Murtha speaks out about Walter Reed fiasco

MURTHA STATEMENT ON BUILDING 18 AT WALTER REED

WASHINGTON, DC - Feb. 20, 2007 - U.S. Rep. John Murtha released the following statement today regarding Building 18 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center:

"The recent stories detailing the dilapidated conditions at Building 18 at Walter Reed are disturbing. It is a disservice to those who have bravely sacrificed and it is a dishonor to their brave service to expose them to these conditions. Those who are responsible must be held accountable and immediate rectification must be aggressively pursued."

"I routinely visit our military hospitals, as does Congressman Bill Young and his wife, Beverly, and I am always inspired by those who have sacrificed so much. Over the past few months, I have personally visited with our wounded at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Bethesda Naval Medical Center, Brooke Army Medical Center and Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio,
Balboa Naval Medical Center in San Diego and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. From my many visits to Walter Reed in particular, I can tell you that the medical staff there is second to none. During these visits I always make sure that I ask the question, "Is there anything you need?" I ask this question because I know the additional stress extended combat tours places on our military families, on medical personnel and on medical facilities. I want to make certain that the best care available is being offered."

"The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have resulted in over 28,000 casualties and have placed severe demands on our military hospitals in terms of personnel and facilities. More severely wounded continue to arrive daily. Exacerbating the problems at these facilities was last year's announcement of the BRAC closing of Walter Reed. I was then and remain concerned that
with the knowledge of the closing, especially during a time of war, facility maintenance and/or upgrades might be ignored or placed on the back burner. Thus over the past few years, the Defense Subcommittee has appropriated additional funding for operation, facility maintenance and equipment at specified medical facilities."

"We owe our men and women in uniform a debt gratitude and the best care possible. They have more than held up their end and have sacrificed so much. Our government must hold up its end. The troops deserve to know that if they come home wounded that they will get the care and the best possibl facilities that they deserve."