Posted on 01/05/2006 4:27:28 PM PST by SandRat
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- On what was only his second day in office, Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Donald Winter, visited with wounded Sailors and Marines, and the hospital staff at National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) Bethesda.
In his first message to the fleet after being sworn in Jan. 3, as the 74th SECNAV, Winter expressed how important it was to take care of the men and women of the fleet saying, “People are our most valuable asset. Nothing can play so decisive a role as well-trained, highly motivated Sailors and Marines who believe in their mission.”
Winter reinforced those sentiments during his visit, meeting with several wounded Sailors and Marines, and their family members, and making it a point to let them know their care and well-being are at the top of his priority list.
“What could be more important than visiting our troops,” asked Winter. “They have made more sacrifices than I can ever imagine. The least I can do is visit and make sure our service members and their families know they have our support.”
“We really appreciate your service,” he said, “and I just wanted to thank you in person. I wanted to make sure you're getting the care you deserve.”
While meeting with the NNMC staff members who have been directly involved in taking care of the troops, he took a close look at just what type of care his Sailors and Marines are getting. Winter said that he was impressed with the level of interaction and the personal concern the hospital staff was showing these troops, and thanked them for their efforts, saying it was clearly making a big difference for them. In fact, Winter was so impressed with the care that the staff has been providing that he confidently told one Marine, “They're going to take good care of you here, trust me!”
NNMC has treated more than 1,275 war-wounded service members, including Army, Navy and Marine Corps personnel, since April 2003. It serves as the designated hospital for Navy and Marine casualties returning to the continental United States from Operation Iraqi Freedom. Additionally, NNMC is the designated treatment facility for all service casualties requiring interventional neuro-radiology care to treat head injuries.
“I continue to be amazed and impressed with the spirit and attitude of our young, brave men and women,” Winter said. “It inspires me every day.”
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