Free Republic

Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) is scheduled to pay a solemn visit to wounded Iraq veterans at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington on Saturday, Politico has learned. The visit will be Obama’s third. Obama’s staff is keeping his trip low key. It is not on his public schedule, and his campaign would not confirm it. A pool of reporters will go with him, but will not accompany him inside. (snip) McCain occasionally visits soldiers at Walter Reed on weekends when he is in Washington, most recently May 31. McCain’s visits are usually unannounced to the press, and sometimes he...

Today it was announced that in keeping with honoring the wounded and ill of our Armed Forces, the Silver Star Families of America will begin issuing certificates of appreciation to military medical personnel.

A few weeks ago we had a series of very powerful thunderstorms that sent trees tumbling all around the region. One was on the easement by the street just by where we put up the MOAB, and in typical Washington DC fashion the government hasn't gotten around to doing anything about it. If we'd have been out that night our MOAB would have gone the way of Dorothy's house. However, tonight was a nice evening so we got the MOAB up no problem, and soon the flags were flying behind it Honor Role of Attendees Your author Tom the Redhunter,...

Over the past two years, Estes, 43, has conducted a free golf clinic for the [catastrophically wounded] soldiers every Saturday morning in the spring. A section of the range is cordoned off for use by the men and women who make the 30-minute trip from Walter Reed. Every week, in a more formal group session, Estes focuses on a different aspect of the game: bunker shots, chipping, putting, the driver. But he and other staff members also offer individual instruction for anyone who asks. Somehow, Estes manages to find a way to get them to make contact with the golf...

House lawmakers on Wednesday said they favor a new ombudsman office for the Department of Veterans Affairs, assigned to field and fix complaints of patientsÂ’ difficulties in getting their benefits. Members of the House Veterans Affairs Committee delayed an anticipated vote on a measure creating the post during a hearing Wednesday morning, but said they expect to amend and approve the idea in coming weeks. The legislation under consideration, sponsored by Rep. Paul Hodes, D-N.H., would charge the ombudsman with serving as a liaison for "all veterans and their family members." The new VA post and supporting office staff would...

WASHINGTON, June 5, 2008 – Walter Reed Army Medical Center rolled out a sophisticated new vehicle today that will make wounded soldiers’ ride to the Army hospital safer and smoother. Army Maj. Gen. Carla G. Hawley-Bowland, commander of North Atlantic Regional Medical Command and Walter Reed Army Medical Center, left, and Army Col. Patricia Horoho, commander of the Walter Reed Health Care System, center, give Army Secretary Pete Geren a tour of a Patient Evacuation Vehicle. Unveiled June 5, 2008, during a ceremony at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., the PEV is a semi-trailer-sized hospital on...

WASHINGTON, June 3, 2008 – The University of Kansas national champion men's basketball team began their victory lap in the nation’s capital yesterday by visiting wounded warriors and signing autographs at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here. The University of Kansas national champion men's basketball team poses for a picture with injured soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. The team and coaching staff kicked off their two-day tour of the nation's capital by visiting wounded warriors June 2, 2008. Defense Department photo by John J. Kruzel  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Towering players in...

6/3/2008 - BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) -- The Air Force vice chief of staff traveled to the Air Force Theater Hospital at Balad Air Base May 29 to visit wounded warriors and accompany them on a flight back to Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Representing Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Gen. Duncan J. McNabb carried a message of appreciation and respect for the dedication and sacrifice of injured military personnel serving in the war on terrorism. "I don't have the words to express my deep...

His hearing isn’t as keen as it once was, and arthritis in his lower back is chronic. He’s not an old man, just a 38-year-old U.S. Marine who tussled with death and won. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Michael Burghardt of Fountain Valley, Calif., says it took him a long time to recover emotionally from surviving a roadside bomb in Iraq in September 2005. An explosives ordnance disposal expert, Burghardt was 12 inches from the blast. Instead of counting his blessings that the shrapnel studded flat against his body instead of tearing through it, Burghardt was wracked by guilt. The attention...

