CONTACT: Chrissy Stevens (212) 982-9699 or chrissy@iava.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Iraq Vets Protest Congressional Plan to Cut Treatment of Brain-Injured Troops
NEW YORK - The nation's first and largest Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans organization, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, released the following statement today from Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff in response to proposed budget cuts in the Defense Appropriations bill for treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
"Congress is planning to slash funding for the research and treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury - the injury known as the signature wound of the Iraq war. America's wounded warriors deserve better.
When a Marine in Fallujah barely escapes an RPG attack, or an IED explodes under a Humvee, the blast can cause a soldier's brain to slam against in the inside of his skull. This is Traumatic Brain Injury, and the result is severe brain damage. Even in milder cases, dizziness, vision, hearing or speech problems, and memory loss are common. Military experts say that one in ten new veterans, or more than one hundred thousand people, are affected by TBI.
In a bill appropriating more than $400 billion, in a war that has cost hundreds of billions of dollars and counting, it is unconscionable that Congress can't find an extra $7 million to treat an injury affecting more than 100,000 American Troops.
Congress should take action to demonstrate their commitment to the Troops who have served their country so honorably. If the President can cut his vacation short to sign a special law for the brain-damaged Terri Schiavo, then he can certainly respond with the same urgency to make sure brain-damaged troops receive the best possible care.
"For more information, or to schedule an interview with Paul Rieckhoff or any of IAVA's member Veterans, please contact Will Coghlan at 212-982-9699 or will@iava.org[1].
