Letter To The Honorable John McHugh, Secretary Of The Army

Letter

Johnson Presses Army to Address Reports of Questionable Care at Warrior Transition Units

Following recent news reports that raised questions about services offered to wounded servicemembers at Army Warrior Transition Units, U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) today asked the Secretary of the Army for leaders to brief Congress on the situation at centers across the country. Johnson joined this effort as he continues working to improve care for wounded servicemembers following revelations at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 2007.

"Stories like the one in the New York Times raise serious questions as to the level of care our wounded servicemembers receive at Army Warrior Transition Units across the country. The situations that were described are simply unacceptable, and I urge members of the Army to inform Congress as to what is being done to address them," said Johnson.

Army Warrior Transition Units (WTU) were created in response to the sub-standard living conditions that were discovered at Walter Reed Army Medical Center nearly three years ago. There are 32 WTUs across the country that provide wounded servicemembers with targeted care as they transition back to active duty or to veteran status.

A recent article in the New York Times outlined the struggles some servicemembers report experiencing at WTUs, including feelings of isolation or neglect. Johnson and others are asking the Army to outline how they will address these issues, as well as matters ranging from medication management and engagement strategies to the implementation of comprehensive transition plan for as servicemembers prepare for either active duty of civilian life.

"We may not have WTUs in our state, but I don't want any servicemember from South Dakota or any other state to face the struggles that have been reported. Congress stands ready and willing to do its part to address any issues facing our wounded troops, but we need to know where things stand," continued Johnson.

As Chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, Johnson helped include $230.9 million in an Emergency Supplemental Bill last year to complete construction of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at Bethesda, including a Warrior Transition Center, and the Fort Belvoir, VA, Community Hospital. He is committed to continuing to use his Chairmanship to address the needs of veterans and servicemembers nationwide.

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The Honorable John McHugh

Secretary of the Army

101Army Pentagon

Washington 20310-0101

Dear Secretary McHugh:

We write to inquire about the recently reported issues with the quality of care and services provided to wounded servicemembers at Army Warrior Transition Units (WTUs) and request appropriate officials brief us on the current status of the WTUs and their efforts to engage and empower soldiers. News reports stating our soldiers are feeling isolation, neglect or harsh indifference during their recovery and transition directly conflicts with the positive feedback we have seen and heard regarding the 32 Warrior Transition Units and feel better outreach is needed to convey an accurate picture of the services offered and the gains achieved.

As you know, WTUs were established in the wake of the scandal surrounding care and conditions for wounded warriors at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. WTUs provide targeted care and a sense of purpose for servicemembers as they transition back to active duty or to veteran status. The time spent at a WTU represents a meaningful, gainful transition which prepares the servicemember to succeed in the civilian world or readjust to active military service.

Specifically, we are concerned about the consistency of services offered at all 32 WTUs. Recognizing each soldier is unique, how does the Wounded Warrior program provide standard engagement and vocational opportunities to soldiers throughout the nation? What is the status of implementing the comprehensive transition plan? What is the status of Operation Warfighter? Are there are other similar national programs? Are you re-evaluating your medication management and engagement strategies following the New York Times article?

Providing care for our servicemembers and veterans continues to be a top priority for Congress and our nation. This issue is of the utmost importance to us. Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Patty Murray

United States Senate

Tim Johnson

United States Senate

Jon Tester

United States Senate

Pat Leahy

United States Senate

Mary Landrieu

United States Senate

Byron Dorgan

United States Senate

Frank Lautenberg

United States Senate

Robert Menendez

United States Senate

Maria Cantwell

United States Senate

Kay Hagan

United States Senate

Ben Cardin

United States Senate

Joe Lieberman

United States Senate

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