Caring for Maine's Veterans
The recent revelations of the deplorable conditions of military hospitals and recuperation facilities treating our wounded warriors have justifiably left Americans aghast that those heroic servicemen and women who have so honorably risked their lives in service to our country are currently convalescing under absolutely unacceptable circumstances. Like every American, I believe these findings to be nothing less than disgraceful – and frankly disrespectful of all who so nobly wear our nation’s uniform.
Earlier this year, before the reports detailing the situation at Walter Reed focused national attention on the growing crisis in our military and veteran’s hospitals, I cosponsored, with Senator Obama, the Lane Evans Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act of 2007 that directly addresses the inability of the Veterans Health Administration to correctly gauge the benefits and needs of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. We had found that DoD and the Veteran’s Administration lacked the ability to correctly budget resources because they were not adequately tracking the soldiers and veterans serving in those theaters. Therefore we called for a data registry that will hold a comprehensive list of VA healthcare and benefits use among all returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and improve the transfer of military and medical records between the DoD and the VA.
After these discoveries at Walter Reed, I cosponsored the Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act, which will serve as a first step in revamping our nation’s military housing facilities, expanding congressional oversight, and vastly improving the access to support programs for servicemembers and their families. And it will do so by establishing stringent standards for all military outpatient housing, requiring medical professionals at all outpatient residences 24 hours a day, federal protections for the jobs and health care of family members who are caring for recovering servicemembers and significantly increasing the number of caseworkers for all military medical facilities.
I have a deep and profound respect for those brave Americans who serve in uniform with honor, courage, and distinction. The obligation I feel to our veterans is enormous, and it is an solemn obligation that I strive to fulfill every day. Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have attended veterans’ events, met with the various veterans groups, and made their concerns a top priority -- and I will continue to do so.
Moreover, I want to hear the individual stories, the personal experiences that Maine veterans have to share – the successes, the failures, what works and what doesn’t. That is why I am asking you to contact me directly and tell me your story. I want to know how our Maine soldiers, reservists, National Guard and veterans have been treated upon their return, especially those of you who required medical treatment, be it physical, spiritual or mental. If you know of a fellow veteran who does not have access to this site, please let me know how to contact them so I can hear their story as well.
Finally, thank you. Thank you for your unwavering service, and for sharing your experience so, together, we can ensure that the healthcare and benefits system can rise to a level that justly honors your immeasurable contribution to your country.
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