[House Hearing, 111 Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
MEETING THE NEEDS OF INJURED VETERANS IN THE MILITARY PARALYMPIC
PROGRAM
=======================================================================
HEARING
before the
COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ONE HUNDRED ELEVENTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
__________
JULY 29, 2009
__________
Serial No. 111-38
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Printed for the use of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
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COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS
BOB FILNER, California, Chairman
CORRINE BROWN, Florida STEVE BUYER, Indiana, Ranking
VIC SNYDER, Arkansas CLIFF STEARNS, Florida
MICHAEL H. MICHAUD, Maine JERRY MORAN, Kansas
STEPHANIE HERSETH SANDLIN, South HENRY E. BROWN, Jr., South
Dakota Carolina
HARRY E. MITCHELL, Arizona JEFF MILLER, Florida
JOHN J. HALL, New York JOHN BOOZMAN, Arkansas
DEBORAH L. HALVORSON, Illinois BRIAN P. BILBRAY, California
THOMAS S.P. PERRIELLO, Virginia DOUG LAMBORN, Colorado
HARRY TEAGUE, New Mexico GUS M. BILIRAKIS, Florida
CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ, Texas VERN BUCHANAN, Florida
JOE DONNELLY, Indiana DAVID P. ROE, Tennessee
JERRY McNERNEY, California
ZACHARY T. SPACE, Ohio
TIMOTHY J. WALZ, Minnesota
JOHN H. ADLER, New Jersey
ANN KIRKPATRICK, Arizona
GLENN C. NYE, Virginia
Malcom A. Shorter, Staff Director
______
Pursuant to clause 2(e)(4) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House, public
hearing records of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs are also
published in electronic form. The printed hearing record remains the
official version. Because electronic submissions are used to prepare
both printed and electronic versions of the hearing record, the process
of converting between various electronic formats may introduce
unintentional errors or omissions. Such occurrences are inherent in the
current publication process and should diminish as the process is
further refined.
C O N T E N T S
__________
July 29, 2009
Page
Meeting the Needs of Injured Veterans in the Military Paralympic
Program........................................................ 1
OPENING STATEMENTS
Chairman Bob Filner.............................................. 1
Prepared statement of Chairman Filner........................ 44
Hon. Steve Buyer, Ranking Republican Member...................... 2
Prepared statement of Congressman Buyer...................... 45
Hon. John J. Hall, prepared statement of......................... 46
WITNESSES
U.S. Department of Defense, Dinah F.B. Cohen, Director, Computer/
Electronic Accommodations Program, Office of the Assistant
Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs........................ 34
Prepared statement of Ms. Cohen.............................. 61
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Diane Hartmann, Director,
Office of National Programs and Special Events................. 40
Prepared statement of Ms. Hartmann........................... 64
______
Clemons, Sergeant Kortney, USA (Ret.), Chula Vista, CA........... 4
Prepared statement of Clemons, Sergeant Kortney.............. 46
Disabled American Veterans, Adrian M. Atizado, Assistant National
Legislative Director........................................... 17
Prepared statement of Mr. Atizado............................ 49
Disabled Sports USA, Inc., Julia Ray, Manager, Wounded Warrior
Disabled Sports Project........................................ 20
Prepared statement of Ms. Ray................................ 54
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Carlos Leon, Member and
Paralympian.................................................... 24
Prepared statement of Mr. Leon............................... 59
Little, Captain Mark D., USA, Fairfax, VA........................ 8
Prepared statement of Captain Little......................... 49
National Recreation and Park Association, David Stringer,
Richland County, South Carolina, Parks and Recreation
Department..................................................... 22
Prepared statement of Mr. Stringer........................... 58
Paralyzed Veterans of America, Carl Blake, National Legislative
Director....................................................... 18
Prepared statement of Mr. Blake.............................. 51
United States Olympic Committee, Charlie Huebner, Chief of
Paralympics.................................................... 37
Prepared statement of Mr. Huebner............................ 63
Waldon, Captain Nathan, USA, Washington, DC...................... 6
Prepared statement of Captain Waldon......................... 47
MATERIAL SUBMITTED FOR THE RECORD
Post-Hearing Questions and Responses for the Record:
Hon. Bob Filner, Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs to
Adrian M. Atizado, Assistant National Legislative Director,
Disabled American Veterans, letter dated July 30, 2009, and
DAV responses.............................................. 67
Hon. Bob Filner, Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs to
Carl Blake, National Legislative Director, Paralyzed
Veterans of America, letter dated July 30, 2009, and
response letter dated September 1, 2009.................... 68
Hon. Bob Filner, Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs to
Julia Ray, Manager, Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports
Project, Disabled Sports USA, letter dated July 30, 2009,
and DSUSA response......................................... 70
Hon. Bob Filner, Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs to
Barbara Tulipane, Chief Executive Officer, National
Recreation and Park Association, letter dated July 30,
2009, response letter dated September 10, 2009............. 72
Hon. Bob Filner, Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs to
Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director and Founder, Iraq and
Afghanistan Veterans of America, letter dated July 30,
2009, and IAVA responses................................... 74
Hon. Bob Filner, Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs to
Hon. Robert M. Gates, Secretary, U.S. Department of
Defense, letter dated July 30, 2009, and DoD responses..... 75
Hon. Bob Filner, Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs to
Charlie Huebner, U.S. Olympic Committee Chief, U.S.
Paralympics Division, letter dated July 30, 2009, and USOC
responses.................................................. 78
Hon. Bob Filner, Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs to
Hon. Eric K. Shinseki, Secretary, U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs, letter dated July 30, 2009, and VA
responses.................................................. 91
Hon. Steve Buyer, Ranking Republic Member, Committee on
Veterans' Affairs, to Hon. Eric K. Shinseki, Secretary,
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, letter dated July 30,
2009, and VA responses..................................... 93
MEETING THE NEEDS OF INJURED
VETERANS IN THE
MILITARY PARALYMPIC PROGRAM
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2009
U.S. House of Representatives,
Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
Washington, DC.
The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:01 a.m., in
Room 334, Cannon House Office Building, Hon. Bob Filner
[Chairman of the Committee] presiding.
Present: Representatives Filner, Snyder, Hall, Halvorson,
Perriello, Teague, Rodriguez, McNerney, Walz, Adler,
Kirkpatrick, Buyer, Stearns, Boozman, Bilirakis, and Roe.
OPENING STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN
The Chairman. Good morning. The Committee on Veterans'
Affairs will come to order. I ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and
extend their remarks. Hearing no objection, so ordered.
We have a very interesting and important hearing this
morning. Since the early years of our country, Congress has had
to reassess programs created to care for our men and women in
uniform, our veterans who have courageously answered our call
to duty, and their families who have joined in the military
experience. For many servicemembers and veterans who have been
severely injured from service to our country the rehabilitation
can sometimes be quite disheartening. Many become concerned
about having the same quality of life that they had prior to
their injuries. This was known to be true in World War II and
has held true today in the midst of our commitments in Iraq and
Afghanistan. Fortunately, this Congress stands united in
support of our Members of the armed forces and veterans who
deserve the best resources to succeed in life after their
military service.
Some of my colleagues are aware of the history of how
Paralympic sports have been used in the physical therapy of
injured servicemembers and veterans and how it has evolved
since World War II. As we will hear from some of our panelists
today, the issue of Paralympic sports being used as a method of
physical therapy is not new to them with many sharing strong
partnerships with the VA that span more than two decades to
provide rehabilitation services to our injured men and women
who have worn the uniform.
Last Congress, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity,
under the leadership of Chairwoman Herseth Sandlin and Ranking
Member Boozman, held a series of hearings on the future role of
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Paralympic
sports. In those hearings, we received testimony highlighting
the need to conduct program outreach to veterans, conduct
followups with veterans after a flagship event such as the
National Veterans Wheelchair Games, and the need to implement
programs to appeal to veterans seeking to participate in non-
traditional activities such as scuba diving.
Today will provide the needed oversight on the VA's Office
of the National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events
that we first authorized in Public Law 110-389. The law
authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make grants to
the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) to provide Paralympic
instruction, competition activities, and the training program
development activities for servicemembers and veterans with
physical disabilities. Many of you know that earlier this month
we passed an amendment to the VA appropriations bill with the
support of both sides of the aisle which ensures that this
valuable program is fully funded and capable of providing the
support and programs that our veteran athletes require. As some
of my colleagues have highlighted in the past, it is important
to understand the history of this new program so that we may
avoid any pitfalls that have been encountered by similar
programs.
I look forward to working with all the Members of the
Committee to make sure this program succeeds in its mission to
provide rehabilitative sports therapy to our injured
servicemembers and our veterans. Of course, they deserve it.
But the inspiration that you provide to all Americans is an
incredible by-product of this program and keeps our faith in
all of you that you are going to succeed.
I yield to Mr. Buyer for his opening comments.
[The prepared statement of Chairman Filner appears on p.
44.]
OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. STEVE BUYER
Mr. Buyer. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. General Douglas
MacArthur while Superintendent at West Point had stated that,
``upon the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that
upon other fields on other days will bear the fruits of
victory.'' General MacArthur eloquently conveyed that the value
of participation in sports activities can carryover into other
areas of life. Sports strengthen individuals physically,
mentally, and emotionally. Athletes develop so many great
qualities of the heart and the mind that when these attributes
are translated into other areas of life's activities it often
leads to great success and accomplishments. I believe that
sports therapy is among the most valuable rehabilitative tools
that we can provide our wounded warriors.
I saw this firsthand when I had the pleasure of visiting
the United States Olympic Committee Training Center in the
Chairman's district years ago. The training site, located a few
miles southeast of downtown San Diego, is a place, I believe,
of joy, determination, dedication, sweat, and camaraderie. It
is a very scenic place with a beautiful lake and landscape.
Another notable feature is that the landscape is dotted with
signs reminding visitors of rattlesnakes that are lurking in
the shrubbery as part of the natural ecosystem. I found it a
convincing reason to stay out of the landscape.
But the real beauty of the site was the athletes. Walking
around you see the positive energy with which they approach
their life. You see how they encourage each other even when
they are competitors in the same sport on the same team. In
some, I suspect that you will see the very same vitality that I
saw there at other training centers.
At the same time I was there, the Olympic Committee was
embroiled in a controversy over allegations of corruption and
less flattering charges. I felt it was a duty to help the U.S.
Olympic Committee refocus itself upon the athletes, and to
reorganize the Committee and reduce its size to a more
manageable board.
That happened. A leaner, more efficient number of staff now
exists and includes representatives of the athletes themselves
on the Board. The upbeat, positive attitudes I saw during my
visit made it clear to me that our disabled veterans would
benefit greatly from their activities and increasing their
participation in sports at all levels, from the beginner to the
expert, would help them in their rehabilitation.
With a bit of encouragement, the VA and USOC signed an
agreement, a memorandum between them in 2005, to begin a
program to bring more veterans into sports. I truly wanted to
create an avenue for our military athletes who now find
themselves disabled, if in fact they can aspire to go and find
access to the Paralympic Games. As a result, the USOC began a
series of training events at Colorado Springs, Colorado, and
Chula Vista, California, for our wounded warriors. Many of
these servicemembers were literally just a few weeks from being
wounded in action and the great thing was that every one of
them, they were smiling despite their injures and the exertions
they were making to start life all over.
I also introduced a bill that authorized the VA to provide
grants via the USOC to other local disabled sports programs,
and to offer a small per diem to disabled veteran athletes
training at the USOC families. Chairman Filner also introduced
legislation and we merged our ideas into one bill that was
signed into law last year as part of title 38. I am proud that
through our combined efforts, Mr. Chairman, we have also helped
formalize the VA Sports and Special Events Programs and
expanded sports therapy for disabled veterans. VA, and its
cosponsors from the veterans service organizations, have put
adaptive sports on the map with events such as the National
Wheelchair Games, the Winter Sports Clinic, the Golden Age
Games, and this year the VA will add a new disabled golf event
to their calendar and I salute the VA and their partners for
being pioneers in the adaptive sports arena.
This year the Chairman and I amended the VA appropriations
bill to increase funding for the program to the full amount of
$10 million. And that was the number that the Chairman wanted.
And I applaud and thank him for his work. I want to make it
very clear that this legislation was not about producing
athletes for the U.S. Paralympic Team itself. It is about
increasing the number of disabled veterans who participate in
all types of sports at all levels of cooperation with the U.S.
Paralympics and their partners, such as those of whom are
witnesses here today.
I am sure Mr. Huebner would agree that you build a national
team from the ground up beginning with local sports programs.
One does not wave a magic wand and poof, you have an elite
athlete. And as much as I am a frustrated athlete, I would have
loved to have competed in the Olympics, I do not have that
ability. So everybody will rise to a particular level. And what
is wonderful about the design of these sports programs, is that
we are trying to use sports as a platform of healing and for
individuals to rise to their particular level. And that is why
I want to applaud the Chairman for his work. And there is a
real journey here in front of us. And the oversight over all of
these programs is extremely important and I know it is personal
to the Chairman. With that I yield back.
[The prepared statement of Congressman Buyer appears on p.
45.]
The Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Buyer. And thank you for the
nice words about the training center in southern California, in
my district. It is a great place year-round and I think one of
our panelists trained there.
Let me introduce the first panel. All of these witnesses
participate in the Paralympic program and are here to tell us
about their experiences. Kortney Clemons is a retired Sergeant
with the U.S. Army who resides in Chula Vista, California.
There is an election coming up in 2010, I hope you will know
who to vote for. He was the first Iraq veteran to qualify for
the U.S. Paralympic Games and has earned numerous medals in
track and field through the Paralympic program. Nathan Waldon
is a Captain with the United States Army who lives here in
Washington. Captain Waldon serves as the Assistant to the
Adaptive Sports Coordinator at Walter Reed Army Medical Center
and Captain Mark Little is in the United States Army and
currently lives in Fairfax, Virginia. He is a police officer in
Virginia and trains law enforcement and the military as he
continues to serve the Department of Defense while completing
his recovery from his own war injuries. We thank all of you for
being here. We will insert your written statement in the record
and you will be recognized for any oral remarks you would like
to make. Sergeant Clemons, we will start with you. We greatly
appreciate not only your own athletic talents but your
ambassadorship to others to try to bring them into the program.
Thank you for being here.
STATEMENTS OF SERGEANT KORTNEY CLEMONS, USA (RET.), CHULA
VISTA, CA; CAPTAIN NATHAN WALDON, USA, WASHINGTON, DC; AND
CAPTAIN MARK D. LITTLE, USA, FAIRFAX, VA
STATEMENT OF SERGEANT KORTNEY CLEMONS, USA (RET.)
Sergeant Clemons. Thank you. Good morning Chairman Filner
and Ranking Member Buyer. My name is Kortney Clemons. I was
honored to serve in the Army from 2001 to 2006, and I am proud
to stand before you today as an Army veteran, Purple Heart
recipient, and a Paralympic athlete.
I lost my right leg above the knee to a roadside bomb in
Iraq in 2005. I never imagined when I was lying in the hospital
bed in Landstuhl, Germany, that 4 years later I would be living
and training full-time at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in
Chula Vista as a part of the Paralympic track and field
resident program. I cannot thank you enough for all you have
done to support the VA Paralympic program. Your support has
changed, and will continue to change, the lives of thousands of
injured soldiers. Some like me may pursue representing their
country again at the Paralympic Games. But all will benefit
from the impact of sports in many areas of their lives.
Paralympic sport has given me an opportunity that I never
thought would even be possible. Prior to my injury, I was an
athlete who absolutely loved sports. I played football and
basketball in my little small town of Little Rock, Mississippi.
And I played football at East Mississippi Community College. I
served as an Army medic in Europe and was assigned to the 1st
Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment in Baghdad in March 2004.
Eleven and a half months after arriving in Iraq I lost my right
leg to a roadside bomb. I was helping a soldier who had been
wounded in an earlier incident. The bomb took the lives of
three of my comrades. I was grateful to have survived, but
following my injury, I struggled with thinking about my life as
an amputee.
When I lost my leg, I felt I had lost my identity. I
thought I would be in a wheelchair forever. I had never been
exposed to other amputees, prosthetics, and certainly not
Paralympic sports. I wondered about where I would live, how I
would get around, how would I even work? I was dealing with
post-traumatic stress, coming to terms with the loss of my leg,
and learning how to walk again. Sports was the last thing on my
mind. But it was through sports that I found hope and found my
future.
I will never forget the day U.S. Paralympic Committee
employee John Register came to BAMC, Brooke Army Medical
Center. An amputee himself, he was meeting with injured
soldiers like myself to tell them about the USOC's Paralympic
Military Program. I was still learning how to walk. But seeing
him demonstrate how to run that day changed me forever. I knew
I could get back to playing sports and his inspirational
message made me realize that sports could give me strength,
courage, and confidence to live a great life.
It is an important outlet for anyone with a physical
disability. I believe it should be a part of rehabilitation of
any injured servicemember. Everyone knows it is a benefit from
a physical and health standpoint, but no one really realizes
the psychological and emotional benefit that it serves.
As an athlete, I have had an opportunity to meet many
wounded soldiers during visits to military hospitals. It is
wonderful to tell them about the Paralympic Military Program
and how powerful sports can be in their lives. I know what it
is like to lie in bed and believe that life no longer would be
normal. So it gives me great pride to share my story with the
patients and help them see that returning to sports is not only
a possibility, it will also help them achieve many other things
in life.
To me, sports equals quality of life. It represents health
and freedom. One of the past participants at the USOC military
camp summed it up best. He said, ``Rehab helps you exist.
Sports helps you really live.'' I understand that completely
and what he meant by sharing those feelings. I remember the
first time I walked after my injury and how awesome it felt. I
want other servicemen and women to have the same experience. I
want them to learn the same things that I did, that Paralympic
sports can help them, lead them to a productive life, and
achieve their dreams, and inspire others to do it along the
way. Thank you.
[The prepared statement of
Sergeant Clemons appears on p. 46.]
The Chairman. Thank you so much, Kortney. Captain Waldon,
you are recognized.
STATEMENT OF CAPTAIN NATHAN WALDON, USA
Captain Waldon. Good morning. Good morning, Chairman
Filner, Ranking Member Buyer, as well as all the other ladies
and gentlemen on the panel today. My name is Nathan Wayne
Waldon and I am a Captain in the United States Army. I
appreciate the opportunity to testify.
My affinity for physical activity has not been recently
acquired. Growing up in the Southeast and thus afforded great
year round weather, I have been an active participant in
various sports from early on. This, of course, was strongly
encouraged, or mandated, by my parents to make sure that I was
not sitting around the house, playing video games, and watching
television all day. Looking back now upon those years from a
very different perspective, I have come to understand that
there were a multitude of reasons they wanted me to
participate. Physical activity is something that every child
needs. An active lifestyle, which started at an early age, is
something that has always been a part of my identity as a
person. Sports is where I learned so many important life
lessons: how to be a team player; putting the good of the team
ahead of one's personal ambition; how to communicate or
interact with other people from all walks of life; the
importance of hard work, nothing is going to come easy; to be
better you must put in the practice to improve; mental
toughness, pushing yourself beyond what you think you are
capable of; never quitting; confidence in oneself, that you can
achieve what you put your mind to; humility in both victory and
defeat. I could continue to list all the values that physical
activity has taught me. But it is simpler to say it is both the
reason I am alive today and has given me hope for my future.
Before I ever applied to college, I knew I wanted to serve
in the Army. I made sure I found a school that was both
academically strong as well as having a good Reserve Officers'
Training Corps (ROTC) program. I decided upon Furman University
and began in the Fall of 2000. During this time, physical
activity both in the military as well as intramural sports were
a wonderful balance to all the academic studies. One of the
first things I learned from my 1st Sergeant was the most
important: an officer leads from the front in everything that
he does. You should always set the proper example.
I graduated in 2004 and proceeded to Fort Benning.
Throughout all the Army schools I participated in, physical
activity played a crucial role. The intensity with which I
approached training was so that I could serve my men better.
Physical fatigue can obviously lead to poor decision making. My
sweat now would hopefully prevent their blood being spilled
later.
I was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division, 3rd Brigade,
2/69 Armor, Bayonet Company, 1st Platoon, as an infantry
platoon leader. Once again, the lessons I learned living an
active lifestyle continued to pay dividends. I had the top PT
score in the company, earning a bit of credibility with my new
men. I also won the Brigade fitness competition, a new
tradition started by Colonel Brigsby, the Brigade Commander,
who wanted to stress the importance of physical fitness to the
entire Brigade. I received an Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM)
as well as a 4-day pass for this accomplishment. But it also
gained notoriety for my platoon and gave them something to be
proud of as well.
On 11 July, 2007, we were conducting combat operations in
Baghdad. My platoon was mounted in gun trucks on the way to
conduct dismounted patrolling operations. My vehicle was hit
with an explosively formed penetrator (EFP), the signal to
launch an ambush. The slug from the EFP went through my door
and in my leg, and fortunately bit my rifle up pretty good
perhaps saving my left leg. I was able to get the door open,
climb or fall out, and my gunner assisted me from the top
dragging me back to the third truck.
It was so surreal, the magnitude of what had happened to me
just now was taking a moment to set in. I did not have much
time to contemplate my situation. My platoon sergeant was
giving me the situation report (SITREP) and we were still in
the fight. Luckily, everyone in the truck was fine. Everyone
was going about their business or reacting to contact just as
we had always trained. I was conscious and able to make
rational decisions. Without my training, none of this would
have been possible. Being in excellent shape kept the injury I
had sustained from being far worse. The emergency room docs
said it should have taken my leg off to the hip just from the
force of the projectile. He cited my physical conditioning as a
large part of the reason I did not go into shock or lost
consciousness.
I was transported back to Walter Reed Army Medical Center,
where my surgeries and rehabilitation began. It was not a happy
time. I was in pain. I had recently had a life altering
experience, etcetera. I had always been very independent and
self-sufficient but now I cannot walk. What made this even
worse was that sports was such a large part of my identity. I
was only focusing on the negative, but without that outlet who
was I? I truly felt lost. My prior conditioning allowed me to
achieve the goals of the therapist but I wanted more.
Because of my physical progression, they recommended I try
to participate in one of the adaptive sports programs. It was
December at this point and DSUSA was hosting the Hartford Ski
Spectacular along with the Wounded Warrior Project. I decided
to go on this trip and it was one of the best decisions I made.
It was like learning sports as a child all over again. I felt
like such a fool falling all over the place. You want to quit.
You want to get up. Your strength is not there. Your leg is not
doing what it wants to. But the lessons instilled as a child
were still there. Humility, just swallow your pride, get out
there, battle it, do not give up. The instructors and the event
were exceptional. By the end of the week, I had made great
progress. But I did not want to be adequate; I wanted to excel.