TIKRIT, Iraq, May 29, 2008 – Many of the physical tolls professional athletes face are mirrored in professional soldiers. Pulled muscles, back pain, and sprains are just a few injuries soldiers face while conducting day-to-day operations in Iraq. Army Staff Sgt. Gaither, physical therapy noncommissioned officer in charge with 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, checks on a soldier with back pain at the combat support hospital at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq. U.S. Army photo  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Enter the Army physical therapist -- a mobile, hands-on medical professional who works with soldiers to...

The battered para — who had to leave the Army last year after seven years of service when he injured his back in a jump — was attacked in Bradford. He was struck ten times on the body and face, leaving him with a suspected fractured skull and terrible facial injuries. The man, who does not want to be identified for fear he could be targeted again, had just finished a shift as a part-time security guard at 3am. As he smoked a cigarette outside a pizza shop, his attacker struck for no reason, snarling that he would "put him...

All too familiar with the gambles of war, Jimmy Kinsey, Kyle Riley and a few dozen fellow soldiers landed in the desert. But for these guys this Memorial Day, the most at stake is a few bucks. The soldiers-turned-high rollers took a private jet to Las Vegas over the weekend for an all-expenses-paid getaway with all the perks normally saved for casinos' richest regulars. They were greeted at the airport by Wayne Newton, chilled backstage with the guys from Blue Man Group and hobnobbed with Sheldon Adelson, the billionaire casino mogul who runs Las Vegas Sands Corp. and paid for...

All too familiar with the gambles of war, Jimmy Kinsey, Kyle Riley and a few dozen fellow soldiers landed in the desert. But for these guys this Memorial Day, the most at stake is a few bucks. The soldiers-turned-high rollers took a private jet to Las Vegas over the weekend for an all-expenses-paid getaway with all the perks normally saved for casinos' richest regulars. They were greeted at the airport by Wayne Newton, chilled backstage with the guys from Blue Man Group and hobnobbed with Sheldon Adelson, the billionaire casino mogul who runs Las Vegas Sands Corp. and paid for...

WASHINGTON, May 23, 2008 – When country music star Wynonna Judd stepped on stage in the Wagner Sports Center at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here yesterday, it was all about the love. Army Spc. Chauncy Clayton, a patient administrator at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, is called to the stage by Wynonna Judd so she could playfully correct his pronunciation of her name. He had improperly put the emphasis on “nona.” “It’s WHY-nona,” the star playfully chastised in her country accent. Defense Department photo by Fred W. Baker III  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. “Over a year...

LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas, May 8, 2008 – Wilford Hall Medical Center here has launched a new program emphasizing the importance of literacy to parents and children alike. Reach Out and Read, a national nonprofit organization, uses several methods to promote early literacy as part of routine pediatric care, including having volunteers reading aloud in pediatric waiting rooms. Its main approach, though, is to promote literacy during well-baby or well-child visits for children from ages 6 months through 4 years. Pediatric providers trained in the Reach Out and Read model offer age-appropriate tips to emphasize to parents and...

This week, Families United was invited from across the country to join the Iraq Ambassador at Arlington National Cemetery for a special salute to the soldiers they lost in the liberation of Iraq. They were honored with a dinner and a memorial plaque. While they were in DC, these very special people decided to join us out on the corners of the main entrance of Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) to support the soldiers who willingly sacrifice themselves for their country. You may not know about Families United, but it is an organization comprised of the families of members...

A Marine sergeant who became a symbol of resilience as he strove to recover from a roadside bomb blast in Iraq that blanketed 97 percent of his body with burns has died, the Defense Department said. He was 22. Sgt. Merlin German died April 11 at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where he was continuing treatment for the injuries he suffered in combat on Feb. 22, 2005, the Pentagon said Thursday. The former turret gunner was dubbed the "Miracle Man" for his determination in facing his wounds, which cost the former saxophone player his fingers and rippled his...

