GOP REP., VA KNEW OF REED PROBLEMS

From the Free Market News Network

Rep. C.W. "Bill" Young (R-Fla.), who previously chaired the Defense Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, was aware of many problems at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and chose not to pursue more aggressive oversight, according to Raw Story.Young alleges that he knew of the accidental death of Army Staff Sgt. William T. Latham at Walter Reed in 2003 and his statement contradicts the cause of death reported by the Pentagon. Young chose not to pursue more oversight because he did not want to "give the Army a black eye" and did not want to embarrass soldiers and their families. Paul Sullivan, a former VA project manager, told the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee that Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson shelved a program to fix bureaucratic problems between the VA and Defense Department soon after Nicholson took office, according to The Associated Press. Sullivan's testimony opens a window into the neglect, delays and poor coordination that went unnoticed.

House Panel Says VA has same problems as Walter Reed

It seems the problems at Walter Reed extend to the military's VA system. I've said it once and regarding the military I'll say it again: Ya think? I'm am so over these politicians acting as if they didn't know the bureaucratic crap going on. First of all, a lot of them (especially the Dems) served in the military. So, I know they know the crap servicemembers have to go through. And if they didn't, its even more reason why everyone should be required to serve in the US military. Maybe if everyone knew from personal experience things would be better....there would be no excuse for the ignorance.

WA State Military Hospital Has Walter Reed Issues

So there is another hospital with the mission of taking care of soldiers that isn't up to par. So put it simply, ya think? Come on. If the number one Army hospital fails as it sits in Washington, D.C. and a prime location for those who want to support our troops, what do you think is going on outside of the beltway?

Mental care called sorely lacking for Iraq vets, families

Another miscue regarding planning for this war. No one thought there should be enough mental health professionals for servicemembers who killed and saw death and their families? A panel's 67 page report cites a 40% vacancy rate in active duty psychologists in the Army and Navy. Therapy is nothing more than talking. When is it going to stop being considered a weakness?

US Soldiers Aren't the Only Americans Dying

Thats right. Over 800 US civilians have died and more than 3,300 have been wounded in the Iraq War. They are just as important as the soldiers. They make it possible for us to send troops to train, fight, secure and police. Imagine if we had to send soldiers to cook, clean, guard and analyze intelligence as well. Respect them, love them, honor them too.