Amputee Seeks Help For Wounded (please read, if you agree pass on to your mail groups)

Associated Press ^ | February 14, 2005 | Associated Press

[Former Military Chick]

These fine warriors have a good idea. While I doubt anyone thinks injury will happen while in service to your country it does. Many who have lost a limb have fought to return to active duty, Sgt. Bartles comes to mind. Another is the moving story of SSgt. Metzdorf, whose wife recently wrote me stating that her husband has been allowed to remain in service to our country.

So, for me, the idea of offering them a bit more for such catastrophic injuries.

I know I complain that our troops do not make enough, that they benefits are on the decline, such as medical and what once was security for serving your country has dwindled and continues to dwindle.

I know the funds need to be found somewhere to pay for such insurance, but the self financed aspect caught my interest.

I will be curious to read what my well versed fellow Freepers have to say on the subject?

Amputee’s re-enlistment a rarity (Inspiration)-Sergeant Bartles

Amputee Refuses To Give Up Army Career-Staff Sgt. Daniel Metzdorf

[Former Military Chick]

contact your congressmen **ping**

I am with Rep. Hayworth.

[Vermonter]

Don't Hannity and Ollie North already have some kind of organization up and running to help injured service people?

I'm not opposed to what is being proposed here, but thought there was already some help available.

[SandRat]

P-I-N-G!

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

"...Soldiers would pay about $3 per month, deducted from their pay, to qualify for a $50,000 payment in the event of a major injury in combat or training related to combat. The money would go out within days to soldiers who lose a limb or use of a limb, suffer severe burns, or lose their sight, hearing or speech.

More than 10,000 soldiers have been wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan since the start of combat operations. Based on Defense Department statistics analyzed by United Spinal, only about 1,000 of them probably would qualify for the new benefit. If most soldiers pay into the plan, Kelly said, it should more than cover the expense of payouts.

"It doesn't cost taxpayers a penny, it pays for itself and it benefits soldiers. Where is there a fault in that?" Kelly said...."

Congress.Org -- Write to Congress and State Legislators
Locate Legislators for your zip code, gives you links to YOUR local Legislators with phone, e-mail etc info.

[Former Military Chick]

thanks for sending out the help on this issue SR

[Former Military Chick]

You are the best Tonk, thanks for adding the links!

[MEG33]

BUMP!

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

It's the least I could do.

Our troops deserve the best.

It's a shane that "the system" takes so long and provides so little.

[DTogo]

Thanks for the *ping* !

I'll get on it to my Rep/Sens ASAP!

[JLO]

PING!!

[SandRat]

If I.... NO! When,... I hear back I'll update you.

[noodler]

I thought also.I would say if you have the money contribute
but if you do,you don't want to be lessening your prior contributions.

[afnamvet]

Thanks for the ping Tonk! Great idea.

[Strutt9]

Yes, I will contact my rep regarding this...IT is TRUELY
a shame that it takes so long for the wounded to get any type of assistance.

Is there as any thing that an individual can do besides contact his/her reps?

Is there some organization that I can contribute personally to that will help immediately?

[international american]

"The federal money can take a year or more to get to recipients."

Okay, somebody explain to me how we can get massive aid to Indonesia ,8200 miles away, within 5 days. But we take a year to help our wounded heroes??

[windchime]

Thanks!

[Former Military Chick]

A relevant question to pose to your congress critters.

[newsgatherer]

bump for updte