Since this initial event I have had the opportunity to
attend others building upon what I learned at the last event
and always pushing forward. As I have improved, it is always
inspirational for other wounded who attend these events to see
what they can accomplish if they commit themselves.
Words cannot express how grateful I am to those who gave me
the opportunity to participate in their events. Thank you so
much for giving me my life back.
Sorry about that.
[The prepared statement of Captain Waldon appears on p.
47.]
The Chairman. Thank you for your very eloquent and moving
testimony. Captain Little, you are recognized.
STATEMENT OF CAPTAIN MARK D. LITTLE, USA
Captain Little. Good morning, Chairman Filner, Ranking
Member Buyer, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you very much for
entertaining our testimony today. I personally feel that this
is a very, very important project for all returning veterans,
and disabled veterans in particular. My name is Captain Mark
Little, United States Army, and luckily Captain Waldon's story
is almost a mirror image of mine so we can save a lot of time
here.
I served 4 years almost in the National Guard enlisted,
getting ready to be a Lieutenant Active Duty through George
Mason ROTC. I was assigned also to 3rd Infantry Division,
however the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1/30 Infantry. And
deployed in 2007 with them to Iraq. Similarly, while conducting
combat operations there I received an (EFP, which was my third
improvised explosive device strike in the last month of the 3-
month tour I had, which came in through my door, took both of
my legs off below the knee, and similarly, luckily, exited
without injury to any other personnel. I was evacuated through
Germany to Walter Reed and on September 11, 2007, began my road
to recovery there.
Very similarly, also, sports was huge in my identity, being
an almost pro roller hockey player, ice hockey player, rugby,
tennis, golf, soccer, football, etcetera. I had similar
concerns. Now I am missing both of my legs, how am I going to
be an excellent sports star like I always knew I would be? And
it was as I was expressing those concerns my first day of
physical therapy a couple weeks after returning home that a
Gunnery Sergeant from the Marine Corps who is a double below
the knee amputee walked in with his set of prosthetic roller
blade inline skates, telling me that they had just custom made
those for him. He was the second person to ever receive that
style and was already skating outside.
Right then and there competitive spirit took over and I
knew exactly what I knew before in the military and even prior
in sports: I have to be better than this man. I have to do one
more. So I asked my physical therapist, who ironically was also
his physical therapist, what records had he set? And she said
pretty much everything for a double amputee. So after getting a
laundry list of those I set out to beat every single one. Day
5, walking up the helicopter pad hill on prosthetics 5 days in
beat his 6-day record. And then snow boarding 4 months after
injury, after 2\1/2\ months after receiving legs without any
real adaptive equipment beat his record of about 3\1/2\. And
continuing on from there, not to be an immodest person.
But that is the point I am trying to convey. Is what we get
through this adaptive sports type program is our competitive
nature back, which is inherent to pretty much everybody in the
military as an alpha type personality. We want to be better,
and the best that we can personally. And seeing others that
have come before us gives us that bar that we have to set new
one higher and better.
In addition to that, we learn lessons from each other that
we would have never know. I would have never know half of what
I do about being an amputee, being a returning disabled
veteran, and just getting around in life, had it not been for
people like my first snowboard trip, Captain Waldon, who you
may have met earlier, teaching me how to properly fit my
prosthetic in a snowboard boot to get down the hill, which I
did successfully my first time. And then going on to be that
person. There is somebody else out there now that is telling a
story about how Captain Little showed him how to do that the
first time he was out there. And he had questions about how to
do X, how to do Y, and now he is a more striving and better
functioning returning disabled amputee in the military. And
that is what these programs are, brass tacks. It is how we get
back up literally and figuratively, and move out with our life,
and become better and more prosperous personnel both within the
military as we still serve and within our communities, as I
have gone on to be a reserve and volunteer police officer and
train fully capable and able-bodied personnel with no injuries.
And it is not until day 5, the last day of training when we go
out for a brewski in the pub, when I wear shorts, that these
guys who I have been running around with guns and on stairs
realize, ``Holy, that guy has no legs.'' You know? That is what
we strive to do. We do not want to be the target of pity. We
want to get out there and show you that we can be better and we
can do more than you will ever expect.
DSUSA, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), all these
organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), they give
us those opportunities. And without that I do not think I would
be where I am right now, literally and figuratively strutting
my stuff down the hallways and just being a happy camper as I
am. If you see me with a frown, that is probably the second
time since injury because there has only been one, and that was
when I fell the first time snowboarding.
Otherwise, I really appreciate what you are doing for us
and allowing us to help each other. And at the community level,
that is what we are looking to do. Is keep together and keep
pushing forward, and again, I thank you for your time.
[The prepared statement of Captain Little appears on p.
49.]
The Chairman. I do not think we have had a more moving
panel. Thank you so much for your testimony. It is not often
that we debate issues and authorize millions of dollars for a
program. To see the actual results of this program recommits us
to doing the right thing. You continue to inspire us as you do
others that you will meet along the way. Thank you so much for
recommitting us to this struggle that you have gone through,
have conquered, and are going to help others through as well.
Mr. Rodriguez, do you have a statement or questions?
Mr. Rodriguez. Yes, thank you very much. Let me say it is
extremely inspirational just to hear you guys talk about your
experiences. I have a daughter who is 27, and to see you young
kids, in all honesty, where you are at, and the growth that you
already display, I want to just congratulate each and every one
of you. I sometimes talk to young people and people that have
had difficulties in their lives. You have certainly had your
share of difficulties. I usually tell them that there are two
roads. One is where you ``feel pity, the poor old me''
syndrome, and it will get you nowhere. But you guys do not even
have to talk about that. You are living it. And you are
experiencing that. By you going out there it can make all the
difference in the world to a lot of these individuals. And I
know life has a lot of ups and downs. And whatever else you
face in life is going to be nothing compared to what you have
already experienced. So it is a piece of cake, the rest of it,
in terms of going through in the future. And so I just want to
congratulate each and every one of you for what you are doing,
and what you continue to do. And that is inspire others to do
and go beyond. Because we have a large number of young soldiers
coming back with a lot of difficulties. And even outside the
military, there are a lot of young people out there that feel
sorry for themselves for one reason or another. And you guys
are just a great inspiration and great role models. So I want
to just thank you for who you are and what you have been able
to accomplish at such a young age. Thank you.
The Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Rodriguez. Mr. Walz?
Mr. Walz. Well, thank you, Chairman. And I see the Ranking
Member slipped out but I would like to thank both of you. You
have been absolutely stalwartly committed to this program and
it really sets the tone for the rest of us. And I will echo to
all of you, thanks for being here today. Your stories are
absolutely uplifting. It is a great example, and not just for
other wounded veterans but for this entire country.
And Captain Waldon I thank you for reminding me of that day
almost 30 years ago when I got to do a little bit of physical
activity at Fort Benning, in that beautiful resort. And they
helped me so much, doing so many of those things. But my job
before I got here, and what if I am on a leave of absence, and
what I will do after I leave here, is that I am a high school
teacher and a football coach. And actively engaged and
understand what competitive sports do. And I have been on and
coached the teams that failed to win a game, and then 3 years
later coached the same team to win a State championship. And
that striving for goals. And what I can say is, it is a lot
more fun to win the State championship but there is also a lot
of lessons in that journey in trying to get there. And so, your
story of how you have taken that journey and seen these things
as opportunities to overcome instead of obstacles, I would echo
what the Chairman said. Is I do not think of the money we spend
up here we could find a better place to put, a more rewarding
place, and one that sets such an inspirational tone.
And Captain Little, I would just say, is there anything
more we can be doing on this outreach? I think you had a real
moving statement there, about talking about how you were
touched. And now I think it is just a great story for you to
know, somebody saying, ``Captain Little, this guy showed me
what to do.'' And that is being passed down. How do we increase
that? Are we doing enough to get to these folks that, as we
said, may not participate in the Paralympics but may go
snowboarding on the weekends with their families? So if you
could let me know, we would be glad to make sure we are pushing
it.
Captain Little. I can tell you personally, moving down to
smaller, I guess, smaller scale, I use the term operations
because that is what I am used to, is going to be great idea
and a great benefit, whereas a national level program taking
guys out to Vail or Breckenridge for a ski and snowboard event,
or up to Northern New York, upstate for, you know, a summer
camp, that is wonderful, uplifting, and inspiring. However, you
know, the first time I ran ever missing both legs was not at
physical therapy, and it was not at a national level event. It
was a DSUSA intern invited me out to kickball out on the
National Mall. And in order to get to first base I had to move
expeditiously. And so I quickly taught myself how to run after
thumping a ball with a titanium foot. And it is things like
that that we need right here in our communities because not
everyone stays in DC. A Fairfax native I am. However, if you
are out in the middle of, you know, Green Springs, Idaho, no
offense to Idaho, but there is not going to be that program
there yet, and there needs to be. Little things, like the
kickball, or like the softball league, is what is going to get
guys back up and moving.
Mr. Walz. Captain Waldon or Sergeant Clemons, anything on
that, too, of how we do that? How we get this outreach more?
What are, I think it is a great point of at the local levels,
how do we make sure we are letting those folks know where they
have the resources to do this? If you have any insights, we
would appreciate it.
Captain Waldon. No, just stressing the same thing. You
know, reiterating what Mark said. Pretty much the daily
community programs, just moving it down to more, just like
classroom size. The smaller the classroom the more personal the
instruction can be for the students. It is the same thing with
this. The more one on one, one on three, one on four time you
can really get with an instructor or someone to help you out,
you know, the better it will be. And, you know, just pretty
much being everywhere. I mean, it is a far reaching goal but,
you know, you at least have, you know, something in mind. Like,
something to push forward. So no reason to settle if we can
achieve something else.
Mr. Walz. Well again, thank you all. Go ahead, Sergeant
Clemons? All right.
Sergeant Clemons. Well I think, just to bounce off some of
the same things they said, I think one of the most important
things is the programs working together. The main thing, just
spreading the knowledge, so to speak, to let them know that,
okay, these programs are going on. And just letting them know
that, okay, once you leave this camp, or once you leave this,
maybe some type of camp or whatnot, whenever you get back home
there are things that you can do to continue to move forward.
And I think that would be the main thing. Make sure that these
guys know, at all levels, that they can get back in, get up and
going again.
Mr. Walz. Well again, I thank all three of you. It is
incredibly inspirational. And as I said, the attitude you have
taken on this is really great to see. And we will make sure we
do our part to enable you to do that. So I yield back, and
thank you Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. Thank you. Mr. Roe.
Mr. Roe. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I want to start by
saying, and Captain Waldon, where you said words cannot express
how grateful I am, I cannot express how grateful I am to the
three of you for service to your country, to our Nation. And
thank you for that.
I totally understand. I am an old second ID guy. We had a
war in the 1960s in Vietnam, we sort of forgot about our troops
for awhile. I promise you that will not happen here. I am going
to, and I know everyone, I have heard everyone speak on this
panel. And we are committed to be sure that you get the care
you need from now on. I know you, you guys are very young, and
you do not think you are ever going to be 40-, or 50-, or 60-
years old. Guess what? You wait around a few years, you will
be. And those needs will change. And competitors like you are
going to be able to teach us a lot about how, because I, being
an old athlete as I am, I have done this DC Marathon four
times, and for my 60th birthday I summited Mt. Rainier for the
fourth time. I understand competition. And I think one of the
best things, the best treatments for depression is sweat. And
you guys have shown that. I mean, it is amazing what you have
done. And we have a VA in my district back in Tennessee. And I
certainly would like to keep in contact with you all to be able
to get ideas that we can take back to our VA. So when soldiers
come there we can take what you have learned and pass that
along to them. And these devices that you have are going to
improve with time. They are going to get better. And you are
going to help us make them better. You can actually do that
because of what you are doing, excelling in the field of
athletics.
Captain Waldon, I look forward to seeing you. I am sure we
have friends because there are a lot of people from Johnson
City, Tennessee, where I live, go to Furman University. And,
but once again, I will yield back my time. But I just want to
tell you, everyone on this panel I have heard speak now for
months are committed to being sure that you get the things you
need. And we can learn from you all. So thank you, do not thank
us, we want to thank you.
The Chairman. Thank you. Mr. McNerney.
Mr. McNerney. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for pulling together
this hearing. And I want to say when I first came in here I was
sleepy from jet lag. And hearing your testimony, it inspired me
and it was truly, it was worthwhile.
Now, one thing I noticed in all three of you that was a
moment of inspiration, that was you came out of the injury, you
were in the hospital, you were depressed, and then something
sparked you. Sergeant Clemons, in your case it was an
individual that you saw that had a similar injury. And Captain
Little, same thing, an individual came in and you said, ``Hey,
I can do that. I can beat this guy.'' And so, it seems to me
that that is the key here. It is reaching people with an
inspiring story that can get them going, can lift them up out
of that depression or that slump they are in after getting
injured and seeing their life potentially change. And so what I
want to do is encourage you to tell your story and to go out
there and inspire those guys that need that inspiration.
But there are only three of you here. And you are young.
And when you saw this inspiration you were young. But we have a
lot of veterans that are not young that have lifelong injuries.
And what I would like to know is if you have any idea on how to
reach them with an inspiration? How to get them reengaged and
engaged in sports, or something that will get them back into
the community. If anyone wants to take a shot at that I would
appreciate it.
Captain Waldon. The only thing I have not even really
looked at it from that perspective before. I totally agree with
you. I mean, things have advanced so much with technology as
well as, I mean, even how they conduct the ways to treat your
amputation, how they are doing just the surgeries, totally
different kind of theory than they used to do, where they tried
to keep the most length. And now they are actually padding it a
certain way. Things that I am definitely not an expert in. But
what they gave me works out great.
The only time I really see the people is when they are
coming through, like, you know, the amputee clinic, the
Military Advanced Training Center that they opened recently,
and they come down there on a Wednesday. I mean, Kirk Bauer
from DSUSA being, you know, a Vietnam veteran who is, you know,
an above knee amputee. And you see a lot of those guys from the
VA get siphoned through it that way. And then they kind of see
what is out there at that point, and they can get interested.
But as far as, you know, specific targeting for those people is
really going to have to be done at more the VA level, and their
local communities. Because, I mean, we are very fortunate here
at Reed, you know, BAMC. What is it down in Texas? Balboa,
yeah, Balboa is the other center. Any of the, like, the main
treatment centers that we will go through, very fortunate to
have the prosthetic care. And the programs are there almost
force fed to you, which is wonderful. It really, I mean, they
get you up, they get you going. And maybe something like that,
you know, maybe a sports coordinator or something at the local
VAs. Some sort of just point of contact, POC, when they get to
these places, you know, if they are coming through there, going
back to their hometown community. Okay, I am going to be going
to this VA. You know, put them in touch with that person, or
have it be almost like their in-processing thing. Just to know
they are there.
Mr. McNerney. I mean, it is important for them to see
someone that has sort of been through the same thing. Someone
that is, ``Hey, I have been there. I have lost my leg. I have
spent, I have been through rehab,'' all that sort of thing, you
know. And yet, ``I got inspired.'' You know? And then,
``Hopefully, you can too.'' Is that, it just seems that that is
a critical element. Is for them to see someone that gets to
them, that says, ``Hey, we can do this.'' Or, ``I can do
this.''
I was pretty touched by your story, Sergeant Clemons. How
you saw an individual and you said, ``Hey, this guy is doing
it.'' You know, ``I can do the same thing.''
Sergeant Clemons. To bounce off what you were saying, I
feel that that is the best way. A therapist can tell me with
both limbs how to run and I could, you know, follow that. But I
did not, to see someone do it was just, you know, was, like, so
enlightening for me. It gave me hope. It gave me, you know, a
sense that, ``Okay, I can get this done.'' And for those guys
that are older, they may not, we may be younger for those guys
but it is a way. And so, it is a way for us to give back and,
you know, and help those guys. Because those guys invested in
our future. Because of the Vietnam guys we are better taken
care of.
So I do not really think, I really feel that it gives us
the opportunity, I know I would love the opportunity to go back
and help those guys. So I think the main thing is just getting
us together. I think we will all be able to learn from one
another.
Mr. McNerney. So giving you the opportunity to go out there
is also important? And not just giving them, but it gives you
an opportunity as well. So with that I yield back.
The Chairman. Thank you. Mr. Boozman.
Mr. Boozman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I really do not have
any questions. I just appreciate you guys being here and
telling us your accounts. And I appreciate your courage. I had
the opportunity to play football at the University of Arkansas
as just kind of a journeyman guy. But I understand how
important athletics are. And not just, you know, athletics at
the level that you guys are at. But just competition. Getting
your mind on something else as you are rehabilitating and
things. And I appreciate your courage, the fact that you are
here. Your achievements really are making a difference. It is
helping us to push these programs forward. You are tremendous
examples of what they can do for individuals. And so, again, I
just appreciate you and thank you for your testimony.
The Chairman. Thank you. Mr. Teague.
Mr. Teague. Yes, Mr. Chairman, thank you. And I also agree
with the Chairman earlier when he said that this was the most
moving panel that we had had. And I do not want to take a long
time either, but I do want all of you to know that, you know,
we are grateful not only for what you have done for your
country in the past but for what you are doing for veterans
that are coming back now that see you as an example. And I want
to thank you for the inspiration that you have given to all of
us here so that we know that we are doing the right things in
working on these programs. And once again, just to tell you
that we thank you and I appreciate your inspiration.
The Chairman. Thank you. Mr. Stearns.
Mr. Stearns. Mr. Chairman, thank you. I had the opportunity
to participate in the winter sports clinic that was in Aspen,
and I think Diane Hartmann is in the back there, and I see she
is testifying, and she has been one of the organizers. And I
would encourage members--if you get a chance--to go out there
and ski with the disabled. You know, when you are skiing on the
slope and you see someone with has no legs and he is skiing
very well, perhaps better than I was, or a person skiing
without arms, it is an inspiration to see these people. And
then at the end of the ceremony they have awards and things
like that. So it is quite emotional. And I think those are the
kind of activities that promote the wherewithal, both
spiritually, mentally, and physically for the veterans. So I
think things like that program are something to be emulated for
all the veterans who are disabled.
And the question I have for all of you, what are the
barriers to your continued participation in a disabled sports
program? Just a short sentence or two of what you think the
barriers are. And Captain Little, let's start off with you.
Captain Little. Well, I can tell you a lot of the programs
right now that are very beneficial are kind of what I mentioned
earlier. Longer programs, as in 5, 6, 7 days, things like that,
trips out to Colorado. And as veterans go back into the
workforce you cannot just nudge your boss three grades over you
on the GS scale and say, ``I am going to cut out for 7 days,
hit the slopes in Vail so I can inspire some new guys on how to
ski.'' Unfortunately, that does not cut it. However, things
like, ``I am going to cut out early this afternoon to go to a
softball game and a picnic with a bunch of returning vets,''
would be more apt to be smiled upon, especially within the
government and private employers I am sure as well. So I would
have to say distance and length of time that you would have to
take to put an impact out there would be one barrier that I
could foresee.
Mr. Stearns. So that the employee who wants to participate
still does not feel that he is disadvantaging his corporation
or his productivity?
Captain Little. I would say so. It is not a problem for the
vets who are just returning, you know, while in therapy because
your therapy is your job. But veteran veterans after they are
out of the service and back in the workforce who still want to
participate, that may be the potential barrier I see foremost.
Mr. Stearns. Captain Waldon.
Captain Waldon. We could keep going around and around the
same thing, he and I. It is, you really have to inundate
yourself for any of these programs. I mean, I was flopping all
over the place my first couple days. But then the 3rd day, the
4th day, that is when you really start picking it up. And a
good thing when we are initially there is that you do have that
extended trip. So it has the benefit of inspiring you or giving
you that competitive edge instead of discouraging you, which
could also have, you know, consequences that are not intended.
That is the thing, they have a lot of alumni programs with
these groups, but----
Mr. Stearns. But if you have other disabled people that are
with you--your peers--and you do not do well, they can help.
When I was in Aspen, these other disabled veterans came up to
the person who had a tough time getting down the slope and
said, ``Let us try, try again like the little choo-choo train,
you will get up the hill.''
Captain Waldon. Oh, yeah.
Mr. Stearns. And by the end of the afternoon they were
doing things that probably they could not have done on their
own, all through the inspiration of other disabled veterans.
Captain Waldon. Yes, sir, without a doubt. That is why we
need to get back to those programs. But like he was saying,
once you go back to having a real job somewhat again, it makes
it a little more difficult. But being there for whatever amount
of time you can is obviously optimal.
Sergeant Clemons. I would say the same thing as Captain
Little and Captain Waldon. It is just a time barrier. Once you
get back and get your quality of life back, and you have a job,
and being able to take off work for those 3 or 4 days to do
those camps, or whatnot, would be the problem. Would be a
barrier, rather.
Mr. Stearns. Mr. Chairman, they have all sort of echoed the
same problem, this taking off from work. And there might be
some way to give incentives for employers through tax credits,
or some kind of incentive that we have for hiring of veterans
in the marketplace so that these people can get the opportunity
to do this. Because in the end, we owe these veterans this kind
of incentive. And in a larger sense by them being healthy, it
is saving the Veterans Administration from caring--
psychological caring, physical caring--because they are taking
it upon themselves to do rehabilitation on their own. And so,
it is to the government's benefit to have some kind of
incentives for employers to allow these disabled veterans to
have this extra time off, I suspect. And that might be an idea
we will kick around here. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Stearns. Again, thank you all.
You have helped us all understand your situation and the
situation of thousands of others. You have made sure that we
will recommit ourselves to making certain that these programs
continue. We thank you all so much and we will look to the next
panel also to help us. Thank you again.
Welcome to the second panel. We thank all of you for being
here. We have Adrian Atizado, who is the Assistant National
Legislative Director for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV);
Carl Blake, the National Legislative Director of the Paralyzed
Veterans of America; Julia Ray, the Manager of the Wounded
Warrior Disabled Sports Project of Disabled Sports USA (DSUSA);
David Stringer, who is representing the National Recreation and
Park Association (NRPA) on behalf of Richland County, South
Carolina, Parks and Recreation; and Carlos Leon is a Member of
the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), and also a
Paralympian. Any written statement will be made a part of the
record and we look forward to your oral statement. Mr. Atizado,
we will begin with you.
STATEMENTS OF ADRIAN M. ATIZADO, ASSISTANT NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE
DIRECTOR, DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS; CARL BLAKE, NATIONAL
LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR, PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA; JULIA RAY,
MANAGER, WOUNDED WARRIOR DISABLED SPORTS PROJECT, DISABLED
SPORTS USA, INC.; DAVID STRINGER, RICHLAND COUNTY, SC, PARKS
AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT, ON BEHALF OF NATIONAL RECREATION AND
PARK ASSOCIATION; AND CARLOS LEON, MEMBER AND PARALYMPIAN, IRAQ
AND AFGHANISTAN VETERANS OF AMERICA
STATEMENT OF ADRIAN M. ATIZADO
Mr. Atizado. Mr. Chairman, Members of the Committee, I
would like to thank you for inviting the DAV, an organization
of 1.2 million service-disabled veterans, to offer our views
and experience with disabled veterans rehabilitation through
sports, and National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic,
and any anticipated impact Public Law 110-389 may have.
