DEF. SEC. LLOYD AUSTIN DEALING WITH PROSTATE CANCER COMPLICATIONS
Often, a successful military career is either viewed by one’s commitment to unwavering service or the sheer amount of promotions and accolades during their service. When you speak of Lloyd Austin, you must talk of both. Not only is current Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin a decorated Veteran who would rise to become a Four-Star General, but the native from Mobile, Alabama has a proven track record of helping serve his country and the military community. A track record that goes well beyond his military career. However, the hospitalization of Lloyd J. Austin III early in 2024, is making waves not only because of the medical concerns one may associate but also because it was kept a secret by officials. Now, it’s being reported that the reason for the extended hospitalization stems from complications while being treated for prostate cancer.Related read: Breaking News! Leader of Hamas Killed In Lebanon
Who Is Lloyd Austin?
Lloyd Austin is the U.S. Secretary of Defense. A role that would come to be after President-elect Joe Biden would nominate the decorated Veteran for the duty. However, before working in this capacity, Austin had a storied military career. One that included serving with President Biden’s late son Beau in Iraq. As a Four-Star General in the Army, Austin understands the military better than anyone. In fact, he would serve in Iraq and Afghanistan at all levels of General (One-Four Stars). He was a Commander in Iraq, Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army (VCSA), and the 12th Commander of CENTCOM (United States Central Command), among many other duties. As the first Black Soldier to hold such positions, Austin has many accolades including five Defense Distinguished Service Medals and a Silver Star. His military career spans over four decades beginning in 1975 at West Point, leading to the completion of Airborne and Ranger training. The General also helped transition the U.S. from its fuller presence in Iraq responsibly. In addition to his noted successes in Afghanistan and Iraq. Leading by example, Gen. Lloyd has also served on many different boards. This includes both Raytheon Technologies and Auburn University. But looking beyond his military endeavors, Austin continues to be a voice for its community. While serving as VCSA and even after retirement, Lloyd Austin has been an advocate for improving the mental health of troops. He actively called for the DoD to help destigmatize mental healthcare. Truth be told, the list of his accomplishments is long. There isn’t a facet of the Army that Austin hasn’t been involved in some capacity. Now serving as the Defense Secretary, reports of a secretive hospitalization is causing a stir to the beginning of 2024, and is even baffling some officials.
Hospitalization, Secrecy, and Concerns
For days, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was in the hospital before many top leaders would know it. This includes politicians in Congress, leaders in the Biden administration, and even top officials within The Pentagon. Additionally, when The Pentagon found out, they didn’t tell the White House National Security Council at first. Now, the news is out there; however, many questions remain. Particularly, not just because of officials and the public being left in the dark but because there was a lack of transparency with tensions rising between the U.S. and many of its enemies. For the record, this isn’t normal. Back in 2021, Kamala Harris was briefly transferred power as President Biden underwent a colonoscopy, for example. A storyline that made same-day major news headlines all because of the slight risk that can occur due to anesthesia. Though not everyone was on the same page for this medical endeavor, both the White House and the Joint Chiefs of Staff did know about the hospitalization. The timeline is tricky, but both seem to have been notified about Lloyd Austin in a much more timely manner. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin would end up taking the blame for the delay in relaying the information and is thankfully in recovery. While he looks forward to getting back to The Pentagon, the 70-year-old is still recovering from complications that happened during what was first reported to be an elective procedure. The understanding of what Austin has been going through is far clearer now after his prostate cancer diagnosis. Sadly, his initial recovery didn’t go as smoothly as possible, resulting in the hospital trip that has so many officials scrambling to find out how communications broke down on such critical news.Suggested read: USS Gerald Ford: World’s Most Advanced Aircraft Carrier Is Coming Home
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer
There has been a lot of mystery and concern surrounding the announcement of Lloyd Austin’s stay in the hospital. It’s now understood that he was in need of medical attention after complications from surgery to treat prostate cancer.In early December 2023, the cancer was found. On December 22, Austin would end up having a prostatectomy, a minimally invasive surgery, for treatment. Successful, Austin returned home only to fall ill and returned on New Year’s Day.The pain in his abdomen, leg, hip, and the feeling of nausea, led to the discovery of a urinary tract infection (UTI). This would cause concern and may have been a result of complications from his aforementioned procedure.Even President Biden himself wasn’t fully informed at first, which only adds to the concerns about communication. On one hand, it’s understandable that such medical care would be private and on the other, such roles do require some transparency at times that may be uncomfortable.
How Tall Is Lloyd Austin?
Lloyd Austin’s height is 6’ 3”. However, Austin stands tall among men in ways that go far beyond his stature. Overall, Lloyd Austin in any capacity helps the United States be a safer, better place to live. From his military successes defending our nation in the Middle East, to his advocacy, and even his current role navigating complex global problems, Austin keeps our nation running smoothly. We wish him a speedy recovery. Read next: Ibogaine Findings by Stanford University Show Promise for Veterans