PHILADELPHIA, April 29, 2008 – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff called on the citizens of Philadelphia last night to embrace those who have lost loved ones or who have been wounded in service to America. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen received the Gold Medal of the Union League of Philadelphia during a ceremony at the 1862 building, right down the street from City Hall. The league was established during the Civil War as an organization to help restore the Union, and it has pursued its mission to uphold the nation for the 135 years since. Mullen challenged...

ELDER STREET AND GEORGIA AVENUE, WASHINGTON, DC - 18 April 2008 The DC Chapter stalwarts and FRiends refusing to cling to guns or religion or antipathy toward people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment manned their post Friday night at the main gate outside Walter Reed Army Medical Center Week 157 Honor Roll: Fraxinus, Lurker Bill aka “Sweet William”, VAFlagwaver, Ron G. Kirby, USNRetired, Kburi, PleaDeal, BufordP, Tom the Redhunter; Cindy_True_Supporter, Trooprally (Mr. & Mrs.) and from the Mason Nation – Laura R. BufordP wants to know, “Are you talking to me?” PleaDeal on patrol, camera...

WASHINGTON, April 15, 2008 – Wounded veterans who once enjoyed sports and being outdoors have the opportunity once again, courtesy of a program in Alabama. “Lakeshore Foundation’s ‘Lima Foxtrot Programs for Injured Military’ help servicemen and women adapt sports and recreation activities so they may get back to living healthy, active, independent lives,” said Susan Katz, the foundation’s communications coordinator. “These programs are open to military personnel who have sustained severe service-related injuries in recent warfare in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations in the world.” For more than 20 years, the Lakeshore Foundation has worked to enable people with...

Honor roll for April 4, 2008: VictoryNY; Plea Deal; Fraxinus; Tom the Redhunter; Cindy_True_Supporter; Eaglesnest1; Rongkirby; American_Awesomeness; Jimmy Valentine's brother; Satin_Patriot; kristinn; Lurker Bill, a friend of Satin_Patriot,two lovely lurkers, two friends of VictoryNY and Chief from GOE. It was back to normal outside the main gate to Walter Reed Army Medical Center after the previous week's 3 year anniversary observation. Though we were down a few people, the demonstration of support for our troops was undiminished:Satin_Patriot at the main gate.No MOAB needed when VictoryNY is there to cheer our troops!VictoryNY and friends.ChiefLurker Bill in mid-wave at passing car.Tom the...

If you’ve ever wondered what the Marines have in mind when they advertise for “a few good men,” look no further than Gunnery Sgt. William “Spanky” Gibson. Two years ago, he lost a leg to a sniper’s bullet in Iraq. Today, he’s back in the combat zone — by his own choice.

BREAKING NEWS: Washington Post wins 2008 Pulitzer Prize for public service for its coverage of the mistreatment of veterans at Walter Reed hospital. Full story to follow shortly.

NEW YORK - The Washington Post won six Pulitzer Prizes on Monday, including the public service medal for exposing shoddy treatment of America's war wounded at Walter Reed hospital, and the breaking-news award for coverage of the Virginia Tech massacre. The New York Times received two Pulitzers: one for investigative reporting, for stories on toxic ingredients in medicine and other products imported from China, and one for explanatory reporting, for examining the ethical issues surrounding DNA testing. The Post's other awards were for: • National reporting, for its exploration of Vice President Dick Cheney's backstage influence; • International reporting, for...

3 US troops killed, 31 wounded in Iraq By KIM GAMEL, Associated Press Writer BAGHDAD - Rockets or mortars slammed into the U.S.-protected Green Zone and a military base elsewhere in Baghdad on Sunday, killing three American soldiers and wounding 31, an official said The attacks occurred as U.S. and Iraqi forces battled Shiite militants in Sadr City in some of the fiercest fighting since radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr ordered a cease-fire a week ago. At least 16 Iraqi civilians were killed in the fighting, according to hospital officials. A military official said two U.S. troops died and 17 were...