First, I would like to note that the research indicates
that recreational therapy offers a diversity of rehabilitation
benefits, addressing the needs of disabled veterans with a wide
range of disabling conditions. For example, recreation therapy
is an effective means for improving physical, cognitive, social
and emotional functioning. It helps develop skills needed to
enhance functional independence for community living, to
promote a higher quality of life for veterans and their
families. Recreational therapy prevents a decline in physical,
cognitive, and psychosocial functioning and results in reduced
need for health services. It also reduces secondary disability
and associated higher healthcare costs.
Now, through the Winter Sports Clinic, veterans are able to
reap the rehabilitation benefits of recreational therapy
through adaptive sports. The DAV recognizes the benefits on the
lives of disabled veterans that the Winter Sports Clinic has,
and we have been a cosponsor of the event along with VA and a
number of other generous corporate and individual donors.
The Clinic has grown tremendously over the past 23 years.
It is the largest annual disabled learn-to-ski clinic in the
world and is a leader in promoting rehabilitation. While it is
geared to first timers, of which there were 114 new
participants this year, 29 attendees were women, and over a
third of the total participants were servicemembers and
veterans from the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Now in addition to adaptive sports, educational and
instructional activities are also available at the Clinic. The
U.S. Secret Service teaches a self-defense course to
participants who are in wheelchairs or are visually impaired. A
traumatic brain injury (TBI) peer support group meeting was
again on the agenda this year, where veterans suffering from
TBI participated, as well as their families and their
caregivers. A DAV past National Commander, Chad Colley, and his
wife Betty Anne hosted a discussion with the participants
entitled, ``Veterans--Not Just About You!'' And the couple
spoke at this event about the relationship between disabled
veterans and their spouses and offered what we believe was sage
advice on maintaining relationships and marriages.
If it is not already apparent, Mr. Chairman, the Winter
Sports Clinic is a rehabilitation program. It is open to
veterans of all ages, all levels of ability and impairment.
Some of these veterans have never skied before but they do
learn none the less. And the thrill of victory at the Clinic is
not over an opposing team but rather one's own disability and
perceived impairments.
Last Congress, I know that DAV was invited to testify on
H.R. 4225, which is now contained in title 7 of Public Law 110-
389. The intent of this title, we believe, is laudable and it
has obviously shown its positive impact as indicated by the
first panel. However, section 702 of the law may have an impact
on the Winter Sports Clinic, which I would like to discuss
right now. It requires any application for VA grants by the
U.S. Paralympics to include partnerships for adaptive sports at
the national and local levels, and to do so with other
organizations, such as the DAV. Currently, our organization
does not have a relationship with the U.S. Paralympics but we
are going to be meeting with them here shortly.
This Section also allows for individuals with disabilities
who are not veterans or members of the armed forces to
participate in sports programs that receive funds that were
originally from VA grants. As an organization devoted to
improving the lives of our Nation's wartime disabled veterans,
we are concerned about any shift in VA's mission, personnel, or
resources away from the intended community. Moreover, section
703 requires the Director of the VA Office of National Veterans
Sports Programs and Special Events to seek sponsors and
donations from the private sector to defray costs for the
programs it oversees. This provision may, and I say may, have
an adverse impact on our organization's ability to discharge
our responsibilities contained in the memorandum of
understanding with VA at the Winter Sports Clinic.
DAV is deeply committed to achieving each year a successful
Winter Sports Clinic and we value our responsibility to
administer the corporate sponsorship program as well as other
mutually agreed upon activities. Mr. Chairman, this concludes
my statement and I would be glad to answer any questions you or
other Members of the Committee may have.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Atizado appears on p. 49.]
The Chairman. Again, thank you so much. Mr. Blake.
STATEMENT OF CARL BLAKE
Mr. Blake. Mr. Chairman, Members of the Committee, on
behalf of Paralyzed Veterans of America I would like to thank
you for the opportunity to testify today. Before I begin my
formal remarks I would just like to say that I do not think
that anything we could say on this panel would better reflect
the importance of these programs than the stories that the
gentlemen on the first panel told. If that does not make the
case for why these programs are important, then nothing could.
Since its inception in 1946, PVA has recognized the
important role that sports and recreation play in the spinal
cord injury rehabilitation process. In fact, it was paralyzed
veterans who returned injured from World War II who started
playing pickup games of wheelchair basketball in VA hospitals.
This really marked the birth of wheelchair sports. PVA sponsors
a wide array of sports and outdoor activities to improve the
quality of life and health of veterans with severe
disabilities. Most notable of these is the National Veterans
Wheelchair Games which recently concluded, and marked the 25th
year of the partnership between PVA and the Department of
Veterans Affairs. As you know, we also run a number of other
sports and outdoor recreation programs meant to get severely
disabled veterans involved. Those include a shooting sports
program, and boating and fishing program, a program in
association with the National Wheelchair Pool Players
Association, as well as a program run in conjunction with the
American Wheelchair Bowling Association.
PVA was pleased to support the provisions of Public Law
110-389, the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2008. Section
7 of the law authorized the VA to provide assistance to the
Paralympic Military Program and expand sports and recreation
opportunities available to severely disabled veterans. The
intent of the law is consistent with the mission of PVA's
Sports and Recreation Program, which is to expand the quantity
and quality of sports and recreation opportunities, especially
those that promote a lifetime of fitness and a healthy
lifestyle for PVA Members and other people with disabilities.
PVA was also pleased to see that the law creates an office of
National Disabled Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events,
and a Director position to oversee this office. However, we
remain concerned that the office is required to report to the
Veterans Benefits Administration. We believe that this office
would be more appropriately placed under the Veterans Health
Administration (VHA) given that rehabilitation is a part of the
mission of VHA and what we also believe is a fundamental
mission of this new office.
We believe that much progress and enhanced cooperation has
resulted from the Paralympic Military Program. Under this
program, PVA has witnessed improved coordination between our
organization, USOC Paralympics, and other veterans and
community-based sports organizations that has enhanced existing
programs and advanced development of new programs in
communities that previously had not been served.
PVA and its chapters have recently expanded specific
opportunities with the Paralympic Military Program. These
opportunities include partnering with PVA to implement a new
handcycling program in four strategic locations throughout the
United States. These are in Chicago, Illinois; San Antonio,
Texas; San Diego, California; and the Washington, DC/Richmond,
Virginia area. We have also partnered with the USOC Paralympics
to introduce USOC shooting sponsored airgun and air pistol
clinics and competitions at the PVA National Trap Shoot Circuit
events. We have also partnered with the Paralympics to
introduce Paralympic-style events at the National Veterans
Wheelchair Games for the purpose of identifying future
potential Paralympic level athletes. Also, PVA's Mid-America
chapter has partnered with the USOC Paralympics to coordinate a
multi-event sports camp hosted by the University of Central
Oklahoma which will be held in August of this year at Lake
Arcadia, Oklahoma.
As part of our testimony on sports and recreation
opportunities offered last year, we made several
recommendations that we believed would expand veteran
participation in those programs administered by the VA. One of
our principal concerns was to remove barriers to participation.
Our concern then was that newly injured veterans should be
provided timely access to education and training regarding
sports and recreation opportunities. Furthermore, we believed
then that the VA and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
should facilitate outreach efforts of legitimate organizations
promoting sports and recreation opportunities by improving
their access to newly injured veterans. We believe that the
Paralympic Military Program has helped alleviate some of these
concerns and we look forward to continued progress as a result
of this program.
Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank you again for the
opportunity to testify and I would be happy to answer any
questions that you might have.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Blake appears on p. 51.]
The Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Blake. Ms. Ray, you are
recognized.
STATEMENT OF JULIA RAY
Ms. Ray. Thank you for the opportunity to speak today.
Disabled Sports USA, or DSUSA as it has been referred to today,
was established in 1967 by disabled veterans to serve the war
injured from Vietnam. Since that time it has grown to serve
both military and civilian adults, as well as youth, with
disabilities. Its chapter and national leadership still
includes disabled veterans, including its National Executive
Director Kirk Bauer, who is a decorated disabled Vietnam
Veteran. DSUSA has 100 community-based sports chapters
operating in 38 States offering over 30 different year round
sports. Sports offered include alpine and nordic snow skiing,
rock climbing, kayaking, sailing, and many others, which I will
not run all of them today. DSUSA's emphasis is on sports
rehabilitation and recreational activities that lead to an
active and healthy lifestyle. We also offer sports competitions
and training camps that provide a pipeline for emerging
athletes who want to train for the summer and winter Paralympic
Games.
Since 2003, Disabled Sports USA in partnership with its
local community-based chapters and the Wounded Warrior Project
has conducted the Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project
(WWDSP). Under the program, severely wounded servicemembers are
provided the opportunity to learn over 25 different sports as
part of their rehabilitation. All of their expenses are paid
for by DSUSA, including airfare, lodging, and training by
experienced adaptive sports instructors. Family members are
also paid for to participate in order to keep the family unit
intact by sharing positive, healthy experiences with their
wounded warrior. Programs are offered at the major military
medical centers where the severely wounded are treated,
including those mentioned today, Walter Reed, National Naval
Medical Center, Brooke Army Medical Center, and San Diego.
DSUSA also serves patients from many veterans hospitals,
including polytrauma centers at Palo Alto and Tampa for injured
servicemembers with traumatic brain injury, paralysis, and
multiple other injuries. Since its inception, over 2,500
severely wounded servicemembers, family members, and hospital
staff have been served through more than 350 events in 25
different sports.
The WWDSP model is based on offering immediate
participation opportunities as part of ongoing therapy while
the wounded warrior is in hospital, and then as a continued
part of their recovery. Sports are particularly effective
during rehabilitation because the basics of almost any sport
can be taught in as little as one day. A quick, successful
experience helps provide a positive outlook and is reflected in
our motto, ``If I can do this, I can do anything.''
DSUSA endorses the USOC Paralympic Military Program as a
model that will support the work of the Wounded Warrior
Disabled Sport Project, as well as responding to a critical
need to continue to provide sports and recreation opportunities
when the wounded warrior transitions to civilian life and
returns to his or her local community.
Currently, DSUSA, U.S. Paralympics, and other disabled
community-based organizations are contributing more than $40
million in private resources to help rehabilitate the severely
wounded through sports. However, the current economic climate
and an ever increasing demand to serve servicemembers returning
with conditions such as traumatic brain injury and combat
stress will require ongoing assistance provided by Public Law
110-389, which is critical to the continuation and expansion of
these important programs at the community level.
Recent studies have demonstrated that disabled veterans
have increased societal risk factors in areas such as suicide,
homelessness, divorce, and lifestyle diseases such as heart
disease, obesity, and so on. The introduction of sports in the
rehabilitation process and continued participation in sports
after discharge from the hospital will have a direct and
positive influence on prevention of these conditions. In 2008,
DSUSA commissioned a survey conducted by Harris Interactive
entitled, ``Sports and Employment Among Americans with
Disabilities.'' Two hundred servicemembers who had received
permanent disabled injuries while recently serving overseas,
and who had also participated in the Wounded Warrior Disabled
Sports Project, took the survey. And they found that they were
more than twice as likely than the general disabled population
to be regularly involved in physical activity, and that 52
percent compared with 33 percent of the general population were
employed. In addition, over half of those not working were
enrolled in college or other certification courses. Given
today's higher unemployment rate, the survey confirmed how
important it is for wounded warriors to stay active in sports,
utilizing all the tools possible to gain employment and
advancement in their careers.
Participation in community recreation programs provided
under the proposed legislation will enable the disabled veteran
to participate in sports alongside his or her family and
friends, which will help to maintain family cohesion and
support for the veteran. This will be critically important to
those disabled veterans who transition from the hospital to
remote communities which may not have the resources currently
to adequately serve them. This network will encourage regular
exercise, a health lifestyle, making activities available on a
daily, weekly basis close to home. The long-term legacy of this
will be healthier, happier, more active disabled veterans who
due to these preventative measures will have less healthcare
social support needs. The new generation of disabled veterans
will be the most equipped, informed, and empowered group of
disabled veterans this country has ever had, ready to teach and
serve others in their footsteps.
I also just want to mention in conclusion the younger
generation has new individualized interest. We all have the
expertise as community programs to provide extreme sports
endurance events along with the high-level coaching that they
are demanding. There are those that wish to compete and train
as integrated, nondisabled members of society in golf
tournaments, triathlons, adventure races, conquer Kilimanjaro,
compete in the Paralympics, or complete the Hawaii Ironman.
This is an ongoing basis that is going to require support at an
unprecedented level.
Therefore, this legislation comes at a more important time
than ever before as thousands of severely injured veterans
return home and work alongside their loved ones to rebuild
their lives. We know that adaptive sports are critical to this
process, allowing disabled veterans to choose to lead an active
and healthy lifestyle, which in turn leads to employment, good
mental/physical health where it is most needed, at home. I
encourage you to look at some of the quotes that we have
included with our testimony from wounded warriors that will
tell the story a lot better than I have today. Thank you.
[The prepared statement of Ms. Ray appears on p. 54.]
The Chairman. Thank you very much. Mr. Stringer, you must
be from Columbia, South Carolina. I noticed your Congressman
came in to say hello.
Mr. Stringer. Correct. We flew in with him yesterday.
The Chairman. Welcome.
STATEMENT OF DAVID STRINGER
Mr. Stringer. Good morning, Chairman Filner, Ranking Member
Buyer, and Members of the Committee. My name is David Stringer
and I work with the Richland County Recreation Commission in
Columbia, South Carolina. On behalf of the National Recreation
and Park Association I want to thank you for allowing us the
opportunity to provide testimony at this important hearing
addressing the needs of injured servicemembers and the
Paralympic Military and Veterans Program.
As you may know, the NRPA is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3)
organization dedicated to advancing parks, recreation, and
conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life of all
people. More than 31,000 military personnel have been severely
injured while serving our country during the conflicts in Iraq
and Afghanistan, and there are now more than 1.3 million
disabled veterans in the United States. These individuals want
to be physically active but to do that they must have access to
close to home places and spaces and opportunities for physical
activity that are able to meet the needs and aid in their
rehabilitation.
The Paralympic Program for Injured Servicemembers that was
authorized in 2008 is beginning to do just that in communities
around our country. And I have seen firsthand the different
Paralympic sports programs are making. I applaud this Committee
for recognizing the importance and the role of therapeutic
sports and recreation in rehabilitating those who were injured
while serving our country, and for your leadership in passing
legislation that will ensure their improved quality of life
despite their physical limitations. Unfortunately, those
returning from duty with debilitating injuries face a host of
challenges as they try to integrate back into their community
and family life. I faced similar adjustments as a teenager
trying to cope with a disability. At the age of fifteen the
world as I had known it completely changed in an instant as a
result of a traumatic diving accident. I went from being your
typical teenager without a care in the world to a paraplegic
who uses a wheelchair. So I can relate to the challenges that
our newly injured servicemembers and disabled veterans face.
Imagine being a strong, healthy, competent person to one lying
in a hospital bed, unable to move, uncertain about the future,
and thinking about all the things you will never be able to do
again. And then add to that the emotions and adjustments that
your family is experiencing.
Fortunately for me, there was a wheelchair athlete,
Paralympic gold medalist, his name was Rick Siccatto. He came
to my hospital room with a videotape on wheelchair Paralympic
sports. And after watching that I could not believe all the
possibilities that were out there: basketball, tennis, track
and field, even swimming. Soon after getting out of the
hospital I helped start the first ever wheelchair basketball
team at a local park and recreation facility in Charleston,
South Carolina. And 32 years later that team is still going.
Participation in adaptive sports changes the focus from the
things that cannot be done to the things that can be done. And
it helps those who once felt helpless due to their disability
realize the possibilities of what they can do, and those
possibilities are endless. As a public servant I have seen many
disabled servicemembers and their families from the nearby Fort
Jackson Army installation directly benefit from the programs
provided by the Richland County Recreation Commission. Wounded
servicemembers who were once sedentary at home are now out of
the house leading physically active lives again, participating
in community sports service programs. And those also support
family members, and they are once again able to reconnect with
their friends.
An illustration of this is the wonderful work that is being
done in Washington State. Here Metro Tacoma Park's NRPA and the
U.S. Paralympics have organized a task force on the Utilization
of Sports and Recreation in the Rehabilitation of
Servicemembers. As a result of the task force, Fort Lewis began
a recreation and sports program for 450 injured servicemembers
stationed there, a sports camp on post, and therapeutic
recreation programming, as well as family integration
opportunities. Another example comes from the Sacramento
Department of Parks and Recreation who is working locally there
in California to introduce Paralympic sports.
The impact of this work can be summed up by the comments
made by a soldier who attended the event. ``I wanted to let
both of you know the experience I had at the camp was one of
the most memorable I have ever had in my life. I have learned a
lot about myself and about life. I think the most important
thing I learned, however, is that no matter what stumbles life
may throw at you, if you have the determination they will not
stop you. I would say that as a soldier in the United States
Army if all of our soldiers could somehow take the
determination and positive attitude of these individuals that I
met and bottle it into a formula, we would have the most
unstoppable force in the world.''
The National Recreation and Park Association has the
ability to reach into each local community to assist the
recovery and rehabilitation of those injured servicemembers and
veterans. NRPA provides a tremendous network around the country
to provide opportunities for physical activity. In addition,
they have the ability to efficiently train park and recreation
professionals and provide technical assistance to the field.
These assets, along with the U.S. Paralympics expertise,
prominence, and distinction, creates a significant partnership
that has the potential to impact lives of injured
servicemembers, veterans, and their families around the
country.
In closing, I think we can all agree that serving our
country can be hard at times. But coming home injured is even
harder. These innovative partnerships help our servicemembers
regain their quality of life while improving their mental and
physical health as they face a challenging return and
adjustment. Thank you for your leadership in passing
legislation and vocal support of your Congressional colleagues
to help our men and women of the armed services confront the
challenges they face. Thank you.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Stringer appears on p. 58.]
The Chairman. Thank you so much. Mr. Leon.
STATEMENT OF CARLOS LEON
Mr. Leon. Chairman Filner, Ranking Member Buyer, thank you
for the opportunity to testify on behalf of Iraq and
Afghanistan Veterans of America. IAVA is the Nation's first,
large, nonpartisan, not for profit organization representing
veterans of the Wars of Iraq and Afghanistan. Chairman Filner
and Chairwoman Herseth Sandlin, I am especially grateful for
the both of you for the work you and your Committee did last
year in support of the Military Paralympic Program.
America's newest generation of heroes are surviving
injuries unthinkable in previous conflicts and as a result are
facing serious challenges upon returning home. Thankfully,
Members of Congress have been forward thinking and supporting
and funding programs like the Military Paralympic Program that
can give these heroes hope and health through athletic training
and competition.
I was a 19-year-old Marine when I deployed to Iraq. After
returning home from a successful tour I had a chance to relax a
little while before moving to Camp Pendleton. I was stationed
in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, where I took advantage of the beaches
and the weather while we stayed there. On June 18, 2005, I was
at the beach, a day that would change my life forever. I was
the first to go in the water. While my friends remained on
shore I jogged slowly into the water and turned to them to tell
them to hurry. Before turning back I dove forward and hit a
rock head on. My neck broke instantly and I remained
immediately motionless in the water. I received a laceration
across the top of my head that needed fifteen staples to close.
Soon thereafter in the hospital I got the news from the doctor
and I was paralyzed from the neck down. I stayed in Hawaii
until I was stable enough to fly and then chose to have my
therapy at the VA medical center in Miami, Florida where I was
closest to my family.
Early in my therapy one of my phenomenal therapists came in
my room and started to talk to me about sports. I did not think
that playing sports was something that I could have done again.
I thought it was beyond my new life in a wheelchair. But
learning that that may not be the case early on in my injury
was key to my recovery. After learning about this opportunity I
signed up for the military sports camps in San Diego,
California. The program was a week long and they showed us
different sports we can play from our chairs. It was more than
a positive experience, it opened my eyes to a different world,
one that I wanted to be a part of.
I was told I needed to train in order to qualify for a
competition early the next year. I could not wait to get
started. When I got home, I was ready to get started but had
absolutely no idea how to start. The best I could do was just
to make sure I was at least fit, so I began working out at the
local gym. And as the time went on I noticed that I was getting
stronger and stronger. Not only did going to the Military
Paralympic Program give me something to shoot for, it made my
quality of life much better. Instead of being at home bored I
was out and about living my life again.
There are great benefits to the Military Paralympic
Program. Health is especially important to a wheelchair user.
If I gained weight it would be harder to move around, or push
myself around in my wheelchair. Excuse me--or I would always be
sick or in and out of the hospital. So training gave me
something to shoot for, not only being a Paralympian but to
improve my physical and mental health.
After training for a year it was finally time to compete.
And unbelievably I was named to the U.S. Track and Field team
that summer. I traveled to Beijing where I was proud to
represent my country on the playing fields again as one of the
first military vets to compete in the Paralympic Games. My
story is now being included in an upcoming documentary called,
``Warrior Champions.''
If it was not for the Military Paralympic Program I would
not be here today, or have accomplished my proudest feats. The
program saved my life. But there are still more things we can
do to pave the way for newly injured vets. Not all injured
veterans have access to the resources I did. Depending on where
they live they may not have access or resources to go to a
local gym, or who to turn to. After being invited to testify I
learned that this Committee has done things to support the
Military Paralympic Program and I am grateful that this
Committee was responsible for passing the law to create the VA
grants especially for this program. I was also encouraged to
learn that the VA asked Congress to fund the grant program for
$6.5 million starting in 2010. This money will go a long way
toward reaching out to the disabled veterans that are involved
in this great program. This money can also be used toward
recruiting, supporting, and equipping a new generation of
Paralympians.
Last summer, I had a chance to be a coach at one of these
military sports camps. And I remember parents of one veteran
who was recently paralyzed came to me with many questions about
equipment and training. Yet, I felt powerless that I did not
have very many answers. There is no good place for me to direct
these parents, or where they live did not have access to these
gyms let alone gyms that would understand the modifications
needed to train a handicapped veteran. With this money, we can
build more centers for veterans to train and resources for them
to train with. I was lucky I found out about the Military
Paralympic Program soon after my injury. I was able to start
training quickly before physical and emotional strain set in.
Not all handicapped veterans are that lucky. I know that the
new VA grant program will make it easier to reach out for vets
sooner in their injury, introduce them to veterans like me,
start their training, and give them hope. Thank you for all you
have done and will continue to do for injured veterans.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Leon appears on p. 59.]
