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Printed in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette
This article was published Tuesday, March 13, 2007.
Editorial, Pages 15 on 03/13/2007
The recent exposure of the appalling conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the supposed pinnacle of U.S. military medicine, has shocked the nation. Instead of coming home to a hero's welcome of yellow ribbons, our veterans find themselves battling a war of red tape. The detestable conditions at Walter Reed and the bureaucratic mess our soldiers face upon their return is shameful.
The brave men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line for our country are owed straightforward assistance and the best medical care available - not adversity from our administration.
This week, Congress held a series of oversight hearings to examine conditions at Walter Reed and other facilities and the challenges facing wounded soldiers. Unfortunately, the outcome of these recent hearings confirms the Administration failed in its duty to see that soldiers receive proper care upon their return from war. The scandal at Walter Reed is symbolic of a larger disease that has infected the Bush administration – lack of oversight.
You don’t have to be an expert to recognize the symptoms of neglect our soldiers are experiencing before, during and after their tour of duty. Before troops are sent overseas, many lack necessary training, while deployed, they are forced to make due with limited life-saving resources like body armor, and upon returning home they find the expert medical care they were promised when they signed up for service has vanished.
Arkansans across the state have bravely answered the call of duty to protect our freedom.
Currently, our state alone has roughly 1,400 National Guard soldiers overseas and has deployed more than 8,000 since September 11, 2001.
With hundreds more Arkansas National Guard troops anticipating deployment this year, we must ensure our troops have the tools and resources they need to accomplish their mission. Army National Guard units lack thousands of advanced armor kits for Humvees that could protect against roadside bombs. According to the Brookings Institution 72% of the American casualties in Iraq are from Improvised Explosive Devices. In addition, existing shortages of trucks and other crucial equipment such as jamming devices will only be exacerbated by the troop surge proposed by the Administration.
Every time a wounded Arkansan arrives at Walter Reed, I make it a point to visit them at the hospital and thank them for their heroic service to our country. During our visit I also give them my personal contact information and encourage them to call me if there is anything I can do to help them. No matter how great or small the problem, I'm committed to doing everything in my power to take care of our veterans and so should our government.
The sacrifice we ask of our brave men and women in uniform is enormous. We are so proud and grateful for those who answered our country's call. They do it faithfully and without complaint because our country asked them to serve.
Our soldiers are committed to the mission and in turn, deserve our unwavering support. Congress will fight to ensure our troops have the tools, resources, care, and support they need – before they leave, on the battlefield and when they return home.
Please continue to keep our brave men and women in your thoughts and prayers. I cannot express how grateful I am for their bravery and I will continue to work to honor their service to our country.
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