Nation Watch—Advocacy
Support Your Heroes at Home... Write Your Senator Today
Last Updated:
April 5, 2007
Senator XXXXX
XXX Senate Office Building
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator XXXXX:
I am writing to ask you to cosponsor the “Heroes at Home Act of 2007,” which represents a critical move forward in meeting the rehabilitation and emotional adjustment needs of traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors of Operation Iraq Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).
This legislation was introduced by Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) on March 29, 2007, and is supported by the Brain Injury Association of America, Wounded Warrior Project, American Legion, National Military Families Association, Military Officers Association of America, Gold Star Mothers and Lee Woodruff, TBI caregiver and co-author with husband Bob Woodruff of New York Times bestseller In An Instant.
This legislation recognizes the critical role played by family caregivers in facilitating recovery from brain injury, and for addressing the pressing need to increase support for these caregivers by establishing a Traumatic Brain Injury Family Caregiver Personal Care Attendant Training and Certification Program. This program would train and certify family caregivers of returning soldiers with TBI as personal care attendants, enabling them to provide quality care to their loved ones at home and at the same time qualify for compensation from the VA.
The “Heroes at Home Act of 2007” will also take important steps to establish a protocol for the assessment and documentation of cognitive functioning of each member of the Armed Forces both before and after deployment, including appropriate mechanisms to permit the differential diagnosis of TBI and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in returning service members. There is a great need for improved diagnostic capabilities in detecting the occurrence of one or, as frequently occurs, the coexistence of both conditions.
Again, as a constituent of yours, I urge you to cosponsor the “Heroes at Home Act of 2007,” to proactively address one of the most important issues related to the War on Terror, the unanticipated high incidence of traumatic brain injuries among America’s brave soldiers returning from combat.
Sincerely,
(be sure and include your name and address)
Thank You Response
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton
Russell Senate Building, Suite 476
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator Clinton:
I am writing to express my sincere appreciation to you for introducing the “Heroes at Home Act of 2007,” and for your leadership in the Senate on brain injury issues. Your legislation represents a critical move forward in meeting the rehabilitation and emotional adjustment needs of traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors of Operation Iraq Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).
Following in the footsteps of the successful passage of last year’s “Heroes at Home Act of 2006,” your introduction of this follow-up bill further demonstrates your understanding of the gravity and complexity of TBI as it is impacting so many of America’s brave young men and women serving in the Armed Forces, as well as millions of civilians.
Your recognition of the critical role played by family caregivers in facilitating recovery from brain injury, and for addressing the pressing need to increase support for these caregivers by providing access to education, training and financial compensation, is also greatly appreciated.
Again, thank you for your continuing leadership on brain injury issues.
Sincerely,
(be sure and include your name and address)