The Chairman. Thank you all very much. Mr. Rodriguez, do
you have any questions?
Mr. Rodriguez. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. And let
me thank each and every one of you for your testimony. I want
to ask you to see if you can have any recommendations as to
what else we might be able to do to make things happen. But I
also wanted to ask in terms of the piece of legislation that we
did with the GI Bill in terms of how that is, you know, you are
seeing it impacting anyone out there, and what changes we might
need to make to help that also help individuals in the process?
And how we might be able to also make some things happen in
addition to what has already occurred in your lives. Because I
am sure that there are some that have fallen through the
cracks. And that we have a good number of Vietnam veterans from
Vietnam that have definitely have been left out there hanging.
And seeing what we might be able to do. I want to just see if
you might have some suggestions, to anyone that might want to
react, as to what else we can do as a government in helping
enhance the capabilities of other young people that might be
out there?
Mr. Blake. I think that is almost an impossible question to
answer, but I will take a shot at it. I think access is the key
no matter how you look at it. The first panel mentioned some of
the barriers. I wholeheartedly agree that employment is one of
the barriers, simply because of the time involved. But we have
also found that access is the key. And I was taken by the
gentleman from South Carolina's testimony. We have worked on a
number of occasions to increase recreation opportunities at
local facilities, State parks, boat ramps, fishing facilities.
It is all about accessibility for, at least from PVA's
perspective, our Members being principally users of
wheelchairs. Without access they cannot get to the programs
that would most benefit them. So we have taken an active
approach to educating communities on accessibility needs and
then ensuring that they provide those accessible facilities
that are necessary.
We also leverage our chapters around the country to talk
about our programs and encourage them to conduct their own
sports programs to reach out to the Members in their
communities. Because while we run things like the National
Veterans Wheelchair Games, and it is a national focus,
ultimately what happens at the community level will dictate
whether these folks are able to come in and participate, and
ultimately go up to whether it be elite athletics or just
participation for the fun of it. And I am, we are pleased that
at the Wheelchair Games, we had over 100 new participants, many
of whom were Vietnam era veterans. Which is amazing that they
could go that long in their life, and not know that something
like that happens. But it all starts, that learning about it at
the community level and working its way up.
So I would also agree with the first panel that discussed
about the community access, and having more locations. Now
granted, that does take money. But I think that is the key, is
community access.
Mr. Rodriguez. I do not know if anybody else wants to
answer. Yes?
Mr. Stringer. I have to agree. Local community access is
the key. Where in the past you may have had to travel hundreds
of miles to find a program, there are now, we are beginning to
see programs in individual communities. And that is really the
key, is instead of having to travel miles to find one of these
programs there are now programs in your community.
And I think one thing everybody has pointed out is the need
for mentors. That person that encourages you, that tells you
about all the opportunities out there. Because when you first
get hurt, everybody wants to avoid you. Your friends do not
know what to say to you. Your family, they are upset. The
nurses, they see you injured, they kind of avoid you, too. But
the one person that, people that do not avoid you is the
athletes. They see a teammate, a prospective teammate. So they
come to the hospital to see you. So those, and those are the
people that we really need to train. The mentors to come see
the people when they are newly injured, to encourage them. I
think that is a big key.
Mr. Rodriguez. Yes. So I guess the peer-to-peer type of
programs also can be extremely helpful, I would presume. Let me
ask you, because I really see the potential with the previous
panel and your panel, even going across, beyond, and I know
that reaching out to other veterans is key. But to the general
population and the importance of creating that inspiration that
is needed in others that might not have the disabilities, or
lost limbs, or whatever. But find themselves in a rut in terms
of inspiring. And I think, you know, I do not know if any of
you want to comment on it, but I think there is a great
opportunity there to help others out that have pity for
themselves and do not want to go, and might not have the same
problems that you have encountered, or not even close to what
you guys have encountered.
Ms. Ray. I would like to comment on that, if I may. I think
what we are noticing from this most recent group of injured
veterans is the extreme diversity in what their needs and
interests are. It is not your classic disabled sports that we
began with back in the Vietnam era, of skiing etc. They are
wanting to do the Ironman in Hawaii. They are wanting to
compete and train alongside the communities, people with and
without disabilities. All kinds of different things. And that
kind of support needs to be individualized. It needs to be
adjusted according to the type of injury. With polytrauma we
are seeing the effects of traumatic brain injury, multiple
amputations, and very severe injuries that require very
individualized attention. And all of this, of course, requires
a great deal of investment financially. As a nonprofit
organization, I can certainly speak to the fact that in these
recent times are becoming harder and harder. We want to make
sure that we can continue our programs at the level we have and
also expand them to serve the veterans in their communities,
and do these 5K runs, and compete in the local golf tournament,
all the things that they want to do. So, you know, this
legislation is going to be really vital to helping us continue
doing that work.
Mr. Blake. Mr. Rodriguez, I might add, too, the idea of
mentoring is really not unlike what goes on with the VA Vet
Centers. The reason that that program is so successful is
because of the shared experience of the veteran as a counselor
and the veteran who needs the counseling. And I think the very
same thing holds true in sports and recreation opportunities. I
think nothing is more inspiring to get up and do something than
to have someone who has shared your experience. And when it
comes to the disabled and the disabled veteran it is not, while
it is about being a veteran, and veterans all can sort of
relate, when the gentleman on the first panel mentioned about
having, you know, a double amputee come in, and rising to the
challenge. I mean, that is the type of thing that really makes
this type of program work. That is why our programs are so
successful across the board, because it is our Members out
there participating and encouraging younger veterans, older
veterans, whoever it may be, to get out there and participate
as well.
Mr. Rodriguez. Thank you very much to each and every one of
you. Thank you.
The Chairman. Thank you. Mr. Bilirakis, do you have any
questions?
Mr. Bilirakis. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, I appreciate it
very much. Thank your for your testimony and your service. How
can I discover if there are veterans in my district who are
likely candidates to participate in the Paralympics? And the
question is for Mr. Atizado, and anyone else on the panel that
would like to respond.
Mr. Atizado. Well sir, I could not tell you what is
required for a veteran or a disabled veteran to be eligible
for, or to be a good candidate for Paralympics. We do not have
a relationship with them. We do not have a lot of interaction
with them at this point. But as I said, we are hoping to change
that here in the near future. But I can tell you that even in
my local community, and this relates to Congressman Rodriguez'
question about being aware. You know, in my local community I
can tell you that the way it is structurally set up is not very
conducive for any disabled person to go out and even just walk
along the paths along the community, much less handcycle. I
think if community leadership were aware of the issues that a
disabled veteran, whether they want to be at the elite level,
or just as a recreational endeavor, to get into sports then I
think if the local leadership in the communities were aware of
the barriers, which I am sure they are not. Because who goes
around thinking like a disabled person if one is not? I think
would go a long way. Because not every disabled veteran wants
necessarily to be at the elite level. I myself cannot. But I do
partake in cycling. In fact, Lance Armstrong a few years ago,
who now is a well known sports athlete, was the one that
inspired me, not being disabled at all, to get into cycling.
But to identify them is extremely hard, I believe. Because
if you can, to give you an example. A couple of years ago, a
couple of Winter Sports Clinics ago, I was reading through a
newspaper about this young Iraq veteran who said to the news
reporter his first thought after waking up and seeing his legs
gone was that how is he going to snowboard again? And I had
asked the folks in our organization to track this guy down and
see if we could get him to the Winter Sports Clinic. So it is
things like that, I think, that require a certain amount of
awareness from all of us, whether it is in the disabled veteran
community or in the private sector, to not only be aware of
what is available out there, not only with VA but with
Paralympics and even at the local level, and to help even just
approach them and guide them that way. Because I did not know
any of this stuff until I got into the disabled advocacy side
of the house.
Mr. Bilirakis. Okay. Anyone else?
Mr. Stringer. You know, Mr. Bilirakis, that is a challenge,
is finding the people. In Columbia, South Carolina, we have
Fort Jackson and we have a huge, Dorn Veterans Hospital. But it
is just by chance that I ran across two veterans that are now
playing wheelchair basketball with me. So finding them is a
challenge and maybe having some kind of system where we can
have made available the names of the people in the area, if
there was a system for doing that. And there may be that I do
not know of. But getting the people involved is a real
challenge, finding them to get them involved.
Mr. Blake. Mr. Bilirakis, I would say that that is where
the partnership with the Paralympics is key. Because ultimately
it is sort of a question better answered by them. They know
what it takes to be a Paralympian. That is why we partnered
with them through the Wheelchair Games, and in a number of our
other principal sports recreation events, where those events
would coincide with Paralympic activities. Because they can
work with us to identify these individuals. Now, that is sort
of starting at the top. But, I mean, I think that is where you
have to start, is with the partnership with the Paralympics.
Ms. Ray. I also just want to add, of course, just like you
and I, it is a choice to participate. So the way we have been
successful is going to the hospitals, tracking people down one
by one, explaining what we do, and then signing them up. We
have been very successful that way. But, you know, because of
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
regulations, that is a choice. They have to elect into the
sports programs rather than to always being completely
mandatory. Now fortunately, the major military medical centers
have been extremely supportive of these rehabilitative sports
programs and have seen the benefit of encouraging people to
speak to us and to sign up for the programs. But I think
certainly this legislation and the partnership will help
improve that communication and Nation awareness to the general
public as well about what it is we are all doing. And hopefully
that will reach out to all the people who count who need our
services.
Mr. Bilirakis. Well, very good. Ms. Ray, you mentioned that
there is a local chapter of the Sports USA in the Tampa area?
Ms. Ray. There is not a local chapter in the Tampa area.
Mr. Bilirakis. There is not?
Ms. Ray. No, not in Tampa. But we have 100 community-based
chapters, but just not in the Tampa area. We have national
staff that go down to the Tampa VA and talk to the patients
down there about opportunities available.
Mr. Bilirakis. Okay. I would like to work with you on that.
Maybe we can set one up.
Ms. Ray. Mm-hmm.
Mr. Bilirakis. I participated in a golf tournament, a
charity golf tournament, with the VA recently. And there was a
demonstration on a special golf cart to help out the disabled
veterans, can you tell me about that? And then also, if you are
familiar, about the availability of the cart to our veterans?
How we can help with that? Because it was fascinating to see
how that worked, and are you familiar with it?
Mr. Leon. Yes, I myself have not had much experience with
the golf cart but I have seen it and I have spoken with other
veterans who have used it. And it is pretty amazing. You just,
you sit in the golf cart and when you are ready to tee off it
stands you up. And you are strapped in. And then the veteran,
you know, can just have their golf spin, and then, you know,
they move on. And I think that is amazing, you know? It is
more, it is incredible what it does to you and your mindset.
Because when you are out there playing golf you are not a
disabled person, you are out there playing golf. And that, to
give someone, it is almost like you are getting your dignity
back. It is incredible what sports do. And, from anything, from
shooting, to golf. And I myself do not play golf. I practice
track and field. So when I am out there and I am competing, I
am not a quadriplegic. I am competing, I am an athlete. So I
think things like that are extremely important. And I, you
know, back to the golf cart again, I do not have much
experience with golf. But I have seen it and it is incredible
what it can do.
Mr. Bilirakis. Well, in my opinion we need to make these
readily available to our veterans.
Ms. Ray. They are actually, I can just say that I believe
they are available at all DoD and public golf courses now.
Mr. Bilirakis. Thank you very much. I appreciate it.
The Chairman. Thank you.
Mr. Bilirakis. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. Mrs. Kirkpatrick.
Mrs. Kirkpatrick. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And thank you
panelists for being here today. What a great program. And I
love the competitive nature of it. My first question is for Mr.
Atizado. Why is the DAV concerned if the VA seeks corporate
sponsorships to help reduce the need for funding through
taxpayer dollars?
Mr. Atizado. That is a great question, ma'am. It is not so
much that we are concerned about seeking out corporate
sponsorship. But the problem is, when you have an event as big
as the Winter Sports Clinic and you have a non-coordination, or
two entities trying to seek out the same source of funds, it
can cause some conflicts. I will give you an example. Sprint
has been a long time supporter, a very generous supporter. And
if one were to go out and say, perhaps, find a corporate
sponsorship or donor that is in competition, you know, these
things are much like politics. You have to treat it with the
same kid glove to sustain that relationship and ensure the
viability of the program. So I think that is kind of a concern
that we have, that we do not lose well-meaning and well-
fostered relationships.
Mrs. Kirkpatrick. You know, I represent a huge rural
district in Arizona. There is not really one big town. It is 84
small towns. And our baseball teams, our sports teams, often
get business sponsors in the community so they can maintain the
fields, so they can purchase equipment. Now would that be
objectionable to you? I think, you know, at the local level? Or
are you really just talking about national, big corporations?
Mr. Atizado. Oh, I am just talking in general. And I guess
in more specific with the Winter Sports Clinic. I mean these,
you know, there is no, I do not think there is a handbook out
there on how to actually be competitive with other
organizations, or other entities, that seek out corporate
donors. It is very much an art. And, like I said, if you have
two competing entities in the same arena it can be, you know,
it can hamstring the entire event.
But yeah, at the local level I think it is a much different
ball game there, no pun intended.
Mrs. Kirkpatrick. Thank you for that clarification. My next
question is for Ms. Ray. What percentage of veterans leave
sports therapy because they live in rural areas, and how can we
address that?
Ms. Ray. I am afraid I cannot give you an exact statistic
on those that leave, unfortunately. We are just doing
everything that we can to ensure that they leave the hospital
well educated about the opportunities that are available to
them. They have tried a great variety of activities, because
the sports that they may have been interested in as a non-
disabled person often can change and they might try some
Paralympic sports, or they might try some other individual
sport they have never even done before. And we find that fairly
commonly. So I think really it is access, as Mr. Blake was
talking about earlier. We need to be able to respond to what
the veterans want to do once they return home, stay in touch
with them, provide regular communication, especially for those
in very remote rural communities. Because you are not going to
have a full wheelchair basketball team in every community. It
is just not realistic. And so we need to empower those
individuals, educate them from the moment they leave the
hospital so they feel that they can go home, go out cycling
independently, or be inspired to start a team themselves, or do
whatever is necessary. So it is going to be a lot of work, and
a lot of coordination between all the entities involved here
today but I think we are up to it.
Mrs. Kirkpatrick. Thank you. And Mr. Blake, you talked
about access being really one of the biggest barriers to the
program. And again, you know, I am really concerned about the
rural communities because that is what I represent. And, you
know, and I am thinking back about, you know, where would you
go to the gym to work out? I mean, usually it is the school,
you know, the football gym, or something like that. But again,
it sounds like a big problem is identifying people who could be
a participant in the program. And do you have any thoughts on
what the VA could do to work with you to partner with you to
somehow inform not only the wounded warrior, but also you,
about possibility for an outreach?
Mr. Blake. I had a good answer until you asked me what
could the VA do, and then I think I kind of lost it.
Mrs. Kirkpatrick. You can take it wherever you want to go
with that.
Mr. Blake. As it relates to the rural issue I would say
this is, I would sort of liken this to the idea about if you
build it they will come. A lot of our chapters have taken to
getting involved more in the small communities and even in the
rural setting. Something as simple as, say, an accessible trail
in a park somewhere makes a big difference. And it might be out
in the middle of nowhere, particularly if you go in places like
the desert Southwest, or if you go up into the Upper Midwest,
and the Dakotas and places like that. It is mostly just
country. But there are plenty of parks and things like that.
And if the access is there, people will go there. Once the
access is developed, you know, we leverage our own chapters and
our local folks to put the word out through magazines, through
the media. I mean, nothing gets people more interested than
seeing something on the TV, or hearing about it on the radio,
or whatever.
With regards to the VA involvement, I think, you know, we
talked about VA and its outreach to veterans in general and
obviously I think the outreach to the rural veteran is a
difficulty. I mentioned the Vet Centers earlier, and we have
sort of taken to the idea that the Vet Centers, and
particularly as it has expanded, this mobile Vet Centers has
become the outreach tool of choice for the rural setting. And
maybe this is just another component that has to be added to
that, as if they do not have a pretty hefty load already. But I
think it is probably something else that could be shared
information as they go out into these small communities and
into the rural areas to share that information.
Mrs. Kirkpatrick. That is a great idea. We have one of
those mobile Vet units in my district. And I will be out
hopefully next week. That is a good idea. I will bring it up
with them. Anyone else want to comment on that?
Ms. Ray. Yes, I would like to. I think in our working with
the VA hospitals, what we have experienced is the major
polytrauma centers have very experienced, very active,
proactive recreational therapists who really believe in and
support sports rehabilitation. I think the VA needs to extend
that to more of the rural hospitals and more VA hospitals, and
have somebody in a position that really drives the sports
programs and helps veterans who come to their facility to be
educated on what is available. Because that can be patchy, in
our experience.
Mrs. Kirkpatrick. Anyone else?
Mr. Stringer. Yes, Mrs. Kirkpatrick, that is what I think.
Partnering with the community parks and recreation agencies is
so important. There is probably more than 20,000 of these
individual agencies throughout the country in local areas. So
partnering with them, they already have, you know, gyms, ball
fields, tracks, tennis courts, available. So partnering, making
adaptions for the disabled, I think that is a key.
Mrs. Kirkpatrick. All right. Thank you so much, and thank
you, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. Thank you. Mr. Boozman.
Mr. Boozman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Again, I appreciate
your testimony. And just quickly, Ms. Ray, I guess I am curious
like a lot of the rest of the Committee, kind of your activity
in Arkansas? Do you have any chapters, or----&
Ms. Ray. I am sorry, would you repeat the last----
Mr. Boozman [continuing]. Your activity in Arkansas, if you
have any chapters?
Ms. Ray. We do not, unfortunately. Arkansas is not a State
that we are in right now. We are very heavy through the Rocky
Mountains, the East, and West Coast. But certainly----
Mr. Boozman. We need to get you heavy in the Ozark
Mountains.
Ms. Ray. We do. We do.
Mr. Boozman. Thank you very much.
Ms. Ray. Thank you.
The Chairman. We thank you all for your contributions.
There is a common theme here. The first and second panels
talked about how the community resources have to be there. I am
sure Mr. Stringer that when you started the wheelchair
basketball games that the gyms were not adapted to that?
Mr. Stringer. No. You know, there was no handicapped
parking spaces at that point.
The Chairman. Right.
Mr. Stringer. There was no curb cuts.
The Chairman. But has that----
Mr. Stringer. The bathroom doors were small. But, you know,
as we got there then they started making the----
The Chairman [continuing]. Has the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) made any requirements?
Mr. Stringer. Definitely that has helped.
The Chairman. Do they apply to the gyms and the recreation
centers?
Mr. Stringer. Yes, it does.
The Chairman. In terms of the adaptions that are necessary?
Mr. Stringer. But if nobody goes there and tries it out,
and they do not know that an adaption is needed, so----
The Chairman. It seems to me that with the 20,000 different
agencies that there ought to be some place where they could go
for these, to make their facilities adaptive.
Mr. Blake. Mr. Chairman, might I address that just briefly
also? PVA has been one of the leading advocates as it relates
to the ADA. We were involved from its passage in the very
beginning. And I would suggest that one of the issues remains
enforcement of what is in the ADA. I think it is telling that
nearly 20 years after the passage of the ADA just last year the
Congress had to pass the ADA Amendments Act to clarify a number
of things that are in the ADA. So there is still a lot of work
that remains to be done in enforcing the provisions of the ADA
to ensure that access is there and that the barriers are broken
down.
The Chairman. We have a program in housing that gives a
veteran a grant to be able to adapt his or her living space. If
he or she also lives in a community that needs adaptations. I
am wondering if we can require that those changes are made to
accommodate those with disabilities. Does that have any
legitimacy anywhere?
Mr. Blake. I think what we found is what often occurs,
particularly in small towns and local communities, is the
veteran goes to access something, particularly if it is a
severely disabled veteran, most notably in the wheelchair. And
they discover, ``I cannot get to this, I cannot get to that.''
And they affect the change from their end, whether it be
through legal means or otherwise. In some cases legal is the
only way to get it done. But in many cases it is just a matter
of opening the eyes of the community. There are many, there are
plenty of people out there that never think about what, you
know, people with disabilities see as everyday necessities. And
until they become educated these changes do not occur.
The Chairman. Again, we thank you all for your
contributions, both in your local communities and nationally,
and we look forward to working with you in the future. Thank
you so much.
I know you all have jobs to get back to, so we will try to
get you out of here as quickly as possible. Ms. Cohen, thank
you for being here. You are the Director of the Computer/
Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) with the Office of the
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, Mr. Huebner
is Chief of Paralympics with the U.S. Olympic Committee and Ms.
Hartmann is the Director of the Office of National Programs and
Special Events with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Ms.
Cohen, I think you have an engagement and need to leave soon.
Please proceed.
STATEMENTS OF DINAH F.B. COHEN, DIRECTOR, COMPUTER/ELECTRONIC
ACCOMMODATIONS PROGRAM, OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF
DEFENSE FOR HEALTH AFFAIRS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE; CHARLIE
HUEBNER, CHIEF OF PARALYMPICS, UNITED STATES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE;
AND DIANE HARTMANN, DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF NATIONAL PROGRAMS AND
SPECIAL EVENTS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
STATEMENT OF DINAH F.B. COHEN
Ms. Cohen. Chairman and distinguished Members of the panel
and Committee, I am so pleased and honored to be with all of
you today to talk to you about the program known as CAP and how
we provide assistive technology to our wounded servicemembers.
The CAP, better known as Computer/Electronic Accommodations
Program, is under the direction of the TRICARE management
activity under the direction of the Assistant Secretary of
Defense for Health Affairs. We were established in 1990 as a
centrally funded program in DoD to buy and pay for assistive
technology for our Federal employees with disabilities so they
can access the electronic and information environment.
Following the National Defense Authorization Act of fiscal year
2000, Congress granted us the authority to expand our program
and serve other Federal agencies. We now provide assistive
technology to DoD employees with disabilities and 65 other
Federal agencies. Our mission is to ensure that people with
disabilities have equal access to the information environment
and opportunities in Department of Defense and throughout the
Federal Government. Our mission was expanded now also to
provide the same level of accommodations to our returning
wounded servicemembers. By fulfilling our mission, we are able
to help Federal employees have that access to employment
throughout the Federal Governmant for people with disabilities.
In fiscal year 2000, we hit another milestone. In one year
alone, we filled over 10,000 requests for accommodations. In
fiscal year 2008, CAP filled 2,782 requests for accommodations
for DoD employees with disabilities; 2,985 requests for
accommodations from our non-DoD Federal employees in our other
Federal agencies; and 4,589 accommodations in support of our
wounded servicemembers.
