Vets Address Commission Created in Wake of Walter Reed Crisis
IAVA Members Describe the Red Tape and Lack of Care Veterans Face

NEW YORK - Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) will address the Presidential Commission headed by Donna Shalala and Bob Dole created in the wake of the fallout over Walter Reed.  The commission is currently hearing testimony and statements on how to improve care for men and women in uniform. 

IAVA Director of Government Affairs Todd Bowers will discuss the bureaucracy veterans face at a public hearing today at 2:00pm. Meetings of the Advisory Committee on OIF/OEF Veterans and Families meetings are open to the public today and tomorrow. Meetings take place at The Hilton Alexandria Old Town, 1767 King Street, Alexandria, VA.

"More than 1.5 million troops have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Many of these troops and veterans are being forced to wait months and even years for medical appointments and disability pensions," Bowers said. "Veterans must receive the care they need in a timely manner.  In some cases, it's a matter of life and death."  As part of his testimony, Bowers will describe the struggle of Iraq veteran Sergeant First Class Drew Brown.  The Pentagon was supposed to be keeping track of veterans like Brown, but he filled out the necessary forms and asked for help from a mental health professional five times.  Brown later learned that his case had been closed improperly as he struggled with anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.   Brown recounts his experience in a recent essay. Below is an excerpt:

One night while my wife slept only feet from me, I came to the conclusion that she would not be able to stop me if I chose to end my life.  With the speed and accuracy of my years handling weapons, I could easily load a magazine, chamber a round, remove the safety and squeeze the trigger before she even got out of bed. 

IAVA Legislative Director Patrick Campbell will address a private session of the commission to further shed light on necessary changes.  "Over 26,000 troops have been wounded in action, and almost 45,000 veterans have been diagnosed with PTSD," said Campbell.  "We owe it to these men and women to get them they help they need."

To arrange an interview with Todd Bowers, Patrick Campbell or Drew Brown, please contact Michael Houston at (212)-982-9699, or email michael[at]iava.org..  IAVA, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, is the nation's first and largest organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, representing more than 60,000 members in all 50 states.  For more information, visit http://www.iava.org/.

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