployment and applied for SFAS only to be rejected for having beta thalassemia minor.  I never knew i had it.  I went to two MEPS and have served two branches.  If I am not suppost to be in service, why am I on my second deployment?  I just want to give my best to my country.  What can i do?

Answer
Jon,

Sorry to hear you have this disorder.

BTM is a genetic (inherited) blood disorder.  I can understand MEPS not catching it, they don't look for thing like that, and even if they did, it's very often confused with simple anemia.  It's more common in people of Italian and Greek origin.  You remember how "in general" your MEPS exams were.  They just look at your overall health.

Thankfully you don't have BT Major which usually leads to an early death from heart failure.  Since you have BT Minor they most likely they just told you to avoid iron-rich foods and iron supplements.  BT Minor, although not life threatening on its own, can affect your quality of life due to the effects of a mild to moderate anemia.

Who said you wasn't supposed to be in the military?  You may join the military with BT Minor as long as you're being treated for it.  Since you never knew you had it,they can't hold that against you.  Besides, it's not always actively treated, other than by diet.

If you can't make SFAS you become "needs of the army" and are subject to worldwide assignment.  Since you can't deploy, maybe they're using that as their out.

I wish you well, and thanks for your service.
Colonel H