WASHINGTON, April 4, 2008 – It was all a big joke for servicemembers and their families at Walter Reed Army Medical Center’s Fisher House yesterday when comedian Kathy Griffin came to visit. Comedian Kathy Griffin, star of “My Life on the D List,” greets Susan Badia at Walter Reed Army Medical Center's Fisher House III on April 3, 2008. Badia, her daughter, Kylee Ray, and her husband, Army Sgt. Jace Badia, currently are living next door at Fisher House II. Sergeant Badia is recuperating from wounds he suffered in Iraq when he was hit by a homemade bomb. Griffin...

BETHESDA, Md., April 3, 2008 – Two Marines who were injured in Iraq praised the medical care they’ve received at the National Naval Medical Center here during interviews yesterday in conjunction with a grand re-opening ceremony for their newly renovated outpatient quarters. Wounded Iraq combat veterans Marine Cpl. Daniel B. Nicholson, left, and Marine Lance Cpl. Michael S. Stilson attend a reopening ceremony for newly renovated Mercy Hall, an outpatient quarters for injured troops on the National Naval Medical Center campus in Bethesda, Md., April 2, 2008. Both Marines praised the quality of medical care provided at Bethesda. Defense...

Secretary of the Commonwealth Katherine Hanley's son was seriously wounded while fighting in Iraq over the weekend. Spc. Patrick Hanley was stationed in Baghdad with the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division, 4th Brigade combat team, the Fairfax County Times reported. He was scheduled to come home later this month after a 15-month tour of duty, the paper reported. He lost an arm and suffered a head injury, according to a statement from Gov. Tim Kaine's Chief of Staff Wayne Turnage posted on RaisingKaine.com, a progressive Web site. -snip-

Almost unbelievable that it's really been three years for this event. I've participated since August of 2005, and that itself seems long enough, so I my thanks goes out to those intrepid FReepers who started this FReep back in March of that year. With this in mind, we had a special FReep planned for the Three Year Anniversary. When I got there just before 6:30, our usual starting time, FReepers were already on our corners holding their signs! I got out the MOAB and we set to work Soon we had it up and the FReep truly began! On the...

21 March 2008, Elder Street and Georgia Avenue, Washington, DC Well FREEPERs it happened, Bruce Wolf, chair of O.P.E.I.U. Local 2's "Social Justice Committee" managed to round up a group of Spring Equinox celebrants and out numbered the DC Chapter and FRiends. But enough of the bad news. From Oklahoma City, Oklahoma by way of Dallas, Texas we were joined by Scan 59 seen here with VictoryNY And his wife, BABY FREEP their lovely lurker daughter Kari Their son is a machinist mate serving on the Carrier USNS George Washington which is soon to deploy. Scan indicated that their son...

Before Thanksgiving, many JINSA Reports readers took the time to nominate Hal Koster, formerly of Fran O'Brien's, for the "Above and Beyond Award" sponsored by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. (See JINSA Reports #720 and 721) This month, Hal was chosen as the representative of the District of Columbia. The citation from the Society reads, in part: Hal Koster of Washington, DC for going above and beyond with his unwavering commitment to wounded American soldiers and their loved ones. Koster, a Vietnam veteran, has hosted Friday night dinners for wounded soldiers and their families for the past five years....

It’s amazing what happens when people start working together toward a common goal. Friday night, 14 March, Free Republic, Gathering of Eagles (GOE), Eagles Up, Nam Knights, Band of Mothers, Protest Warrior, Patriot Guard Riders, A Soldier’s Wish List, Move America Forward, and concerned individuals got together at the intersection of Georgia and Elder in DC NW to show unified support of the men and women who wear military uniforms in service to our country. This intersection is the location of the main entrance of Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC). It is this intersection that greets the men and...

3/18/2008 - MANAS AIR BASE, Kyrgyzstan (AFPN) -- Manas Air Base Airmen, Soldiers and transitory personnel got a firsthand glimpse into history this week. Three Medal of Honor recipients from the Vietnam War toured the base and spoke at several local engagements on their stop here before touring other locations in the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility. Retired Army Col. Robert L. Howard, Marine Capt. John J. McGinty III and Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gary L. Littrell highlighted Manas Air Base's contributions in the war on terrorism. "Americans appreciate the great service you've provided for our country," Colonel...

