General David Petraeus, head of the United States Central Command, collapsed Wednesday at a Senate Armed Services Committee meeting. The committee was discussing military operations in Kandahar.
The collapse was not serious and after a brief recess, the general returned, smiling, into the hearing room with a cup of water in his hand.
Chairman Carl Levin said, “General Pat. Appears to be doing very well… He’s eating. He probably didn’t have enough water to drink coming in here this morning but he appears to be doing much better.”
As he entered the room, the general was welcomed with applause from those present at the hearing.
“I felt a little bit lightheaded. It wasn’t Sen. McCain’s questions, I assure you,” joked Petraeus, addressing the chairman and the committee.
“You are one of America’s greatest heroes. We are glad you are recovered,” said McCain, who had been speaking to Petraeus when he collapsed.
Prior to fainting, the general had been answering questions about a time line and exit strategy for Afghanistan.
The meeting was adjourned until June 16 at 9 a.m.
The collapse was not serious and after a brief recess, the general returned, smiling, into the hearing room with a cup of water in his hand.
Chairman Carl Levin said, “General Pat. Appears to be doing very well… He’s eating. He probably didn’t have enough water to drink coming in here this morning but he appears to be doing much better.”
As he entered the room, the general was welcomed with applause from those present at the hearing.
“I felt a little bit lightheaded. It wasn’t Sen. McCain’s questions, I assure you,” joked Petraeus, addressing the chairman and the committee.
“You are one of America’s greatest heroes. We are glad you are recovered,” said McCain, who had been speaking to Petraeus when he collapsed.
Prior to fainting, the general had been answering questions about a time line and exit strategy for Afghanistan.
The meeting was adjourned until June 16 at 9 a.m.
