Army SPC Nicholas Panipinto
The U.S. House of Representatives on Dec. 8 passed a final version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes an amendment offered by U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) requiring the Pentagon to examine emergency medical services at U.S. military bases.
The congressman’s amendment was spurred by the death of one of his constituents stationed abroad. U.S. Army Specialist (SPC) Nicholas Panipinto of Bradenton, Fla., died in November 2019 during a training accident at Camp Humphreys in South Korea when the fighting vehicle he was driving overturned during a road test. Numerous safety and training failures contributed to SPC Panipinto’s death, including a lack of medical services on base and delays in medical response to the scene of the accident, according to the congressman’s office.
“The highest tribute that can be paid to the life of Specialist Panipinto is for the Defense Department to ensure that future military personnel who are injured during training exercises can quickly receive high-quality medical treatment that might help save their lives,” Buchanan said. “I am deeply humbled that Nick’s mother came to me with their tragic story and has allowed me to help. I know that these reforms will save lives and prevent future heartache felt by families like hers across the country.”
Specifically, Rep. Buchanan’s amendment requires the U.S. 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.
“This isn’t just a win for our family, but for every military family. We are so thankful to Congressman Buchanan for all of his help in getting these necessary changes one step closer to being signed into law,” said SPC Panipinto’s mother, Kimberly Weaver.
The House in July passed its version of the NDAA, which included Rep. Buchanan’s amendment. The U.S. Senate later approved its version and then both chambers reconciled their competing versions. The resulting final conference report is now expected soon to pass the Senate and then head to the president.