WASHINGTON, March 12, 2008 – Two officials from the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs cited a veritable laundry list of changes in wounded warrior and family care in testimony at the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee yesterday. In all, the two departments are in the process of implementing more than 400 recommendations compiled from five major studies of military health care over the past few years, according to a joint opening statement submitted by senior officials from both departments. Dr. Lynda Davis, deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for military personnel, and Kristin Day, chief consultant for case management...

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (March 10, 2008) -- He faded in and out of consciousness. He knew his legs were injured, but he did not know to what extent. Capt. Ray Baronie, the executive officer for the Wounded Warrior Battalion-East, Wounded Warrior Regiment, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, has few clear memories of his hospital stays overseas. One of the things he remembers is watching the doctors cut off his boots, as they talked about amputation. Baronie, at the time, a liason officer between the Iraqi Security Forces and the Marines of II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), was on...

Bicyle Rage Boy spews hate-America whines to Patriot Guard Rider Ted, who patiently attempts to educate him.photo by Mrs Trooprally WASHINGTON, DC, February 8, 2008— This week's FReep featured a welcome visit by two Patriot Guard Riders who had been in the Walter Reed hospital delivering hand-fashioned eagle-head canes to recovering wounded troops. As well, a youngish leftie who claimed to be a former Marine shouted hate-America slogans as he cycled by the FReep, but was directly engaged by one of the Patriot Guard and several FReepers, who patiently took the time to listen to his rant and tried to...

A touching new movie about the school and how its graduates help heal our brave wounded warriors and about some of their courageous patients... Very few folks have heard of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU-HS), but it's a place we all (including the moonbats) should know something about. USU-HS is the military school that trains MANY of the docs & nurses who treat our wounded heroes from the battlefield to Walter Reed and other military hospitals around the globe. Its main campus is located on the grounds of the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD....

WASHINGTON -- Red Sox Nation conquered the nation's capital Wednesday as President Bush feted the 2007 World Series Champs in a White House celebration that turned the normally orderly Executive Mansion into a stampede of hero-worshipping Red Sox fans. The seat of political power, usually unfazed by the proximity of famous personalities, was outright star-struck with the entourage of power hitters, pitchers and all-stars. Members of Congress, media big-wigs and White House staff -- many with their kids and baseballs in tow -- craned their necks and jostled for a good spot to snap photos and seek out autographs. "The...

FORT HUACHUCA — He has only been an American citizen since January, but Spc. Charles has proven himself a steadfast solider. That was proven Wednesday when Maj. Gen. John Custer, commander of the Intelligence Center and Fort Huachuca, presented Charles a Purple Heart for wounds suffered in Iraq last year. Charles — his first name — is all that can be used to identify the soldier. He is an Arabic translator who was born in Sudan and lived for a while as a refugee in Ethiopia. No photos of translators born in other nations serving in the U.S. Army are...

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2008 – It was a Valentine’s Day lunch, and there was a lot of love in the air for wounded warriors at the Marine Barracks here yesterday. Retired Marine Gen. Peter Pace and his wife, Lynne, continued a tradition they started during his service as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Paces hosted picnics at their quarters for wounded warriors and their families, and hosted this at historic Crawford Hall – a beautifully restored section of the Marine Barracks founded in 1801. The Marine Band’s “Free Country Quartet” – down to a trio due to...

Free Tickets to Super Bowl XLII Given to Injured War VetsSaturday, February 02, 2008 The University of Phoenix scored a touchdown with Iraq war veterans, giving eight coveted tickets to Sunday's Super Bowl XLII to a group of wounded service members, MyFOXPhoenix.com reports. "Being part of it — it’ll be nice," veteran Brent Bretz told MyFOXPhoenix.com. Bretz has undergone 57 surgeries, and his recovery from his war wounds is still not complete. He returned from Iraq in 2005, as did Robert Bartlett, another ticket recipient, who said he was "pretty surprised" by the gift. "It’s the chance of a lifetime,"...

