/Portals/2/logos/__TFMF_gh1z2u55lssmxjyqlskxdw55_6b9b8ae7-dc9f-44f3-825f-40e69fbe506c_0___Selected.jpg en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 23 May 2013 18:30:45 GMT 15 By Katie Wood
Think of Keyser’s population of about 5,500 and multiply that by four. This is the number of Americans who have been injured in the war in Iraq. Twenty-three thousand four hundred seventeen Americans. How are these wounded soldiers treated once they go back home? The Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., known for their excellent medical treatments and doctors, cares for wounded U.S. troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Two Washington Post reporters, Dana Priest and Ann Hall discovered the living conditions of the rehabilitation center. The treatment center had stained carpeting, mold, and was infested with cockroaches. Mice were a problem as well as rot and cheap mattresses. Medical appointments were canceled, because the hospital didn’t even have records of the soldiers being there. Early morning moves made injured inhabitants evacuate their rooms. The Washington Post stated there was a “bureaucratic indifference” that impeded some veterans’ recoveries. Why are our wounded soldiers recovering in such detrimental filth? You’d think that our country would provide better rehabilitation facilities. Military men and women have been fighting for our country. They have risked their lives as well as mental health. Most of the injuries are traumatic. Limbs have been lost, many suffer from brain damage, and some injuries may never heal. You’d think that such cases would be subject to the utmost care. Democratic congressman Harry Mitchell is correct in assuming that poor treatment of wounded troops could affect military recruitment. Who would want to join the military with the thought that if they were injured, they would be recovering in such a place? Who would want to wake up with bed buddies like rodents and vermin, especially when the bed you’re sleeping on is already uncomfortable enough? The stench of rot would add to the misery even more. Hillary Long says, “I can understand these sorts of facilities in foreign countries or poverty-stricken areas, but here in the United States? Not to mention the capital? That’s unacceptable. These people deserve the best care, not just getting by. Where are our tax dollars going? This would definitely make me think twice about considering the military.” Efforts began two days after the story broke to improve the living conditions for the patients. The Army is now including cable television and Internet access as part of the renovations. The plans for solving this mess are still unclear. The Walter Reed Army Medical Center is slated to be shut down as part of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure process. The center should be closed by 2011. Chelsie Hamilton has a family member that has been in and out of Iraq. She said, “It’s wrong. They go to Iraq to protect us and they are being healed in the worse kind of enviornment.” ]]> Tue, 05 Jun 2007 17:21:00 GMT