FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Isakson Praises Passage of Legislation to Enhance Care of Wounded Warriors
Commends Cooperation Between Augusta VA Medical Center and Eisenhower Army Medical Center to Treat Injured Soldiers

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) today praised Senate passage of legislation designed to enhance the care of wounded warriors. Isakson is a co-sponsor of the legislation, which passed unanimously.         

The Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act provides for the establishment of a comprehensive policy on the care and management of wounded warriors and seeks to address the shortcomings in the government process that facilitates the transfer of wounded soldiers from active duty to veteran status. The legislation also included a 3.5 percent pay raise for all uniformed military personnel.   

“This legislation addresses what we have learned regarding the injuries that result from the type of warfare our troops are facing in Iraq,” Isakson said. “We are saving many more of our wounded warriors on the battlefield, and as a result, we need to make sure we have a structure in place to address their long-term needs here at home.”

Isakson also praised the collaboration between the Augusta VA Medical Center and the Eisenhower Army Medical Center to care for service members who have sustained combat injuries. The Augusta VA Medical Center operates the nation’s only medical rehabilitation unit within the VA system for active duty military personnel. Dr. Dennis Hollins, who works for the VA, heads the unit, and active duty medical personnel are stationed in the unit working alongside VA doctors and nurses.  

“The Augusta VA Medical Center and Eisenhower Army Medical Centerhave created a seamless transfer that is recognized as second to none,” said Isakson, who serves onthe Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs.

As of January 2007, more than 430 soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines have received rehabilitation services at the unit, and 26 percent of those treated have been able to return to active duty.

The medical staff from Augusta VA Medical Center and the Eisenhower Army Medical Center meets weekly to discuss future patient cases for the Active Duty Rehabilitation Unit.

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