Paul Rieckhoff: Walter Reed Hospital: Mice, Mold and Roaches

[unhappycamper]

Walter Reed Hospital: Mice, Mold and Roaches
Paul Rieckhoff
2.20.2007

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The Washington Post reported Saturday that staffers responsible for managing outpatients at Walter Reed have had caseloads of more than 125 patients each. Recovering soldiers face bureaucratic delays, overworked case managers and appalling living conditions, including black mold, cheap mattresses and cockroaches.

This news is an absolute outrage. And it's shameful. It is absolutely inexcusable that our wounded troops are coming home to such an unprepared and overwhelmed health care system (and please note, Walter Reed is not even a VA facility). Responsibility for this tragedy goes straight to the top. We at IAVA are demanding swift action from the President, Department of Defense and Congress to correct these problems. It is disgraceful that our country has sent troops to war without ensuring adequate care for the wounded.

Since that report was released, IAVA has been leading the charge to keep this critical story in the headlines and demand action from our elected officials.

My fellow Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans have vowed to continue our fight for proper care and resources for this newest generation of American veterans.

Last week IAVA member veterans from all over the country met with dozens of members of Congress who pledged to do all they can to care for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Many will stand with us soon to support a critical bill for our troops and veterans called S-117: The Lane Evan Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act of 2007. (Please click the link to learn more and find out how you can help)

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