Grampster...
There is a process for "amelioration" of indebtedness. It's called a "waiver". If the member can show that it arose through no fault of their own, and/or repayment would cause "undue hardship" the debt can be erased. A servicemember has the right to pursue a waiver of indebtedness for any amount over $100. Collection action is held in abeyance during the waiver application process. The waiver authorities are extremely liberal in granting waivers. The standard/burden of proof is very low for the servicemember.
One part of this Soldier's problem that the military cannot touch is the money owed to the IRS. When you go into a combat zone, you are eligible for a "Combat Zone Income Tax Exclusion." There are certain conditions that must be met, including a minimum amount of time in the zone...IIRC it's 11 months without returning to CONUS, even for 1 day. If he didn't meet the requirement for the exclusion, then he owes "back witholding" amounts because he's now gonna have the normal income tax liability.
As I said earlier, we'll never hear the "rest of the story" is a waiver is granted because it's not bad news or anti-gov't.