It was very easy to see post-9/11. Many of our soldiers,
sailors, airmen, and Marines were returning every day from
deployment with significant injuries and disabilities. It was
easy for me to see that CAP could play a part in their
recovery. CAP works closely with the medical providers,
therapists, case managers, and wounded servicemembers across
the Nation to ensure they receive the appropriate assistive
technology for their needs. Accommodations are available for
servicemembers with vision, hearing loss, dexterity
impairments, which includes upper extremity amputees,
communication, and cognitive disabilities.
Once the appropriate assistive technology has been
identified, CAP provides a solution free of charge to that
servicemember during their medical recovery and rehabilitation.
CAP's services for our servicemembers are pretty easy and
clear. First and foremost, we provide that individual needs
assessment. Second, we start to provide training to the medical
professionals on site so they would be able to identify the
requirements. Third, we provide that assistive technology
directly to that servicemember so they can go through their
recovery and rehabilitation better. And fourth, we provide that
accommodation. When they are ready to come back to work in DoD
or any of our Federal agencies, during their internships so
they can become engaged sooner, quicker, and better.
The ability to use assistive technology during the early
phases of recovery greatly helps in their rehabilitation
outcomes and future employment opportunities. It is just part
of the picture. For future wounded servicemembers, they now can
also retain the assistive technology they get from CAP during
their time they are on my DoD dime.
We are very pleased in what we have been able to
accomplish. In fiscal year 2008, CAP provided over 780 needs
assessments and as I said over 4,500 requests for
accommodations in the military treatment facilities throughout
our Nation. We have a wonderful technology center at the
Pentagon, but we have also set up miniature technology centers
at Walter Reed, at Brooke Army Medical Center, and at the Naval
Medical Center in San Diego. CAP also partners with several
other organizations to support disabled veterans as they go
through rehabilitation and reemployment efforts, such as Hiring
Heroes Career Fairs. In order to integrate us all into their
recovery, we work closely with all of them. DoD greatly
appreciates your support, sir, and ladies, in helping support
our wounded warriors, our disabled veterans. Thank you for the
opportunity to speak today to all of you, talking about CAP,
and what we do in support of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and
Marines. Thank you very much.
[The prepared statement of Ms. Cohen appears on p. 61.]
The Chairman. Thank you, Ms. Cohen. I know you have to
leave. If you could just give us one or two specific examples
of the accommodations you are talking about? Just for the
layman?
Ms. Cohen. Of course, sir. Many of you may have seen or
have heard of Captain Smiley, who is currently teaching up at
West Point. Captain Smiley is still active duty. Captain Smiley
is blind. Captain Smiley uses technology so he can hear
everything on his computer screen. So he has a speech output
program that allows him to hear what is on his computer screen,
and then he can take notes using some of the technology he got
from CAP. He was introduced to that early in his rehab time at
Walter Reed.
Or for the person down who was a national Guardsman, who
had a traumatic brain injury, lost his sight and his hands were
badly burned. He is able now to talk to his computer using
assistive technology. He is able to hear back what is happening
on his computer using JAWS voice output. When I first met him
he was very detached. He was not talking. He was very depressed
because he said, ``What can I do now?'' as he held his twins
that were born during deployment. About a month later, thanks
to the tremendous talent of people down at Brooke Army Medical
Center, I found out, I went back and I said, ``How are you
doing?'' And he said, ``Ma'am, I think I am going to become a
lawyer.'' Now, no offense to anyone here----
The Chairman. So you have not done good for this world?
Ms. Cohen. I know. I said, ``I do not know if I need
another lawyer.'' But he said that thanks to the technology he
was able to get on all those Web sites they need and should be
accessible. He read about the places where he can go to law
school. He now is teaching other young disabled veterans who
are blind in Arkansas at one of the VA centers how to use
assistive technology. So he can talk to his computer and he can
listen to what is coming back out. That is just a sample. So I
encourage you to come over and visit our tech center and see
the technology that is really available.
The Chairman. At the Pentagon? Okay. Mrs. Kirkpatrick has a
question for you, and then you can feel free to leave if you
need to.
Mrs. Kirkpatrick.
Mrs. Kirkpatrick. Thank you. I have one quick question.
Ms. Cohen. Yes.
Mrs. Kirkpatrick. But I, I am a lawyer and I thank you for
encouraging that young man.
We always need, we need good lawyers, so thank you. You
know, we have been hearing a lot about disconnects when people
leave the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense and go
under Veterans Affairs. And so my question is, do you have an
active partnership with the VA to help in that transition? And
how does that work?
Ms. Cohen. I am very proud to say that we have a truly
seamless transitional program. We work closely with the VA and
all of their rehab facilities to make sure that the equipment
that I provide during the time they are at DoD is the same
equipment they would get at the VA. So they get to hold on to
technology I provided to them even upon separation. So they do
not have to wait until the VA can chime in. But when they need
upgrades, when they need new technology, when they need a new
version, the VA can provide it. And they do the same types of
assistive technology. So it makes it very easy.
When we were discovering what would be the best technology
for our men and women with traumatic brain injury, we spoke
once a week on a conference call to make sure that we were
putting a policy that included both what DoD was doing to match
up with what VA was doing so they would have that ability to
take that piece of equipment we gave them, move on to the VA,
and continue to use it.
Mrs. Kirkpatrick. Thank you. Thank you, very much.
The Chairman. Thank you, Ms. Cohen. Again, feel free to
leave if you need.
Mr. Huebner, we thank you. I just want to personally thank
you and Mr. Crane. You took it upon yourselves in the last few
years to educate us about Paralympics. You did an incredible
job. I know you are not through yet and we have tried to
respond with the knowledge that you have given us so I
appreciate your very incredible activity on behalf of
Paralympics.
STATEMENT OF CHARLIE HUEBNER
Mr. Huebner. Thank you, sir. Chairman Filner, Ranking
Member Buyer, and Members of the Committee. I would like to
thank you for the opportunity to testify this morning.
Congresswoman Kirkpatrick, I would like to make a special
message to you. I spent 4 years cooking steaks at Black Barts
Steakhouse in Flagstaff, Arizona, while attending Northern
Arizona University (NAU). So your small rural area in northern
Arizona is very close to my heart. So thank you for your
service.
First of all, I would like to thank Chairman Filner and
Ranking Member Buyer for your leadership in making the VA
Paralympic Program a reality, and for the amendment ensuring
that your legislation is fully funded. I would also like to
recognize Congressman Boozman, Congressman Kennedy, Congressman
Langevin, Congressman Murtha, and Congressman Salazar for their
continued leadership.
Because of this leadership, the Paralympic Military Program
has accomplished the following in 2009. We have provided free
training to more than 1,200 community, military, and veteran
leaders on how to implement a local community-based program. We
have provided services to more than 6,000 injured military
personnel and veterans; distributed grant funding to more than
45 organizations; created Paralympic Programs in 99 communities
to support injured servicemembers and veterans. This includes
providing technical assistance and training, with mentors, to 4
military medical centers, 11 warrior transition units, and 14
VA facilities. And that is something I want to emphasize that
was part of the question earlier, and hopefully at the end of
my testimony, I can address some earlier questions in some of
the earlier panels. But these programs are all led by
Paralympic mentors, a very critical part of what we are
collectively doing with all the other organizations that are
here today.
Your amendment requesting the full funding of $10 million
through the VA and the Paralympic Veterans Program, and your
support of a $5 million request through the DoD, will create
the continuum of care from active duty to veteran status and
expedite the delivery of programs, allowing the USOC and its
partner organizations in 2010 to accomplish the following:
expand programming and services to more than 150 communities;
expand community technical assistance and support from 14 to 30
VA facilities; expand community warrior transition unit support
from 11 facilities to 20 facilities. Our overall goal by 2012
is to have programming in support of veterans and injured
servicemembers in more than 250 communities based on need.
We can do this because of the collaboration with partner
organizations like the Department of Veterans Affairs and the
Department of Defense, as well as a well-established
infrastructure of community sport programs. More than 60
organizations are currently members of the U.S. Olympic
Committee, reaching more than 50 million Americans in big
cities and small. Our strategy is focused on a cost efficient
model of training and collaboration, with key partners, such as
Disabled Sports USA, the Paralyzed Veterans of America,
National Park and Recreation Association, the American Legion,
and other USOC member and veteran organizations. Collectively,
we are investing more than $40 million in private resources to
deliver programming today. This model eliminates duplication
and allows for the USOC and its partner organizations to
deliver technical assistance, equipment, Paralympic mentors,
funding, and services to local communities.
I would like to share with you an example. Our hometown of
Colorado Springs, Colorado, where the USOC is headquartered, a
community with significant military and veteran presence prior
to 2008 had no Paralympic programs. We have collaborated with
Fort Carson, the Army base in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the
Air Force Academy, Schriever and Peterson Air Force, and the
City of Colorado Springs parks and recreation department to
develop Paralympic Sport Colorado Springs. Today injured
servicemembers and veterans, and this was a question that was
in an earlier panel, access, today injured servicemembers and
veterans in Colorado Springs do not have to commute 1 to 3
hours daily to receive daily physical activity or participate
in local community programming. Very important aspect of what
we are trying to do.
The USOC's recommended utilization of funds would be to
continue supporting technical assistance at the community
level. Create enhanced awareness of programs available to
injured servicemembers or veterans as they leave the VA and DoD
systems. And most importantly, and this puts us in a very good
position to work with partner organizations, we would recommend
that the majority of the resources available through this
funding be provided via grants to community organizations, many
of which are in this room today, to deliver programs at the
community level. The USOC has already built and implemented a
system to manage, monitor, and measure impact of grants
provided to external organizations. So that system currently
exists today. The 45 grants that we have distributed this year
to 45 different community organizations is an example of that
system that is working currently.
The impact of these programs on injured servicemembers is
best demonstrated through the words of a veteran, or in this
case a parent. And this was shared with a Paralympic mentor who
happens to be a USOC employee, a veteran who was injured in
Afghanistan. And the actual words are in my testimony, I will
just share two points of it. ``For my son, a corporal in the
Marine Corps, it was important for me to restore dignity and
respect in him after he was injured. One of the ways he was
able to restore his soul is through Paralympic sports.'' That
was from the mother of a Marine corporal.
When most people are injured, a typical support network
tends to focus on all that was lost. In many cases, it is
something as simple as skiing with your friends or running with
your mom that allows both the injured servicemember and the
support network to begin to think about the possibilities.
Possibilities in sport, possibilities in education,
possibilities in employment, and possibilities in life. This is
especially critical when a servicemember returns home to their
community. And our primary focus with the Paralympic Military
Program and Paralympic Veteran Program is to work in
collaboration with the organizations here today, as well as
numerous other organizations, to ensure that programs exist at
the community level for an injured servicemember or veteran to
immediately return to upon their return home.
While the primary focus of our development in this program
is the community-based sport program, not elite sport, not
going to the Paralympic Games, everyday physical activity, we
do have the great honor of sending Americans to the Olympic and
Paralympic Games, which creates an unbelievable platform for us
to create awareness about programs but most importantly create
role models. And you have seen a couple of those today.
I would like to close my testimony with a quick video about
three individuals that pursued representing their country for a
second time at the Paralympic Games in 2008.
[Text of video shown:]
I woke up, a portion of me was missing. That is it.
Shift that weight back. You are doing good. The RPG
when I came just hit me out of nowhere, and I looked
down and saw my guts sitting out. We lost two guys, and
they had to amputate my leg. Just 3 weeks into her
deployment she was on a routine convoy. Her Humvee was
hit by a roadside bomb. You know, when I was younger I
dreamed of going to the Olympics. So now I lost my leg
and I have bigger dreams than I ever would have had
with two legs. I woke up a portion of me was missing.
Like, I could see the sheets and I could see that my
leg was missing. The fact that they are traumatic
amputees from the War and they are already
participating in the Olympics, that is unheard of. With
a new American record of Melissa Stockwell. The whole
reason I went into the Army was because I love our
country. And, you know, I lost my leg trying to defend
our country. And I would not have it any other way.
Scott was an Army specialist serving in Iraq when an
accident cost him the use of his legs. And here is the
way he put it: ``I fought for this country and now I
would love to win for this country in Beijing.'' Scott,
we honor your service to our country and we will be
pulling for you. Oh, yes. Yes. We are going to give
them a run for their money, and for their medals, too.
I just had my 162nd surgery since my injury, coming
back from Iraq. If they cannot get all the infection
out I will go ahead and get the amputation. But that is
going to be my last alternative. I still got one half
an arm to work with. I do not want nobody feeling sorry
for me. There you go, you got it. There you go. There
you go. Whoop! You all right, big guy? Okay. I can tell
when he is down. I brought it up to the doctors and
they cannot see it but I can. It is okay to ask for
help. I mean, there is, you are going to have ups and
downs in your life. I mean, look, our lives have
changed a lot. Before I go home, but a few places I
want to go before I go home. China is one of them. And
next up the first heat in the mens' 100 meters. In lane
two, Kortney Clemons, an Iraq War veteran representing
the U.S. Come on Kortney, dig. And now on to the 27 men
who will be nominated to the 2008 Paralympic Team.
Carlos Leon. We are very proud of him. And I do not
know what we will do if he gets some gold. You know, I
guess just cry a lot. I had these daydreams about
winning and hearing the national anthem. And that would
be probably the best moment of my life.
The Chairman. Thank you, sir.
Mr. Huebner. Sure. I would like to take credit for that
video, but this young man over here and his brother are the
producers of Warrior Champions. And with a lot of the footage
that was shot we will be creating educational and awareness
materials that we hope to distribute to community
organizations, Paralympic organizations, the Department of
Defense, and Department of Veterans Affairs to give to parents,
family Members, and injured servicemembers.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Huebner appears on p. 63.]
The Chairman. Thank you so much. Ms. Hartmann, please
proceed.
STATEMENT OF DIANE HARTMANN
Ms. Hartmann. I would like to ask that my full statement be
submitted for the record.
The Chairman. Yes, that will be done.
Ms. Hartmann. Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee,
thank you for the opportunity to discuss the Department of
Veterans Affairs progress in implementing Title 7 of Public Law
110-389, providing our Nation's disabled veterans with the
opportunity for self-development while at the same time
providing important therapeutic assistance is in the highest
tradition of the Department's mission. We are very pleased to
have the U.S. Olympic Committee join us in these efforts.
Although there is much work left to be done, VA has already
achieved a great deal, which I will share with you today.
On July 13, 2009, VA Deputy Secretary W. Scott Gould and
Ms. Stephanie Streeter, Chief Executive Officer, USOC, signed a
memorandum of understanding as specified in this legislation.
VA did not wait until July 13th to begin implementing the other
provisions of Title 7. Funding to support Title 7 is in the
President's budget for 2010. VA has already begun to draft
regulations for the payment of allowances and other policy
guidelines necessary to achieve the full implementation of
Title 7. VA is collaborating with the United States Olympic
Committee to develop a certification process and we have
identified a payment system within Veterans Benefits
Administration that can be used to process and authorize the
monthly assistance allowance. We are now beginning to develop a
grant approval and review process.
In 1999, VA established the Office of National Programs and
Special Events to oversee highly successful and well-attended
national rehabilitative programs for disabled veterans, the
National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, the National
Veterans Wheelchair Games, the National Veterans Golden Age
Games, and the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. VA
currently has memorandums of understanding (MOU) with partner
organizations that cosponsor these programs, Disabled American
Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America. The Veterans Canteen
Service, Help Hospitalized Veterans, and the American Legion
Auxiliary. Last year the National Programs and Special Events
began the Summer Sports Clinic, which is specifically designed
for recently injured veterans with amputations, traumatic brain
injuries, burn injuries, or post-traumatic stress disorder. The
National Veterans TEE, which is Training, Exposure, and
Experience Tournament, will be elevated to a national program
this year under the Office of National Programs open to
veterans with a wide range of disabilities. These events are
open to all veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system. Each
event, encourages first time participation. However, able
bodied and disabled veterans who meet the eligibility criteria
can participate. Each year, thousands of veterans who
participate in VA's local programs have the opportunity to
further their self-development through these national
rehabilitative events.
In 2005, VA entered into a MOU with the United States
Olympic Committee to increase interest in and access to
Paralympic sports programs for veterans with disabilities.
Prior to Public Law 110-389's enactment, VA partnered with the
USOC to expand the awareness of Paralympic sports and to
provide elite level athletes with direct access to the United
States Olympic Committee's Paralympic Program. On February 23,
2009, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs redefined the functions
of the Office of National Programs and Special Events to
include carrying out the new requirements of section 702 and
703 of Public l10-389. And he realigned the new office of
National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events directly
under the Office of the Secretary.
VA medical staff is currently supporting veterans'
participation in Paralympics sanctioned events by accompanying
veterans to such events and assisting with the procurement of
specially adapted equipment for these veterans. At this time,
we do not have an assessment on the impact on the local medical
services.
VA has made great progress toward implementing the
provisions of Public Law 110-389 and enhancing its partnership
with the United States Olympic Committee. Although work remains
before us we have developed a spirit of cooperation and
teamwork with the USOC and I am confident that we are moving in
the right direction. Thank you again for the opportunity to
come before you and I will be happy to answer any questions
that you may have.
[The prepared statement of Ms. Hartmann appears on p. 64.]
The Chairman. Thank you. Mrs. Kirkpatrick, do you have any
further questions?
Mrs. Kirkpatrick. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr.
Huebner. It is so nice to see an NAU grad, and the great work
that you are doing. Thank you very much. You know my district.
You know the challenges of reaching those communities and
including the Native American communities. I just want your
thoughts on how we can expand outreach to those communities. We
have so many veterans up there who just do not have services.
Mr. Huebner. Well, it is an excellent question and it is
one of the things that keeps me up at night. But we have
implemented a model focused on training. And when I say ``we,''
and I just want to emphasize this, the U.S. Olympic Committee
working in collaboration with leadership organizations, many of
which are behind me today and have testified today. It is a
collaborative partnership to address the need. A training
component is one way of doing it. As the gentleman from South
Carolina mentioned earlier, in a lot of communities we have
gyms, we have coaches, we have teachers, we have tracks. A lot
of times what we do not have is expertise. We have, the 1,200
community leaders, military leaders, and veteran leaders, that
is a role we are playing via training, is providing in a rural
area especially, if one veteran returns home to a rural area,
Holbrook or Winslow, and you are not going to go create a whole
program for that one individual. It is not cost efficient and
it is not effective. Via training, we can work with one of the
partner organizations we had talked about, whether it is parks
and recreation, or PVA, or Disabled Sports USA, or Disabled
American Veterans, to work with either a chapter or work with
an existing entity, many of which are Member organizations of
the U.S. Olympic Committee, to provide the training, the
technical assistance, a Paralympic mentor if needed, and
potentially equipment. And the plus up with the funding, what
is so significant there is it allows us to expedite immediately
the opportunity to reach more communities with that type of
training and community service. So that is our focus with what
we are trying to do. We do not implement programs. We work with
organizations that I mentioned earlier to implement the
programs, provide the technical assistance and training to
allow them to do it at the local level. So if it is a rural
area, the need can be met. And that veteran can integrate into
existing programming, whether it is a parks and recreation
organization or a Paralympic organization, or we can provide
the training to allow them to do that. And it is a major
emphasis.
And the other key is flexibility. Diane talked a little bit
about the impact on local VA facilities. And Congressman
Bilirakis, and I wanted to answer this question, we are working
with Tampa Parks and Recreation right now, who is providing
services to the Tampa VA. And our philosophy is, ``Be
flexible.'' Knowing that DoD military medical centers and VA
facilities have their priorities and their mission. And taking
on additional programs might not be realistic. In Tampa, the
Tamps Parks and Recreation organization in the community is
providing the expertise as requested by the Tampa VA to meet
the need there. So it is a real cost efficient model that is
flexible. We can go into the VA facility and provide expertise.
We can do it in the community. Or we can just provide equipment
and coaching. I mean, we are flexible in terms of how to
deliver the service based on the local community need.
Mrs. Kirkpatrick. Thank you. I am out of time, so thank you
very much.
The Chairman. Well, I want to thank you all for an
incredibly informative and moving morning. We have the Federal
agencies working in cooperation with the U.S. Olympic Committee
and working with the stakeholder organizations at a local
level. Of course, the proof is how the individuals have
responded to that. We have to do more. One thing that I am
impressed with is that what we are doing to at the VA to help
veterans is also helping others who are not veterans. When you
deal with local communities and make things adaptable you are
helping all disabled people, not just disabled veterans. I
think that is an important side benefit of what you all do
every day.
In war, and especially in America, people do not want to
think about the war after it is over. Yet we have people who
were injured while they were doing what they wanted to do, or
considered their duty to do. We have to take care of these
people after the war. We cannot lose track of the people who
have given so much. This is one way that has become very
effective and it is very important and inspires all of us to do
better. Kortney, I see you sitting there and when I watch you
running, it inspires us to do our jobs better. We know that
pain of that first moment that was shown in the video and how
hard it was how many months, and years you had to work to get
into condition. All of that is incredible, incredible work that
inspires us to say, ``Hey, we can do better for you and we can
do better in anything we do.''
Thank you all for teaching us so much. We are looking
forward to supporting you in the future. This hearing is
adjourned.
[Whereupon, at 12:23 p.m., the Committee was adjourned.]
A P P E N D I X
----------
Prepared Statement of Hon. Bob Filner, Chairman,
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Since the early years of our country, Congress has had to reassess
programs created to care for our men and women in uniform, our veterans
who have courageously answered our call to duty and their families who
have joined in the military experience.
For many servicemembers and veterans who have been severely-injured
from service to our country, their rehabilitation can be a
disheartening experience. Many become concerned about having the same
quality of life that they had prior to their injuries.
This was known to be true in World War II, and has held true today
in the midst of our nation's commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Fortunately, this Congress stands united in support of our members of
the Armed Forces and veterans who deserve the best resources to succeed
in life after their military service.
Some of my colleagues may be aware of the history of how paralympic
sports have been used in the physical therapy of injured servicemembers
and veterans, and how it has evolved over the years since World War II.
As some of our panelists will testify today, the issue of
paralympic sports being used as a method of physical therapy is not new
to them with many sharing strong partnerships with the VA that span
more than 20 years to provide rehabilitation services to our injured
men and women who have worn the uniform.
In the last Congress, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
under the leadership of Chairwoman Herseth Sandlin and Ranking Member
Boozman, held a series of hearings on the future role of the VA in
paralympic sports.
In those hearings they received testimony highlighting the need to:
conduct program outreach to veterans; conduct followups with veterans
after a flagship event such as the National Veterans Wheelchair Games;
and, the need to implement programs to appeal to veterans seeking to
participate in non-traditional activities such as scuba diving.
