JONES’ PROVISION TO HELP WOUNDED WARRIORS GOES TO PRESIDENT’S DESK

– Late last week, Congress passed H.R. 2647 – The Fiscal Year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act – and sent the bill to the President to be signed into law. The legislation includes a key provision based on Congressman Walter B. Jones’ bill H.R. 1701, the PTSD/TBI Guaranteed Review for Heroes Act, which would mandate a medical examination for service members who are facing an administrative separation due to misconduct, and claim or have been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI). This examination would assess the degree to which the behavior of the service member has been affected by PTSD or TBI. Additionally, a review of previous discharges is authorized to ensure that PTSD and TBI were taken into account. “Many of our brave men and women in the Armed Services face difficult circumstances upon returning from a combat zone to the United States,” Jones said. “No service member should be cut off from benefits because they’re suffering from PTSD or TBI incurred while defending our freedom. This legislation will help ensure that doesn’t happen.” Congressman Jones’ legislative language is endorsed by the American Legion, the Military Officers Association of America, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the National Association of Uniformed Services, and the Air Force Sergeants Association. Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) proudly represents Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and Marine Corps Air Station New River. He has received numerous awards for his advocacy on behalf of our men and women in uniform, including the American Legion Department of North Carolina’s Award of Appreciation, the Military Coalition’s Award of Merit, and the Marine Corps Reserve Association’s prestigious Major Frank M. Tejeda Leadership Award.