Sen. Ernst Asking for Federal Investigation Following Death of Iowa Veteran

Source: WHO

By Dave Price

Iowa Senator Joni Ernst is asking for a federal investigation into the death of an Iowa veteran. Police found the body of Richard Miles in Des Moines’ Water Works Park Friday. Authorities are still waiting on an autopsy to confirm the cause of death but say they don’t suspect anything suspicious.

Friends said Miles suffered from PTSD following three deployments to the Middle East. Friends expressed concern that Miles couldn’t get the help he needed to prevent his death. They know he’d been struggling lately and that Miles knew he needed help.

Miles was well-known at the Science Center of Iowa where he worked explaining science to kids and adults who stopped by.

Friends said he disappeared a few weeks ago and they worried about him. Authorities believe Miles had likely been dead for several days when someone found him at waterworks park.

Senator Ernst has sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Ernst has requested an examination of the Veterans Affairs Central Iowa Health Care System`s mental health programs.

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