U.S. Army Says Sorry To Dead Soldiers' Families For "John Doe" Letters

January 8, 2009 12:04 a.m. EST

Washington, DC (AHN) - The U.S. Army is sending letters of apology to 7,000 families of fallen soldiers after they were addressed as "John Doe" instead of their names in letters sent to them in December.

The U.S. Army said Wednesday on its website its Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. is sending a personal letter to the offended families who have children who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Army blamed printing error for the earlier letters that inform the said families about private organizations that can help them. A contractor printed the "Dear John Doe" letters and the U.S. Army Human Resources Command's Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Center in Alexandria, Virginia mailed them.

"There are no words to adequately apologize for this mistake or for the hurt it may have caused," Brig. Gen. Reuben D. Jones, The Army Adjutant General, wrote in a Jan. 7, 2009 message, according to the website. "It is important the original intent of the letter is not lost. The organizations mentioned are dedicated to honoring loved ones and recognizing their sacrifice and commitment."