Today, we will provide the needed oversight on the VA's Office of
National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events that we first
authorized in Public Law 110-389 on October 10, 2008. This law
authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make grants to the U.S.
Olympic Committee to provide: paralympic instruction, competition
activities, and, training program development activities for
servicemembers and veterans with physical disabilities.
Many of you may know that earlier this month I offered an amendment
to the VA appropriations bill, with the support of Ranking Member
Buyer, which ensures that this valuable program is fully funded and
capable of providing the support and programs that our veteran athletes
require.
As some of my colleagues in the Committee have highlighted in the
past, it is important to understand the history of this new program so
that we may avoid the same pitfalls that have been encountered by
similar programs.
I look forward to working with Ranking Member Buyer, Chairwoman
Herseth Sandlin, Ranking Member Boozman and all the Members of the
Committee to ensure this new program succeeds in its mission to provide
rehabilitative sports therapy to our injured servicemembers and our
veterans. They definitely deserve it.
Prepared Statement of Hon. Steve Buyer, Ranking Republican Member,
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Thank you Mr. Chairman. General Douglas MacArthur, while he was
Superintendent of West Point, stated:
``Upon the of friendly strife are sewn the seeds, that upon
other fields,
on other days, will bear the fruits of victory.''
General MacArthur eloquently conveyed that the value of
participation in sports activities can carry over into other areas of
life.
Sports strengthen individuals physically, mentally and emotionally.
Athletes develop so many great qualities of the heart and mind that
when these attributes are translated into other areas of life's
activities, it often leads to great success and accomplishments. I
believe that sports therapy is among the most valuable rehabilitative
tools we can provide our wounded warriors.
I saw this firsthand when I had the pleasure of visiting the U.S
Olympic Committee training site in Chula Vista, CA. The training site
is located just a few miles southeast of downtown San Diego and is a
place of joy, determination, dedication, sweat, and comradeship. It is
a very scenic place with a beautiful lake and landscaping. Another
notable feature is that the landscaping is dotted with signs reminding
visitors that the rattlesnakes lurking in the shrubbery are part of the
natural ecosystem.
I found it a convincing reason to stay out of the landscaping. . .
But the real beauty of the site was in the athletes.
Walking around, you see the positive energy with which they
approach life. You see how they encourage each other even if they are
competitors for the same spot on the U.S team. In sum, I suspect you
will see the same vitality at any of the USOC's training sites.
About the same time I was there, the USOC was embroiled in a
controversy over allegations of corruption and other less than
flattering charges. I felt it was our duty to help the USOC refocus on
the athletes. We did that, reducing the U.S. Olympic Committee to a
manageable size.
The leaner, more efficient number of staff that exists now includes
representatives of the athletes themselves. The upbeat, positive
attitudes I saw during my visit made it clear to me that our disabled
veterans benefited greatly from their activities and that increasing
their participation in sports at all levels, from beginner to expert,
would help them in their rehabilitation.
With a bit of encouragement, VA and the USOC signed an agreement in
2005 to begin a program to bring more veterans into sports. As a
result, the USOC began a series of training events at Colorado Springs
and Chula Vista for our wounded warriors. Many of these servicemembers
were literally just a few weeks from being wounded in action. And the
great thing was that every one of them was smiling despite their
injuries and the exertions they were making to restart a life of
activity through sports.
I also introduced a bill that authorized VA to provide grants via
the USOC to other local disabled sports programs and to offer a small
per diem to disabled veteran athletes training at USOC facilities.
Chairman Filner also introduced legislation, and we merged our
ideas together into one bill which were signed into law last year as
part of title 38.
I am proud that through our combined efforts Mr. Chairman, we also
helped formalize VA's sports and special events program and expand
sports therapy for disabled veterans. VA and its cosponsors from the
veterans service organizations have put adaptive sports on the map with
events such as the National Wheelchair games, the Winter Sports Clinic,
and the Golden Age Games. This year, VA will add a new disabled golf
event to their calendar and I salute VA and all their partners for
being pioneers in the adaptive sports arena.
This year, the Chairman and I amended the VA appropriation bill to
increase funding for the program to the full authorization of $10
million and I thank Chairman Filner for using the language in my
amendment.
I want to make it very clear that this legislation was not about
producing athletes for the U.S. Paralympic Team. It is about increasing
the number of disabled veterans who participate in all types of sports
at all levels in cooperation with U.S. Paralympics and their partners
such as our witnesses here today. I am sure Mr. Huebner would agree
that you build a national team from the ground up beginning with local
sports programs. One does not wave a magic wand and--POOF--you have an
elite level athlete.
This has been a bit of a journey, but today, the USOC has reached
agreements with about a hundred local disabled sports programs and is
working with over a dozen hospitals where our wounded warriors are
undergoing treatment.
The glowing results are that thousands of disabled veterans have
been touched at the local level and 16 disabled veterans, three from
the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, made the U.S. Paralympic Team and
brought home several medals from the Beijing Paralympics.
So Mr. Chairman, while you and I don't always see eye-to-eye, we
are in total agreement on the value of using sports to improve the
lives of our disabled veterans.
Increasing the availability of disabled sports programs is just one
more resource to speed recovery and bring the positive attitudes and
values I mentioned seeing at Chula Vista to our disabled veterans.
I am sure we can do more and I look forward to working closely with
the Chairman and any Member who shares our vision of improving the
lives of disabled veterans through sports.
I yield back.
Prepared Statement of Hon. John J. Hall
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to all of the witnesses for
testifying. I'm pleased that we are here today to talk about the
Military Paralympic Program and ways to improve its effectiveness.
The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are unlike many of the wars that
our service men and women have fought throughout our history. Many more
brave men and women are returning home alive, but have sustained the
most serious injuries. As I have heard from countless veterans in my
district, the battle doesn't end once the last bullet is fired. War
leaves a scar. In some veterans, the scar of war is invisible to
everyone else. That's why I've been pushing for better treatment and
compensation for servicemembers with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
For other veterans, like the men testifying in the first panel today,
their wounds are physical. The men here today have given a part of
themselves in service to our Nation. Thank you, gentlemen, for your
service, and for your sacrifice.
Congress must do more to help our men and women heal their wounds
from war and lead active lives. The Military Paralympic Program can
play a big role in that by providing support and camaraderie for our
veterans, and by helping these strong men and women overcome their
physical disabilities.
I hope that in this hearing we will discuss ways to improve
outreach to returning veterans, increase the program's effectiveness,
and expand funding opportunities. I look forward to hearing your
testimony and your suggestions to reform the Military Paralympic
program.
Thank you.
Prepared Statement of Sergeant Kortney Clemons, USA (Ret.),
Chula Vista, CA
Good morning. My name is Kortney Clemons. I was honored to serve in
the Army from 2001 to 2006 and I'm so proud to stand before you today
as an Army Veteran, Purple Heart recipient and a Paralympic hopeful. I
lost my right leg above the knee to a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2005. I
never imagined when I was lying in the hospital bed in Landstuhl,
Germany, that 4 years later, I would be a proud graduate of Penn State
University, and living and training full-time at the U.S. Olympic
Training Center in Chula Vista as part of the USOC Track & Field
Resident Program.
I can't thank you enough for all you have done to support the VA
Paralympic Program. Your support has changed--and will continue to
change--the lives of thousands of injured soldiers. Some, like me, may
pursue representing their country again at the Paralympic Games, but
all will benefit from the impact of sports in many areas of their
lives.
Paralympic sport has given me opportunities that I never thought
would be possible. Prior to my injury, I was an athlete who absolutely
loved sports. I played football, basketball and baseball in high school
in Little Rock, Mississippi and played football at East Mississippi
Community College before joining the Army.
I served as an Army medic in Europe and was assigned to the 1st
Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment in Baghdad in March, 2004. Eleven
months after arriving in Iraq, I lost my right leg to a roadside bomb.
I was helping a soldier who had been wounded in an earlier incident
when the IED exploded. The bomb took the lives of three of my comrades.
I was grateful to have survived, but following my injury, I struggled
when thinking about my life as an amputee. When I lost my leg, I felt
like I had lost my identity.
I thought I'd be in a wheelchair forever. I had never been exposed
to other amputees, prosthetics and certainly not Paralympic sports. I
was worried about where I would live, how I would get around, how I
would be able to work. I was dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder, coming to terms with the loss of my leg and learning how to
walk again. Sports were the last thing on my mind. But it was through
sports that I found hope and healing--and my future.
I'll never forget the day a U.S. Olympic Committee employee and
Paralympic mentor, John Register, came to the Amputee Care Center at
Brooke Army Medical Center. An amputee himself, he was meeting with
injured soldiers to tell us about the USOC's Paralympic Military
Program. I was still learning how to walk, but seeing him demonstrate
how to run that day changed everything for me. I knew I could get back
to playing sports and his inspirational message made me realize that
sports could give me the strength, courage and confidence to live a
great life.
It's an important outlet for anyone with a physical disability and
I believe it should be a key part of the rehabilitation of any injured
service member. Everyone knows it benefits you from a physical and
health standpoint, but what not everyone realizes is how much it helps
you psychologically and emotionally.
As an athlete, I've had the opportunity to meet many wounded
soldiers during visits to military hospitals. It's wonderful to be able
to tell them about the Paralympic Military Program and how powerful
sports can be in their lives. I know what it's like to be lying in bed
believing that life will no longer be ``normal'' and you won't be able
to enjoy all the things you once did, especially sports. So it gives me
great pride to share my story with patients and help them see that
returning to sports is not only possible, it will also help them
achieve many other things in life.
To me, sport equals quality of life. It represents health and
freedom. One of the past participants at a USOC Military Sports Camp
summed it up best when he said ``Rehab helps you exist. Sports help you
really live.'' I understand completely what he meant when he shared
those feelings.
I remember the first time I walked after my injury and the
exhilaration I felt the first time I ran! It was unbelievable. I want
other injured servicemen and women to have that same experience. I want
them to learn the same thing I did . . . that Paralympic sport can help
them lead a productive life, achieve their dreams and inspire others
along the way.
Thank you.
Prepared Statement of Captain Nathan Waldon, USA, Washington, DC
Good morning Chairman Filner and Ranking Member Buyer. My name is
Nathan Wayne Waldon and I am a Captain in the United States Army. I
appreciate the opportunity to testify.
My affinity for physical activity has not been recently acquired.
Growing up in the southeast and thus afforded great year round weather
I have been an active participant in various sports from early on.
This, of course, was strongly encouraged/mandated by my parents who
made sure that I was not sitting around the house playing video games
and watching television. Looking back now upon those years from a very
different perspective, I have come to understand that there were a
multitude of reasons they wanted me to participate. Physical Activity
is something that every child needs.
An active lifestyle which started at an early age is something that
has always been a part of my identity as a person. Physical Activity/
Sports is where I learned so many important life lessons. For example:
How to be a team player, putting the good of the whole ahead of one's
personal ambition. How to communicate/interact with other people from
all walks of life. The importance of hard work, nothing comes easy. To
be better you must put in the practice to improve. Mental toughness,
pushing yourself beyond what you think you are capable of, never
quitting. Confidence in oneself, that you can achieve what you put your
mind to. Humility, in both victory and defeat. I could continue to list
all of the values that physical activity/sports has taught me, but it
is simpler to say that physical activity is both the reason I am alive
today and is what has given me hope for my future.
Before I ever applied to college I knew I wanted to serve in the
army. I made sure I found a school that was both academically strong as
well as having a strong ROTC program. I decided upon Furman University
and began in the fall of 2000. During this time physical activity both
in the military as well as intramural sports were a wonderful balance
to all the academic studies. One of the first things I learned from my
First Sergeant was the most important. An officer leads from the front
in everything that he does. You should always set the proper example.
I graduated in 2004 and proceeded to Ft. Benning. Throughout all
the army schools I participated in, physical activity played a crucial
role. The intensity which I approached training was so that I could
serve my men better. Physical fatigue can obviously lead to poor
decision-making. My sweat now, would hopefully prevent their blood
being spilled later.
I was assigned to the 3rd ID, 3 BDE, 2/69 AR, Bayonet Company, 1st
PLT, as an Infantry platoon leader. Once again the lessons I learned
living an active lifestyle continued to pay dividends. I had the top PT
score in the company earning a bit of credibility with my new men, many
of whom had already seen multiple deployments. I also won a brigade
wide fitness competition, a new tradition COL Grigsby the Brigade
commander started wanting to stress the importance of physical fitness.
I received an ARCOM as well as a 4 day pass for this accomplishment. It
also gained more notoriety form my platoon and gave them something to
be proud of.
On 11 July, 2007 we were conducting combat operations Baghdad. My
platoon was in mounted in gun trucks on the way to conduct dismounted
patrolling operations. My vehicle was hit with an EFP, the signal to
launch an ambush. The slug from the EFP went through my door, then my
leg, and fortunately bent my rifle up pretty good perhaps saving my
left leg. I was able to get the door open and climb/fall out. My gunner
hopped out the top and came to my assistance, helping to drag me back
towards the third vehicle. It was so surreal; the magnitude of what had
happened to me just now was taking a moment to set in. I did not have
much time to contemplate my situation, my platoon sergeant was giving
me the SITREP on what was going on and we were still in the fight.
Luckily everyone else in my truck was fine. Everyone was going about
their business reacting to contact just like we trained. The medic was
working on me, PSG was keeping me updated and as soon as someone set
the outer cordon we evacuated to FOB Shield. During this entire episode
I was conscious and able to make rational decisions. Without my
training none of this would have been possible. Being in excellent
shape, kept the injury I sustained from being much worse. The ER docs
said it should have taken my leg off to the hip just from the force of
the projectile. He cited my physical conditioning as a large part of
the reason I did not go into shock or lose consciousness.
I was transported back to Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC)
where my surgeries and rehabilitation began. It was not a very happy
time, I was in pain, I had recently had a life altering experience,
etc. I had always been very independent and self sufficient. But now I
can't walk. What made this even worse was that sports/ physical
activity was such a large part of my identity. I was only focusing on
the negative, but without that outlet, who was I. I truly felt lost. My
conditioning even after my inpatient time allowed me to quickly achieve
the goals of the physical therapists, but to me they seemed somewhat
mundane. I didn't want to be able to do crunches and pull ups. I wanted
to be active.
Because of my physical progression and my PT and OT recommended
that I try and participate on one of the adaptive trips. It was
December at this point and an organization known as DSUSA was hosting
the Hartford Ski Spectacular. I decided to go and it was one of the
best decisions I have made. It was like learning sports as a child all
over again though. I felt like such a fool falling all over the place.
You want to quit, you want to give up. Your strength isn't there your
fake leg isn't doing what you want it to, but the lessons instilled as
a child were still there. Humility, just swallow your pride get out
there battle it, don't quit. The instructors and event were
exceptional. By the end of the week I had made progress, but I did not
want to be adequate, I wanted to excel like I always had.
I came away from this weekend with a sense of purpose. I had a
taste of what I could do. No it was not going to be the same, hence the
phrase adaptive sports. The way I view that term is perhaps different
than others; it should be adaptive just from an equipment standpoint. I
require a certain device to perform, but given the resources and
training, I should be as good as anyone on the mountain. This one event
gave me my life back. I was able to accept who I was, and with this
acceptance came a sense of grounding to my life. I was no longer
fighting it by focusing on the negative aspects of what had occurred.
This was just another challenge to undertake.
Since this initial event I have had the opportunity to attend
others. Building upon what I learned at the last always pushing
forward. As I have improved, it is also inspirational for newly wounded
to see what they can accomplish if they commit themselves.
Words cannot express how grateful I am to those who have given me
the opportunity to participate in their events. Thank you so much for
giving me my life back.
Prepared Statement of Captain Mark D. Little, USA, Fairfax, VA
Biographical Information:
Home town: Fairfax, VA
In the course of one month, Mark was hit by three IED's while
serving in Iraq, and it would be the final one that would cause him to
lose both his legs below the knee on September 7, 2007. He received 2
Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, and several other awards for his service.
Despite his severe injuries, Captain Little was snowboarding under DS/
USA's Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project four months after injury.
He also has also learned alpine and Nordic skiing, golf, and cycling
through the program. Mark is now a police officer in his native
Virginia and trains Law Enforcement and Military. He is continuing to
serve within the Department of Defense while finishing his recovery in
the Washington DC area.
Personal Army History
Explanation of Injuries Received in Combat (OIF V)
Inpatient time in hospital
Concerns about personal recovery
Visit from fellow amputee who had participated in
DSUSA activities
Shift in mindset and setting goals for recovery
Receiving prosthetic limbs and immediate competitive
spirit
Introduction into the DSUSA program
Attitude towards wounded Veterans
Adaptive nature and positive spirit of the program
and volunteers
Ability to interact with experienced Veteran amputees
and learn new things
Camaraderie of DSUSA event participants and family
atmosphere
How DSUSA activities have helped me get to where I am now
How this legislation is critical to helping me and other
disabled veterans stay active in sports and recreation in my home
community.
Maintaining lifelong health and fitness
Meeting the individual needs of veterans
Keeping the family intact
Leading to success in all areas of life, including
employment
Prepared Statement of Adrian M. Atizado, Assistant National Legislative
Director, Disabled American Veterans
Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee:
Thank you for inviting the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), an
organization of 1.2 million service-disabled veterans, to testify at
this important hearing to discuss disabled veterans rehabilitation thru
sports. We appreciate the opportunity to offer our views and experience
with the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic.
NATIONAL DISABLED VETERANS WINTER SPORTS CLINIC
The National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic is the world
leader in promoting rehabilitation by instructing veterans with
disabilities in adaptive skiing, and introducing them to a number of
other adaptive recreational activities and sports. The Clinic is
cosponsored by the DAV and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), as well
as a number of generous corporate and individual donors.
As the largest annual disabled learn-to-ski clinic in the world,
the Clinic is an annual rehabilitation program open to active duty
servicemembers and veterans with spinal cord injuries, orthopedic
amputations, visual impairments, traumatic brain injuries, certain
neurological problems and other disabilities who receive care at a VA
or military medical facilities. It provides the extrinsic motivation of
excitement and camaraderie, but more importantly, it fosters the
intrinsic motivation in each participant to find their strength of
purpose and achieve what can only be described as miracles on a
mountainside.
This event evolved from the pioneering efforts of the VA in
rehabilitation and adaptive sports. Mr. Sandy Trombetta, founder and
director of the Clinic, began bringing VA patients to a nearby mountain
resort to participate in disabled ski programs in the early 1980s. As a
recreation therapist at the VA Medical Center in Grand Junction,
Colorado, he recognized the physical and mental healing that skiing and
other winter sports can provide to veterans with disabilities. Just a
few years after the first Clinic was held in 1987, with 20 staff
members and about 90 veterans, it became apparent that more support was
needed due to the therapeutic benefits and popularity of the Clinic.
The DAV answered that call and has become a co-sponsor of the event
since 1991.
It has grown tremendously over the past 23 years. The most recent
Clinic was held in Snowmass Village, Colorado from March 29-April 3,
2009, where more than 370 participants attended from across the
country, along with 200 certified disabled ski instructors. Of those
veterans and servicemembers who participated, 114 were first-time
participants, 29 were women and over a third were servicemembers and
veterans are from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Some of these veterans have never skied before. Most have spent
months in hospitals, convinced their lives are over. A great many have
been told they would never walk again. Yet there on the majestic high
Alpine terrain of the Colorado Rockies, they learn otherwise and are
proof positive that empowerment allows them to determine their own
fate. Known for inspiring ``Miracles on a Mountainside,'' the Clinic
shows that the lives of disabled veterans can be changed forever when
they discover the challenges they can overcome. I invite you to view
the 2008 National Disabled Veterans Winter Sport Clinic DVD to get a
sense of the profound impact this event has on the participants and the
volunteers. The 2009 video is available for viewing at VA's website.\1\
It is an intense week that touches everyone involved.
Not Just Skiing
Adaptive ski equipment is updated and modified for each Clinic, and
skiing is integrated with other exploratory activities. In addition to
learning Alpine and Nordic skiing, participants are introduced to a
variety of other sports such as rock climbing, scuba diving, trap
shooting, horseback riding, snowmobiling and sled hockey.
Other educational and instructional activities are also available
such as the U.S. Secret Service teaching a self-defense course to
participants who are in wheelchairs or are visually impaired; service
dog owners and trainers meeting to discuss the care and availability of
canine companions; a traumatic brain injury (TBI) Peer Support Group
Meeting was again on the agenda this year where veterans suffering from
TBI participated, including families who attended the Clinic and the
veteran's caregiver. In typical peer support fashion, stories were
shared of survival above and beyond the adversity their injuries
caused.
DAV Past National Commander Chad Colley and his wife Betty Anne
hosted a discussion entitled ``Veterans--Not Just About You!'' The
couple spoke about relationships between disabled veterans and their
spouses and offered sage advice on maintaining marriages. Women also
had a reception of their own to talk about the issues they face and to
bond as veterans and participants. As the veterans met together and in
smaller groups, they developed lifestyle solutions and gained
inspiration that will reverberate beyond the event.
Rehabilitation First
While the Clinic holds a race training and development program to
help veterans develop their skiing abilities to an elite level to
qualify for U.S. Paralympic Team participation, its primary purpose is
to promote rehabilitation, fitness, and an enhanced quality of life.
The rehabilitation of disabled veterans through the annual Winter
Sports Clinic drives DAV's commitment to the event as it truly reflects
our organization's mission of building better lives for our Nation's
disabled veterans and their families.
In 1992, we instituted the DAV Freedom Award at the National
Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic. It is given each year to the
veteran who makes the most progress during the week, showing
outstanding courage and accomplishments in taking a giant step forward
in his or her journey of rehabilitation. The award's inscription reads:
``Their accomplishments during the National Disabled Veterans Winter
Sports Clinic have proven to the world that physical disability does
not bar the doors to freedom. We salute your desire to excel so that
others may follow.''
This year's recipient, Portray Woods, was serving as Army's 1st
Armored Division on a reconnaissance patrol in Baghdad. He was behind a
.50 caliber machine gun when a roadside bomb hit this vehicle. Missing
his right arm and left thumb, and suffering from a traumatic brain
injury, Portray was unable to walk, talk, see out of his left eye, and
was paralyzed on his right side. With courage, humility, and strength
of the warrior spirit, he hunkered down to do battle with the long-term
effects suffered by the thousands of servicemembers who have been
injured by explosive blasts in our current conflicts in Afghanistan and
Iraq. In 2008, he attended his first National Disabled Veterans Winter
Sports Clinic. The event reaffirmed the tremendous strides he'd taken
in recovery when he quickly picked up downhill skiing, cross-country
skiing and other events. He joined DAV Chapter 52 in Indianapolis and
continued to rapidly advance and exceed expectations throughout his
recovery at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indiana.