RICHMOND, Va., Jan. 28, 2008 – Health care for wounded troops needs to remain on the cutting edge of technology, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said during a visit to a Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility here. Dr. David Cifu, McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center medical director, tells Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; U.S. Rep. Randy Forbes of Virginia; and Sandy Cartwright, the general’s wife, about treatment facilities at the center in Richmond, Va., Jan. 24, 2008. Cartwright and Forbes visited the center to learn...

WASHINGTON – Sgt. Klay South with help from this mother Janet launched Veterans of Valor on October 4, 2007. South was wounded November 2004 and spent a long recovery process to reconstruct his face and jaw after being shot in the face with an AK-47. Veterans of Valor visited Bethesda Naval Hospital and Walter Reed Army Medical Center January 17 to give backpacks and words of encouragement to wounded service members. BETHESDA, Md. – Cpl. Jimmy Kinsey receives his backpack from Sgt. Klay South, founder of Veterans of Valor. Veterans of Valor visited Bethesda Naval Hospital and Walter Reed...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 28, 2007 – Following the philosophy that recovering from an injury is easier with family nearby, a Virginia group is helping to make that possible for wounded explosive ordnance disposal technicians from any branch of service. “Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation is dedicated to helping our wounded explosive ordnance disposal technicians and their families in their greatest time of need,” said Sherri Beck, foundation president. “We are hoping to relieve some of the financial stress involved when a loved one is injured, (and) we also believe that having family present is an integral part of the healing process.”...

'I would give up my life for him' Wives and mothers of wounded veterans often face the same long road as their loved ones, and make their own sacrifices to be there SAN ANTONIO — Rose Lage swears it is true: Suddenly, in the midst of a fitful night of sleep last June, she knew that her son had been injured in Iraq. "I heard my son's voice," she recalls. "It might sound weird, but I heard him holler 'Mama!' " In fact, Staff Sgt. Michael Lage was the only survivor of a blast that killed four others. Lage suffered...

"I felt embarrassed. I'm over here accepting my disability in public and you are going to mock and harass me."

Honoring Heroes at the Holidays Tour"A Song for Their Service" - Holiday Concert   You Are Invited... Holiday Pro-Troop ConcertHonors America's Heroes Top Musical Talent to Perform at "A Song for Their Service" Lincoln Theater, Washington, D.C. Friday, December 14, 2007 - 8:00 PM (Washington, D.C.) A special one-night-only holiday pro-troop concert will honor America's military men and women this Friday, December 14, 2007 at 8:00 PM. The "A Song for Their Service" concert will take place at the historic Lincoln Theater in Washington, D.C. (1215 U Street NW).The concert is open to the public, and ticket prices are $45...

SCHWEINFURT, Germany, Dec. 10, 2007 – A pilot program is assessing soldiers returning here from Iraq for possible mild traumatic brain injury. Mild traumatic brain injury, or mTBI, has been called the signature wound of the war on terror. Identifying and treating that injury has become a priority for Army medical commands worldwide. The pilot testing program uses “automated neuropsychological assessment metrics” to identify affected soldiers. The first post-deployment mTBI screenings are being conducted here as part of the reintegration process for soldiers of 2nd “Dagger” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. “The screening is intended to take pre-deployment measurements...

Wife Inspired By Soldier Husband's Sacrifice SAN ANTONIO -- More than a year after infantryman Alejandro Albarran lost part of his right leg to a blast in Iraq, he still hasn't decided whether he'll stay in the Army. "Right now, I'm leaning against it," Albarran said, looking ahead with distaste to a possible desk job. But whatever he decides, Spc. Albarran, 20, won't be leaving Army life behind now that his wife enlisted to take his place among the ranks. "After everything he's gone through -- and he loves the Army -- he kind of inspired me," said Janay Albarran....

# Story Highlights # Medal of Honor recipient: I was outraged by lack of care for a wounded Marine # Ty Ziegel was badly wounded in Iraq and had to fight VA for benefits # Thousands of CNN viewers and CNN.com users responded to initial story # Ziegel: Thank you for your response