WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was released Monday after more than two weeks at Walter Reed military hospital, the Defense Department said.
"I’m grateful for the excellent care I received at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and want to thank the outstanding doctors and nursing staff for their professionalism and superb support," Austin said in a statement. "Now, as I continue to recuperate and perform my duties from home, I’m eager to fully recover and return as quickly as possible to the Pentagon."
Austin had been hospitalized since Jan. 1 with complications that resulted from treatment for prostate cancer. He and his staff waited days to inform the White House, top national security officials and even some high-ranking Pentagon officials.
In a statement, two doctors from Walter Reed who were supervising his care said that Austin "progressed well" and that "his strength is rebounding."
"He underwent a series of medical tests and evaluations and received non-surgical care during his stay to address his medical needs, to include resolving some lingering leg pains. He was discharged home with planned physical therapy and regular follow up. The Secretary is expected to make a full recovery," Dr. John Maddox and Dr. Gregory Chesnut said in the statement.