Portray and other recipients of the DAV Freedom Award before him
serve as an example to all participants of what the National Disabled
Veterans Winter Sports Clinic is all about. Research shows that people
who participate in daily physical activity experience enhanced self-
esteem and improved peer relationships, which correlate to increased
achievement, overall better health and a higher quality of life.
Further, while it is well established that recreation therapy plays a
key role in the rehabilitation of disabled veterans in VA medical
centers throughout the country, the Clinic enhances the physical,
social, and emotional well-being of the veterans and their families who
participate in this life changing event.
PUBLIC LAW 110-389, TITLE VII
Mr. Chairman, the DAV recognizes the purpose of Title VII of Public
Law 110-389 to expand disabled veterans access to sports and recreation
opportunities, including needed education and training. The law
provides assistance to the United States Paralympics, Inc., to plan,
develop, manage, and implement an integrated adaptive sports program
from the local to national level through direct grants from the VA. The
law also established the VA Office of National Veterans Sports Programs
and Special Events that is to oversee sports programs or other events
for disabled veterans to participate as well as seek corporate
sponsorship to defray costs.
The DAV does not currently have a relationship with the U.S.
Paralympics program; however, we do participate with the National
Rehabilitation Special Events Management Group. While the intent of
Public Law 110-389 is laudable, our concern is the impact it may have
on the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, which is a
rehabilitation event and not a training ground for future Olympians.
In addition, section 702 of the law allows for individuals with
disabilities who are not veterans or members of the Armed Forces to
participate in sports programs that receive funds originating from VA
grants. As an organization devoted to improving the lives of our
Nation's wartime disabled veterans we are concerned for any shift of
VA's mission, personnel, and resources away from disabled veterans.
Moreover, section 703 requires the Director of the VA Office of
National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events to seek
sponsorships and donations from the private sector to defray costs.
This provision may have an adverse impact on our organization's ability
to discharge our responsibilities contained in the Memorandum of
Understanding for the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic
between the DAV and VA. DAV is deeply committed to achieving each year
a successful Winter Sports Clinic and we value our responsibility to
administer the corporate sponsorship program, sponsor recognition, and
other mutually agreed upon activities.
Mr. Chairman, this concludes my statement, and I will be pleased to
respond to any questions you or any Member of the Subcommittee may wish
to ask.
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\1\ http://www1.va.gov/vetevent/wsc/2009/WSC2009_Lg_Prog_001.asx
Prepared Statement of Carl Blake,
National Legislative Director, Paralyzed Veterans of America
Chairman Filner, Ranking Member Buyer, and Members of the
Committee, I am pleased to be here today on behalf of Paralyzed
Veterans of America (PVA) to offer our views on the Military Paralympic
Program and rehabilitation through sports and recreation for severely
injured servicemembers and veterans. We would like to thank this
Committee particularly for its efforts to expand sports and recreation
opportunities for disabled servicemembers and veterans. Perhaps no
veterans' service organization understands the importance of sports as
a rehabilitation tool more than PVA.
Since its inception in 1946, PVA has recognized the important role
that sports and recreation play in the spinal cord injury (SCI)
rehabilitation process. In fact, it was paralyzed veterans, injured
during World War II, who first started playing pick-up games of
wheelchair basketball in VA hospitals. This marked the birth of
wheelchair sports. Doctors quickly realized the significance of these
types of activities and the powerful therapeutic benefits on the
physical, mental and social levels that could be derived from
participating in wheelchair sports. It is for this reason that PVA
developed, and annually administers, a comprehensive sports and
recreation program for its members and other Americans with
disabilities.
PVA sponsors a wide array of sports and outdoor recreation events
to improve the quality of life and health of veterans with severe
disabilities. Most notable of these activities is the National Veterans
Wheelchair Games (NVWG) which PVA has co-sponsored with the Department
of Veterans Affairs for 25 years. In fact the most recent Games just
wrapped up in Spokane, Washington earlier this month. This year, the
NVWG drew 513 veterans. Of that number, 34 were veterans of Operation
Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF). More
importantly, 110 of the veterans were first-time participants. In fact,
PVA has one of the highest participation rates of members in this
event. Likewise, we fully support the activities of the National
Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, the National Veterans Golden
Age Games, and the National Creative Arts Festival.
PVA also runs a number of other sports and outdoor recreation
programs meant to get severely disabled veterans involved. Our Shooting
Sports Program consists of the PVA National Trapshoot Circuit, pistol
and rifle competitions and various hunting opportunities. The Trapshoot
Circuit includes 10 events annually that draw approximately 600
participants. Our Boating and Fishing Program consists of the PVA Bass
Tour and a variety of other fishing opportunities. The Bass Tour is
comprised of six events annually that draw more than 350 participants.
PVA, in association with the National Wheelchair Poolplayers'
Association, has developed a unique series of billiards tournaments for
people with disabilities. In 2009, PVA will conduct eight billiards
events with approximately 160 participants. Likewise, PVA has partnered
with the American Wheelchair Bowling Association to create a bowling
tournament series. In 2009, PVA will conduct seven events with
approximately 280 participants. Finally, PVA also financially sponsors
several National Governing Bodies of Disabled Sport, including
organizations that conduct program opportunities for wheelchair
basketball, quad rugby, wheelchair bowling, wheelchair softball and
wheelchair billiards to strengthen existing infrastructure for
wheelchair sports and recreation participation.
In the past 5 years, PVA has conducted significant outreach at
Department of Defense (DoD) and VA hospitals to make its sports and
recreation programs available to recently injured Operation Iraqi
Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) veterans. In fact,
PVA was recognized in 2007 by the staff at Walter Reed Army Medical
Center for our important work with the men and women being treated at
that facility. In addition, in 2008 PVA edited a chapter entitled
``Sports and Recreation Opportunities for the Combat Amputee'' to be
included in the DoD medical handbook Care of the Combat Amputee.
PVA was pleased to support the provisions of Public Law 110-389,
the ``Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2008.'' Section 7 of the
law authorized the VA to provide assistance to the Military Paralympic
Program and expand sports and recreation opportunities available to
severely disabled veterans. The intent of the law is consistent with
the mission of PVA's Sports and Recreation Program which is to expand
the quantity and quality of sports and recreation opportunities,
especially those that promote lifetime fitness and a healthy lifestyle,
for PVA members and other people with disabilities. As we have
testified in the past, PVA's primary goal for its Sports and Recreation
Program is all about healthcare and rehabilitation first.
P.L. 110-389 specifically emphasizes the need to enhance the
recreation activities provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs by
promoting disabled sports from the local level through elite levels and
by creating partnerships among organizations specializing in
supporting, training, and promoting programs for disabled veterans.
This will be accomplished by providing training, technical assistance,
equipment and Paralympic mentors for injured veterans to participate in
daily physical activity at the community level as an aspect of their
rehabilitation. This relationship affords many of our members an
opportunity that they would not otherwise have.
PVA was also pleased to see that the law creates an Office of
National Disabled Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events and a
Director position to oversee this Office. PVA has a special interest in
this Office as the chief presenter, along with the VA, of the National
Veterans Wheelchair Games. However, we remain concerned that the Office
is required to report to the Veterans Benefits Administration. We
believe that this Office would be more appropriately placed under the
Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The ultimate purpose of the
Wheelchair Games, Winter Sports Clinic, Golden Age Games and Creative
Arts Festival is to provide the best rehabilitative therapy possible to
maximize independence and enhance the quality of life for severely
disabled veterans. Given that rehabilitation is part of the mission of
VHA, we believe that it should be the controlling authority.
We believe that much progress and enhanced cooperation has resulted
from the Military Paralympic Program. Under this program, PVA has
witnessed improved coordination between our organization, USOC-
Paralympics, and other veterans' and community-based sports
organizations that has enhanced existing programs and advanced
development of new programs in communities that previously had not been
served.
PVA and its chapters have already expanded specific opportunities
with the Military Paralympic Progam. These opportunities include:
Partnered with PVA to implement a new handcycling program
in four strategic locations throughout the United States (Chicago,
Illinois; San Antonio, Texas; San Diego, California; and Washington,
DC/Richmond, Virginia).
Partnered with PVA to introduce USOC Shooting sponsored
air gun and air pistol clinics and competitions at PVA National
Trapshoot Circuit events.
Partnered with PVA to introduce Paralympic-style events
at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games for the purpose of
identifying future potential Paralympic-level athletes.
Partnered with PVA's Mid-America Chapter to coordinate a
multi-event sports camp hosted by the University of Central Oklahoma
from August 7-10, 2009 at Lake Arcadia, Oklahoma.
As a part of our testimony on sports and recreation opportunities
offered last year, we made several recommendations that we believed
would expand veteran participation in those programs administered by
the VA. One of our principle concerns was to remove barriers to
participation. Our concern then was that newly injured veterans should
be provided timely access to education and training regarding sports
and recreation opportunities. Furthermore, we believed that the VA and
DoD should facilitate outreach efforts of legitimate organizations
promoting sports and recreation opportunities by improving their access
to newly injured veterans. We believe that the Military Paralympic
Program has helped alleviate some of these concerns, and we look
forward to continued progress as a result of this program.
Interestingly, PVA found in a sports and recreation survey that we
conducted in 2002 that employment, whether full-time or part-time, is a
barrier to sports and recreation activities due to a lack of time to
participate. Furthermore, inadequate training, lack of local programs,
high equipment and licensing fees, and a shortage of accessible local
facilities are critical barriers to participation. We remain hopeful
that through new coordination with the Military Paralympic Program,
these barriers can be overcome.
There is no doubt that activities such as those listed above and
all disabled sports and recreation activities have positive impact not
only on the disabled service member or veteran, but on his or her
family. Research shows that physical activity is an important aspect of
the rehabilitation process for persons with disabilities. It enhances
self-esteem, reduces stress and the incidence of secondary medical
conditions, and obviously improves conditioning. Equally important is
that sports and recreation rehabilitation allows a disabled service
member or veteran to reengage with family, friends, and the community.
This contributes to a greater level of success in education and
employment.
PVA appreciates the focus being placed on these important programs.
With disabled servicemen and women exiting the military everyday,
especially from Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, these
programs will provide a beacon of hope to those men and women who will
continue to face challenges every day of their lives. We look forward
to working with this Committee to ensure that a wide range of sports
and recreation activities are available to the men and women who have
served and sacrificed.
I would like to thank you again for the opportunity to testify. I
would be happy to answer any questions that you might have.
Prepared Statement of Julia Ray, Manager,
Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project, Disabled Sports USA, Inc.
Summary Page
A member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, Disabled Sports
USA (DS/USA) was established in 1967 to serve the war injured from the
Vietnam War; and later civilian youth and adults with disabilities.
Disabled Sports USA now has 100 community based sports chapters
operating in 38 states offering over 30 different sports year round.
For the past 6 years, DS/USA in partnership with its
chapters and Wounded Warrior Project has conducted the Wounded Warrior
Disabled Sports Project. Under the program, over 2500 severely wounded
servicemembers, family and hospital staff has been provided the
opportunity to learn over 25 different sports as part of their
rehabilitation.
The WWDSP model is based on offering immediate sport
participation opportunities as part of ongoing rehabilitation therapy
and as part of recovery to a full and active life.
Disabled Sports USA endorses the U.S. Olympic Committee
(USOC) Paralympic Military Program.
Disabled Sports USA supports the full appropriation of
the authorized $10 million for the United States Paralympic Integrated
Adaptive Sports Program (P.L. 110-389) to provide training, technical
assistance, equipment and Paralympic mentors for injured Veterans to
participate in regular physical activity at the community level.
PL 110-389 is critical to the health and fitness of
disabled veterans and their families, offering adaptive sports on an
ongoing basis in their home communities, leading to success in life.
A 2008 Disabled Sports USA survey, which Harris
Interactive was commissioned to conduct, demonstrated a positive
correlation between participation in sports during and after the
rehabilitation process and higher levels of employment. Other studies
have shown that regular exercise and health diet can reduce the risk of
many diseases that cause millions of deaths each year, such as
cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and
certain cancers. The Paralympic Military program will help reduce these
risk factors for recently disabled veterans and consequently reduce
healthcare costs for the Department of Veterans Affairs and higher
employment rates for disabled veterans.
----------
Background on Disabled Sports USA, Inc.
A member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, Disabled Sports USA was
established in 1967 by Disabled Veterans to serve the war injured from
Vietnam. Since that time it has grown to serve both military and
civilian adults as well as youth with disabilities. Its chapter and
national leadership still includes disabled veterans, including its
national Executive Director, Kirk Bauer, who is a decorated disabled
Vietnam veteran.
Disabled Sports USA has 100 community based sports chapters
operating in 38 states offering over 30 different year round sports.
Sports offered include alpine and Nordic snow skiing, snowboarding,
golf, cycling, rock climbing, kayaking, rafting, sailing, outrigger
canoeing, horseback riding, shooting, fishing, rafting, track and
field, and many other activities. DS/USA's emphasis is on sports
rehabilitation and recreational activities that lead to an active and
healthy lifestyle. DS/USA also offers sports competitions and training
camps that provide a ``pipeline'' for emerging athletes who want to
train and compete for the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games.
Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project (WWDSP)
Since 2003, DS/USA in partnership with its local community based
chapters and Wounded Warrior Project, has conducted the Wounded Warrior
Disabled Sports Project. Under the program, severely wounded
servicemembers are provided the opportunity to learn over 25 different
sports as part of their rehabilitation. All expenses for their
participation are paid by DS/USA including airfare, lodging, meals,
adaptive sports equipment and training by experienced adaptive sports
instructors. Family members are encouraged to participate, in order to
keep the family unit intact by sharing positive, healthy experiences
with their wounded warrior.
Programs are offered at the major military medical centers where
the severely wounded are treated, including Walter Reed Army Medical
Center, National Naval Medical Center, Brooke Army Medical Center in
San Antonio and Naval Medical Center San Diego. DS/USA also serves
patients from many Veterans Hospitals, including Polytrauma centers at
Palo Alto and Tampa, for injured servicemembers with Traumatic Brain
Injury, paralysis and multiple injuries. Since its inception, over 2500
severely wounded servicemembers, family members and hospital staff have
been served through more than 350 events in 25 different sports.
The WWDSP model is based on offering immediate participation
opportunities as part of ongoing therapy while the wounded warrior is
in the hospital and as part of recovery.
Sports are particularly effective during rehabilitation because
basics of almost any sport can be taught in as little as one day. A
quick, successful experience helps to provide a positive outlook and
shows the wounded warrior the way to an active and successful future.
From this new confidence the warrior is able to progress in life in a
positive way. This result is embodied in DS/USA's motto: ``If I can do
this, I can do anything!''.
Disabled Sports USA, Inc. supports the U.S. Paralympic Military Program
and P.L. 110-389
Disabled Sports USA endorses the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC)
Paralympic Military Program as a model that will support the work of
the Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project as well as responding to a
critical need to continue to provide sports and recreation
opportunities when the wounded warrior transitions to civilian life and
returns to his or her their own local community as a disabled veteran.
Currently Disabled Sports USA, U.S. Paralympics and other community
based sports organizations are contributing more than 40 million in
private resources to help rehabilitate the severely wounded through
sports. However, the current economic climate and an ever increasing
demand to serve servicemembers returning with conditions such as
polytrauma,traumatic brain injury and combat stress will require
ongoing assistance provided by P.L. 110-389, which is critical to the
continuation and expansion of these important programs at the community
level, enabling the disabled veteran to lead an active and healthy
life.
Importance of Adaptive Sports Rehabilitation
Many recent studies have demonstrated that disabled veterans have
increased societal risk factors in areas such as suicide, homelessness,
divorce and ``lifestyle diseases'' such as heart disease, obesity, high
blood pressure, and certain cancers. The introduction of sports in the
rehabilitation process and continued participation in sports after
discharge from the hospital, will have a direct and positive influence
on the prevention of these conditions.
In 2008, Disabled Sports USA (DS/USA) commissioned a survey
conducted by Harris Interactive entitled ``Sports and Employment among
Americans with Disabilities'' to demonstrate a positive relationship
between involvement in sport and employment levels.
Over 200 servicemembers who had received permanent disabling
injuries while serving overseas and who had participated in the Wounded
Warrior Disabled Sports Project, took the survey. The survey found that
wounded warriors were more than twice as likely (64 percent vs. 30
percent) than the general disabled population to be regularly involved
in physical activity and that 52 percent (compared with 33 percent of
the general population) were employed. In addition, over half of those
who were not working were enrolled in college or in certification
courses.
Given today's high unemployment rate, this survey confirmed how
important it is for Wounded Warriors to stay active in sports,
utilizing all the tools possible to gain employment and advance in
their careers. Wounded Warriors are even finding gainful employment in
the field of adaptive sports--WWDSP has seen several participants make
meaningful contributions as program managers, mentors, coaches and
volunteers.
One such example is Scott Winkler, a Paralympian and WWDSP
participant. After sustaining a spinal cord injury while serving as an
Army SPC in Iraq, Scott has chosen to turn his injury into a positive
life experience, working tirelessly for a non-profit ``Champions Made
From Adversity'', spending his time visiting and encouraging people in
similar situations to his own. In addition he continues to be an
accomplished athlete, having competed as a member of the USA Paralympic
Track and Field Team in Beijing.
Need for VA support of ongoing community programming
Participation in community recreation programs provided under the
proposed legislation, will enable the disabled veteran to participate
in sports alongside his or her family and friends which will help to
maintain family cohesion and support for the veteran. This will be
critically important to those disabled veterans who transition from the
hospital to remote communities which may not have the resources to
adequately serve them.
This network will encourage regular exercise and a healthier
lifestyle, making activities available on a daily or weekly basis,
close to home. The long term legacy of this will be healthier, happier,
more active disabled veterans; who, due to these preventative measures
will have less healthcare and social support needs. The new generation
of disabled veterans will be the most equipped, informed and empowered
group of disabled veterans this country has ever had, ready to teach
and serve others in their footsteps.
Particularly during this economic downturn, DS/USA is experiencing
an ever increasing demand for services by disabled veterans, but at the
same time, reduced corporate and foundation support. In the first half
of 2009 alone the Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project has served
over 500 Wounded Warriors, their families and hospital staff through
over 60 sports programs, including weekly programs in the hospitals in
sports such as golf, kayaking, swimming and scuba. Despite this
extensive outreach, we are consistently asked to meet individual needs
by warriors in their home communities; however financial resources
currently limit this capability. The proposed legislation is key in
enabling us to meet these needs.
The younger generation also has new individualized interests. We
have the expertise to respond by providing programs in extreme sports,
endurance events, along with the high level coaching that the Wounded
Warriors are demanding. There are those who wish to compete and train
as integrated, non-disabled members of society, in golf tournaments,
triathlons, adventure races, and conquer goals that many of us would
only dream of; such as climbing Kilamanjaro, competing in the
Paralympics, or completing the Hawaii Ironman. This is an ongoing
process requiring support at an unprecedented level.
Increased attention is required for those with moderate to severe
traumatic brain injuries, particularly once they have left full time
rehabilitation. WWDSP has conducted camps that demonstrate the
effectiveness of individualized sports programs built specifically to
their needs. Family members learn how they can not only facilitate
this, but enjoy the sports alongside their loved ones. This needs to be
expanded at the community level, which the appropriation of P.L. 110-
389 is vital to providing.
Therefore, this legislation comes at a more important time than
ever before, as thousands of severely injured veterans return home and
work alongside loved ones to re-build their lives. We know that
adaptive sports are critical to this process, allowing disabled
veterans to choose to lead an active and healthy lifestyle; which in
turn leads to employment, good mental and physical health where it is
most needed--at home.
Sample quotes from Wounded Warriors are included in this testimony
clearly demonstrating this impact. Thank you Chairman Filner and
Ranking Member Buyer--we welcome any questions.
__________
Appendix I--Wounded Warrior, Family and Medical Staff Quotes
These patients change and transform in the eight days they are with
Disabled Sports USA . . . in ways they did not change in six months of
hospitalization. It's reintegration of who they once were.
Susan Feighery, Lead Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Palo Alto VA Traumatic Brain Injury Unit--2009
When you're in the hospital all day, you're with injured people.
All you talk about is what you did in Iraq, who you killed. Here it's
just you and the mountain. I don't think about my flashbacks, I don't
think about my injury. It's just-beautiful.
Army Pfc. Drew Goin, Visually Impaired
You get injured like this, you tell yourself you'll be OK, but deep
inside you know there are limits. But doing something like this, you
realize there aren't as many as you think, if you put your mind to it.
Marine Lance Cpl. Ufrano Rios Jimenez, Below Knee Amputee
The project showed me the path where I could still feel like I'm
living this active lifestyle where I'm not like jumping out of planes
and all this other cool stuff I did before my injury.
Adriel Gonzalez
They are learning as a family . . . it's got nothing to do with
disability or ability, it's about learning something you can do as a
family.
1st Lieutenant (Ret) Ed Salau, Above Knee Amputee
When you're in the water, you're free.
Dennis Cline
If it wasn't for [the Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project], I'd
be sitting at home depressed and just withering away. Wounded Warriors
and DSUSA have totally changed my life and kept me from getting down
and showed me that there's things out there I can do.
When I'm out there boarding, it takes the disability away from my
mind and gives me more of my freedom. I'm enjoying what I went to
protect. I owe a lot to this program. It saved my life.
Navy PO3 Mark Mix, Spinal Cord Injury
This is a life changing event. I really don't think that people who
are volunteering understand that, I know they love what they're doing,
but I don't think they understand the impact they have, because you get
out there, you get back out into the world, away from the pain, away
from the physical therapy, and you know everything is going to be ok.
Diane Cochran, US Army Ret., Spinal Cord Injury
[Thank you] so much. This is an opportunity that is much needed in
my life. I don't leave my house and this is just what the doctor
literally ordered. Thank you so much God bless you and yours.
James Smiley, Visually Impaired
It really shows me that I'm still alive. I'm still a person I can
still do anything I set my mind to. I may not be able to see, but a
loss of sight is not a loss of vision.
National Guard Sgt Chris Paiser, Visually Impaired
I'd like to give you a short anecdote relating to your study, as
simple yes's and no's won't provide the real world information you may
be looking for.
A few months ago when I filled out your survey I had the mentality
that participating in sporting events would undoubtedly have a positive
impact on my employment because I would much rather not be working and
playing sports instead. I thought that if I could be participating in
something else and not sitting at my desk I would be a happy man.
I was injured stateside in 2001 while on active-duty and things
haven't gotten terribly better for me since. I still have significant
issues with my BK prosthesis and high-impact activity remains out of
the question for now. What has improved is my career orientation.
Shortly after my injury I decided to pursue a degree in public
relations and completed my requirements in May 2006. After graduation,
I immediately began (and remain in) a 3-year career development
internship that rapidly progresses me through the civil service pay
grades. It is an exceptional management-focused program that is highly
competitive in its selection and I was about to walk away from it
because of a distraught mindset. One of your events changed that.
