SEN. Judi Guthertz, who chairs the military buildup committee, wants to ensure Guam’s deployed soldiers are getting the best healthcare services upon their return home.
Following a recent meeting with South Carolina Republican Representative Joe Wilson, chairman of the House Military Personnel Subcommittee, Guthertz learned from Wilson’s website that he listed military health care as one of his responsibilities and that he wants to make health care a priority for troops and their loved ones.
Guthertz said she stressed this point in the past when she corresponded with former Assistant Secretary of the Navy Jackalyne Pfannenstiel.
In her letters, the senator reminded Pfannenstiel of the importance of Guam troops and veterans receiving treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. However, they can only go to the Hawaii Warrior Transition Battalion, far from the support of their families at home.
In addition, Guthertz said resources are limited here on the island. She also stressed that recent reports suggest previously promised Department of Defense funding for a Guam community mental health facility may be cut from the fiscal 2013 budget.
In a letter to Wilson’s staffer, Col. Craig M. Greene, Guthertz inquired on the status of the appropriation.
“Any help you can provide us in getting the Pentagon to commit to standing up a Warrior Transition Battalion in Guam to service our active military personnel, including National Guard and Army Reserve personnel who are returning from war zones, would be greatly appreciated,” Guthertz stated in her letter.
Mental health services eyed for Guam soldiers
- Friday, 17 Aug 2012 03:30am
- BY ZITA Y. TAITANO | VARIETY NEWS STAFF
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