I was invited to participate in the recent SUDS/WWDSP diving trip
to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. When I left home for the event, I was a mess--
physically, mentally, and emotionally. I was in constant pain, I hated
my job and I couldn't work full days. I was considering leaving the
employment program knowing deep down things probably wouldn't get much
better even if I wasn't working, but I knew I just didn't want to be at
work. Looking back, I'm not sure what the problem was, but spending
just a few days diving changed it all.
After the trip I returned home and went to work with a new
attitude. I feel better physically and I feel exceptional mentally.
Something happened over the course of the event that brought me back to
working full days, enjoying what I do, and looking forward to my
future. I'm back into the swing of things at work and once again
striving to be the best I can at my job. As an added bonus, I made
several new friends and look forward to meeting up with them again
soon. Those social contacts will help get through personal challenges
as much as the sporting events themselves.
Beyond diving, I've discovered that my interest to get involved in
other adaptive sports has returned.
Having physical and social activities to look forward to after
several days of hard work is a great feeling. As far as the study goes,
there is no question in my mind that there is a direct correlation
between participation in adaptive sports and maintaining gainful
employment. I assume there's a key element to the social interaction,
confidence, and physical therapy that sports provide to help influence
the decisions I make on my career. Your program is effective and thanks
for allowing me to be involved.
Marine LCPL Aaron Schoenfeld, Above Knee Amputee
Prepared Statement of David Stringer, Richland County, South Carolina,
Parks and Recreation Department, on Behalf of National Recreation and
Park Association
Good morning Chairman Filner, Ranking Member Buyer and Members of
the Committee.
My name is David Stringer and I work for the Richland County Parks
and Recreation Department in South Carolina. On behalf of the National
Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), I want to thank you for
allowing us the opportunity to provide testimony at this important
hearing addressing the needs of injured Service Members and the
Paralympic Military and Veterans Program. As you may know, NRPA is a
national non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to advancing parks,
recreation, and conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life
for all people.
More than 31,000 military personnel have been severely injured
while serving our country during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan
and there are now more than 1.3 million disabled veterans in the United
States. These individuals want to be physically active but to do that,
they must have access to close-to-home spaces, places and opportunities
for physical activity that are able to meet their needs and aid in
their rehabilitation. The Paralympic program for injured Service
Members that was authorized in 2008 is beginning to do just that in
communities throughout our country. These partnerships and programs,
which have been in development for several years, utilize sports and
therapeutic recreation to rehabilitate those injured in combat or while
serving our country. I have seen firsthand the difference Paralympic
sports programs are making. I applaud this committee for recognizing
the important role of therapeutic sports and recreation in
rehabilitating those who were injured while serving our country and for
your leadership in passing legislation that will ensure their improved
quality of life, despite their physical limitations.
Unfortunately, those returning from duty with debilitating injuries
face a host of challenges as they try to integrate back into their
community and family life. Research shows that our returning
Servicemembers with injuries face isolation, depression, anxiety, poor
physical health, early mortality, and the potential to develop
secondary conditions, such as chronic disease, as a result of physical
immobility.
I faced similar adjustments as a teenager trying to cope with a
disability. At the age of fifteen, the world as I had known it
completely changed. In an instant, as a result of a diving accident, I
went from being a typical teenager without a care in the world to a
paraplegic who uses a wheelchair. I can relate to the challenges that
our newly injured Servicemembers and disabled veterans face. Imagine
being a strong, healthy, confident person-to one lying in a hospital
bed, unable to move, uncertain of the future and thinking about all the
things that you will never be able to do again. Add to that the
emotions and adjustments that your family is experiencing. Fortunately
for me there was a wheelchair athlete, Paralympic Gold Medalist, Rick
Siccatto who came to my hospital room with a video on wheelchair
Paralympic sports. I could not believe all the possibilities that were
out there: basketball, tennis, track and field, and even swimming. Soon
after getting out of the hospital I helped to start the first ever
wheelchair basketball team at a local park and recreation facility in
Charleston, South Carolina. Participation in adaptive sports changes
the focus from the things that cannot be done--to the things that can
be done--and helps those who once felt hopeless due to their disability
realize the possibilities of what they can do are endless.
As a public servant, I have seen many disabled Servicemembers and
their families from the nearby Fort Jackson Army installation, directly
benefit from programs provided by Richland County Parks and Recreation.
Servicemembers who were previously sedentary are now out of the house,
leading a physically active life again, participating in sports with
the support of family members and able to re-connect with friends. I
see these programs as a means to break down the barriers that wounded
Servicemembers face and a key to reintegrating into the community.
Through participation in community sports programs, such as those
provided by public parks and recreation agencies they bravely adjust to
their new and challenging life.
These agencies realize the importance of helping wounded
Servicemembers to become acclimated to their new lives and are seeking
ways to play an active role in their rehabilitation. Take for example
the wonderful work that is being done in Washington State. Here, Metro
Tacoma Parks, NRPA, and U.S. Paralympics have organized a taskforce to
focus on utilizing sports and recreation in the rehabilitation of
injured Servicemembers. As a result of the taskforce created, Fort
Lewis began a recreation and sports program for the 450 injured
Servicemembers stationed there, a sports camp on post, and therapeutic
recreation programming as well as family integration opportunities for
injured Servicemembers outside the gates of the military installation.
By creating and offering adaptive sports and recreation at the
community level, those with limited abilities are afforded the
opportunity to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle in a
convenient and welcoming environment. This task force has regular
communication on how to expand the use of local resources, events, and
opportunities to benefit local wounded Servicemembers and their
families.
Another example comes from the Sacramento Department of Parks and
Recreation who is working locally in California to introduce Paralympic
sports to returning warriors. The impact of this work can be summed up
by comments made from a soldier who recently attended an event:
``I wanted to let both of you know that the experience I had at the
camp was one of the most memorable times I have ever had. I learned a
lot about myself and about life. I think that the most important thing
I learned however is that no matter what stumbles life may throw at
you, if you have the determination, they will not stop you. I would
also say that as a soldier in the United States Army if all of our
soldiers could some how take the determination and positive attitude of
the individuals I met--and bottle it into a formula we would have the
most unstoppable force in the world.''
The National Recreation and Park Association has the ability to
reach into each local community and assist in the recovery and
rehabilitation of injured Servicemembers and Veterans. NRPA provides a
tremendous network around the country to provide opportunities for
physical activity, in additional they have the ability to efficiency
train park and recreation professionals and provide technical
assistance to the field. These assets along with the U.S. Paralympics
expertise prominence, and distinction creates a significant partnership
that has the potential to impact the lives of injured Servicemembers,
veterans and their family's around the country.
In closing, I think we can all agree that serving our country can
be hard at times, but coming home injured is even harder. These
innovative partnerships help our servicemembers regain their quality of
life while improving their mental and physical health as they face a
challenging return and adjustment. Thank you for your leadership in
passing legislation and vocal support among your congressional
colleagues to help our men and women of the armed services confront the
challenges they face.
Thank you.
Prepared Statement of Carlos Leon, Member and Paralympian, Iraq and
Afghanistan Veterans of America
Chairman Filner and Ranking Member Buyer, thank you for the
opportunity to testify on behalf of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of
America (IAVA). IAVA is the Nation's first and largest non-partisan,
nonprofit organization representing veterans of the wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan. Chairman Filner and Chairwoman Herseth Sandlin, I am
especially grateful to both of you for the work you and your committee
did last year to support the Military Paralympic Program.
America's newest generation of heroes are surviving injuries
unthinkable in previous conflicts and, as a result, facing serious
challenges upon returning home. Thankfully, members of Congress have
been forward thinking and supported and funded programs like the
Military Paralympic Program that can give these heroes hope and health
through athletic training and competition.
I was 19 years old when I deployed to Iraq. After returning home
from a successful tour I had a chance to relax a little while before my
unit moved to Camp Pendleton. I was stationed in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii
where we took advantage of the beaches and weather while we were still
there. On June 18, 2005 I was at the beach, a day that would change my
life forever. I was the first to go in the water, while my friends
remained on the shore. As I jogged slowly into the water I turned to
them and told them to hurry up.
Before I turned back, I dove forward and hit a coral rock head-on.
My neck broke instantly and I was immediately left motionless in the
water. I received a laceration across the top of my head that needed 15
staples to close up.
Soon thereafter, in the hospital, I got the news from the doctor: I
was paralyzed from the neck down. I stayed in Hawaii until I was stable
enough to fly and then chose to have therapy at the VA medical center
in Miami, Florida, where I would be closest to my family.
Early in my therapy, one of my phenomenal therapists came to my
room and started to talk to me about sports. I did NOT think I could
play sports again--I thought it was beyond my new life in a wheelchair.
But learning that that might not be the case, early on in my injury,
was key to my recovery. After learning about this opportunity, I signed
up for a military sports camp in San Diego, California. The program was
a week long and they showed us the different sports we could play in
our chairs.
It was more than a positive experience, it opened my eyes to a
different world--one that I wanted to be a part of.
I was told I needed to train in order to qualify for a competition
early the next year. I couldn't wait to get started. When I got home, I
was ready to start but I had absolutely no idea how to get started. The
best I could do was just to make sure I was at least fit. So I began
working out at the local gym. As the time went on, I got stronger and
stronger. Not only did going to the Military Paralympic Program give me
something to shoot for, it made my quality of life much better. Instead
of being at home, bored, I was out and about living my life again.
There are great benefits to the Military Paralympic Program. Health
is especially important to a wheelchair user. If I gained weight it
would be harder to push myself around. If I was always sick I'd be in
and out of the hospital. Training increased my chances of being a
Paralympian and improved my physical and mental health.
After a year of training it was finally time to compete. And,
unbelievably, I was named to the U.S. Track and Field team that summer.
I traveled to Beijing and was proud to represent my country as one of
the first Iraq vets to compete in the Paralympic Games. My story is now
being included in the upcoming documentary ``Warrior Champions.''
If it wasn't for the Military Paralympic Program I wouldn't be here
today or have accomplished any of my proudest feats.
The program saved my life, but there are still more things we can
do to pave the way for newly injured vets. Not all injured veterans
have access to the resources I did. Depending on where they live, they
may not have the resources to go to the local gym or know who to turn
to.
After being invited to testify, I learned all that this committee
has done to support the Military Paralympic Program. I am grateful that
this committee was responsible for passing a law last year that created
a VA grant specifically for this program. I was also encouraged to
learn that the VA asked Congress to fund that grant program for $6.5
million starting in 2010. This money will go a long way toward reaching
out to disabled veterans and involving them in this great program. This
money can also be used toward ``recruiting, supporting, [and]
equipping,'' a new generation of paralympians.
Last summer, I had a chance to be a coach at one of the military
sports camps. I remember the parents of one veteran, who was recently
paralyzed, came to me with many question about equipment and training.
Yet I felt powerless that I didn't have very many answers. There was no
good place for me to direct these parents and where they lived, they
did not have access to gyms, let alone gyms that would understand the
modifications needed to train a handicapped veteran. With this money we
can build more centers for veterans to train and more resources to
train them with.
I was lucky--I found out about the Military Paralympic Program soon
after my injury. I was able to start training quickly, before the
physical and emotional strains set-in. Not all handicapped veterans are
that lucky. I know this new VA grant program will make it easier to
reach out to vets soon after their injury, introduce them to veterans
like me, start their training, and give them hope.
Thank you for all that you have done and will continue to do for
injured veterans.
Prepared Statement of Dinah F.B. Cohen,
Director, Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program,
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, U.S.
Department of Defense
Chairman Filner, Ranking Member Buyer and distinguished Members of
the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to discuss the Department
of Defense's (DoD's) program that provides assistive technology to
wounded servicemembers. I am pleased to be here today.
Background
The Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP), a program in
the TRICARE Management Activity (TMA), under the direction of the
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, was established in
1990 as the centrally funded DoD program that provides assistive
technology to allow DoD and Federal employees with disabilities to
access electronic and information environment.
Following the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
(FY) 2000, Congress granted CAP the authority to provide assistive
technology, devices, and services to Federal agencies that have a
partnership agreement with CAP. CAP currently has agreements with 65
Federal agencies outside of DoD. CAP increases access to information
and works to remove barriers to employment opportunities by eliminating
the costs of assistive technology and accommodation solutions.
Our mission is to ensure that people with disabilities and wounded
servicemembers have equal access to the information environment and
opportunities in the DoD and throughout the Federal Government. By
fulfilling this mission of providing real solutions for real needs, CAP
is helping to make the Federal Government the model employer for people
with disabilities.
Much of CAP's success lies in our ability to provide reasonable
accommodations to employees quickly and easily, increasing employment
and retention of employees with disabilities and wounded
servicemembers. In FY 2008, CAP filled 10,356 requests for
accommodations for the DoD and other Federal agencies. In FY 2008, CAP
broke another milestone and filled 2,782 accommodations for DoD
employees and 2,985 for non-DoD employees. Additionally, CAP provided
4,589 accommodations for our wounded servicemembers.
Wounded Servicemember Initiative
Many of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines are returning
every day from deployments with significant injuries and disabilities.
CAP works closely with medical providers, therapists, case managers and
wounded servicemembers across the Nation to ensure they receive
appropriate assistive technology for their needs. Accommodations are
available for servicemembers with vision or hearing loss, dexterity
impairments, including upper extremity amputees, and communication and
cognitive difficulties.
Once the appropriate assistive technology has been identified, CAP
provides the solutions, free of charge, to support a servicemember's
medical recovery and rehabilitation.
The CAP Wounded Servicemember (WSM) Initiative provides the
following services:
Individualized needs assessments;
Medical and support personnel training and in-services;
Assistive technology and training during recovery and
rehabilitation; and
Accommodations for internships and/or permanent
employment within the Federal Government.
The ability to use assistive technology during the early phases of
recovery can greatly impact rehabilitation outcomes and future
employment opportunities. Further, wounded servicemembers may retain
these devices upon separation from active service.
Accommodations for Wounded Servicemembers
CAP actively supports wounded servicemembers during their recovery
and rehabilitation. In FY 2008, CAP provided over 780 needs assessments
and 4,589 accommodations to servicemembers and military treatment
facilities throughout the Nation, including Walter Reed and Brooke Army
Medical Centers. CAP also partnered with several organizations to
support disabled veteran reemployment efforts and attended Hiring
Heroes Career Fairs. In order to integrate assistive technology into
the recovery process, CAP continues to partner with the Army Wounded
Warrior Program and Marines for Life.
Department of Defense Instruction 6025.22
The Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 6025.22: Assistive
Technology (AT) for wounded servicemembers secures CAP's eligibility to
provide AT to servicemembers. The ability to use AT during the early
phases of recovery promotes positive rehabilitation outcomes and future
employment opportunities. This Instruction also allows servicemembers
to retain the equipment after separation from active duty, enabling
them to pursue education and employment opportunities.
Support Through Training and Needs Assessments
CAP provides needs assessments, assistive technology, and training
to our Nation's wounded servicemembers throughout all phases of
recovery and the transition to employment.
CAP supports wounded servicemembers, working closely with medical
providers, therapists, case managers, and military liaisons at military
treatment facilities to increase awareness and availability of AT.
Trainings can be conducted onsite, via Video Teleconference (VTC)
or webcast. In-service trainings include the following objectives:
Discuss how CAP provides needs assessments and AT to
wounded servicemembers throughout the recovery and rehabilitation
process.
Review and demonstrate available AT for various disabling
conditions.
Identify methods to integrate AT into rehabilitative
services and settings using best practice partnerships and training
models as examples.
Needs assessments are a critical step in the CAP accommodation
process. Many servicemembers sustain multiple injuries and require an
individualized needs assessment to identify the most appropriate AT
solutions.
In an effort to streamline this process and provide the most
appropriate solutions, the needs assessment questionnaire is required
as the first step of the CAP process. Additionally, medical
documentation may be required for certain requests. It is recommended
to disclose all functional limitations, disabling conditions, and the
servicemember's current status (i.e., Medical Evaluation Board status,
Continue on Active Duty plans) when completing the questionnaire in
order to maximize potential outcomes.
The CAP Office requires servicemembers and their families to
coordinate the submission of the needs assessment questionnaire with
their medical providers and/or therapists. Once coordinated with
appropriate providers, either the servicemembers, family members,
medical providers, therapists, or case managers can submit the
questionnaires via the CAP Wounded Service Member Web site:
www.tricare.mil/cap/wsm.
Equip with Assistive Technology Solutions
CAP is available to provide training and in-services to medical
personnel interested in learning more about needs assessments, AT, and
the CAP process.
CAP equips servicemembers with AT devices, accommodations and
training. Many servicemembers sustain multiple injuries and require a
combination of AT devices. Accommodations and training are available
for the conditions described below.
Dexterity
CAP provides devices to assist servicemembers who have sustained
nerve damage, fractures, burns, and amputations to their upper
extremities, including compact keyboards, alternative pointing devices,
and voice recognition software with certified training.
Cognitive Difficulties, Including Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
For TBI and closed-head injuries, CAP provides various cueing aids
to Servicemembers who struggle with memory loss and other cognitive
difficulties. Cueing aids can assist servicemembers in remembering
appointments, medication schedules, and personal contact information.
Technology options can vary in complexity, from simple cueing aids to
powerful computer-based applications.
Vision Loss
For servicemembers that experience vision issues due to ocular or
neurological trauma, screen magnification software and/or hardware may
reduce eye strain, blurry vision, and eye fatigue. Software enlarges
fonts and changes color contrasts, enabling users to customize the
application for specific needs. Portable magnification devices are also
available. For complete vision loss, CAP provides scanners and screen
reader software with certified training.
Hearing Loss
CAP supports servicemembers who suffer from hearing loss, including
fluctuating, progressive, or low-frequency hearing loss and tinnitus.
Assistive listening devices can be used at an individual's discretion,
allowing the user to adjust the level of amplification to their needs
and reduce unwanted background noise. This technology can also be
beneficial to individuals with TBI.
Empower through Employment
It is CAP's mission to empower our Nation's heroes by providing
them with the AT and accommodations they need to increase access and
employment opportunities in the Federal Government.
By having AT, our wounded servicemembers can return to school, find
employment in the private sector or return as a Federal employee in DoD
or any of our partner agencies.
DoD greatly appreciates the Committee's strong support of America's
veterans and the concern you have shown for their health and well
being. We have made great progress in meeting the challenges on many
fronts and with the Committee's continued help and support, we will do
even more.
Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the Department's program
that provides assistive technology to wounded servicemembers. I look
forward to your questions.
Prepared Statement of Charlie Huebner,
Chief of Paralympics, United States Olympic Committee
Good morning Chairman Filner and Ranking Member Buyer. My name is
Charlie Huebner and I am the Chief of Paralympics for the United States
Olympic Committee (USOC). I appreciate the opportunity to testify.
First of all, I would like to thank the two of you for your
leadership in making the VA Paralympic Adaptive Sports Program a
reality in 2008, and for the amendment ensuring that your legislation
is fully funded. I would also like to recognize Congressman Boozman,
Congressman Kennedy, Congressman Langevin, Congressman Murtha and
Congressman Salazar for their ongoing leadership and support. Because
of your leadership, the Paralympic Military program has accomplished
the following in 2009:
Provided training to more than 1,200 community, military
and veteran leaders;
Provided ongoing programming to more than 6,000 injured
military personnel and veterans;
Distributed grant funding to more than 45 organizations;
Created new Paralympic programs in 99 communities to
support injured servicemembers and veterans. This included providing
technical assistance and programs to support four military medical
centers, 11 warrior transition units, and 14 VA facilities.
Your amendment requesting the full funding of $10mm through the VA,
in the Paralympic Veterans program, and your support of a $5mm request
through the DoD, will create the continuum of care from active duty to
veteran status and expedite the delivery of programs, allowing the USOC
and its partner organizations in 2010 to:
Expand programming and services to more than 150
communities;
Expand community technical assistance and support from 14
to 30 VA facilities;
Expand community warrior transition unit support from 11
facilities to 20, and;
Our goal is to establish programming that serves injured
military personnel and veterans in 250 communities by 2012. Those
communities are being identified by need.
We can do this because of collaboration with partner organizations
like the Department of Veteran Affairs and Department of Defense, and a
well established infrastructure of community sport programs. More than
60 organizations are members of the USOC with more than 50 million
members in big cities and small towns throughout the United States.
Our strategy is focused on a cost efficient model of training and
collaboration with key partners such as Disabled Sports USA, the
Paralyzed Veterans of America, National Recreation & Park Association,
the American Legion and other USOC member organizations. Collectively,
we are investing more than 40 million of private resources annually.
This model eliminates duplication and allows for the USOC and its
partner organizations to deliver technical assistance, equipment
funding, and services to local communities.
I'd like to share with you an example: Our hometown of Colorado
Springs, Colorado, a community with significant military and veterans
presence, lacked specific Paralympic programming prior to 2008. The
USOC collaborated with Fort Carson, the Air Force Academy, and the City
of Colorado Springs Parks and Recreation Department to develop
Paralympic Sport Colorado Springs. Today, injured servicemembers and
veterans no longer have to drive one-to-three hours just to participate
in daily physical activity programs.
The USOC's recommended utilization of funds would be to continue
supporting technical assistance, creating enhanced awareness of program
opportunities, and provide the majority of the resources via grants to
organizations that can deliver the services at the local level. The
USOC has already built a system and infrastructure to manage, monitor,
and measure impact of grants provided to external organizations.
The impact of these programs on injured servicemembers is best
demonstrated through the words of a veteran, or in this case, a parent
of a veteran, as shared with USOC Paralympic Military employee Chris
Chandler, himself a veteran who lost his foot during combat in
Afghanistan.
``Hello Chris. I am the mother of a Corporal in the Marines. I
originally met you at Balboa hospital when my son was about to
undergo his third surgery. You were so gracious to me at a time
when we were so full of despair and I appreciate that more than
you'll know. At the meeting, I talked to y'all about trying to
restore dignity and respect back to those hurt/injured Marines.
Mission accomplished for my son!
One of the ways he has been able to restore his soul is through
the Paralympic sports. He had always been an athlete, and
realizing that he still could be was a truly enlightening
experience for my son. First off, he has lost 60-70 lbs due to
his injuries. He has finally gotten the pain in the ankles in
control and has even started riding a bike. He is working up to
riding on one of the long trips with the battalion. He is
playing water basketball and sit down volleyball. He recently
was able to attend a Paralympic sports camp. At that time he
discovered wheelchair racing. He loved it! He said, ``Mom you
can run/race with me!'' This brought tears to my eyes.''
When most people are injured, a typical support network tends to
focus on all that was lost. In many cases, it is something as simple as
skiing with your friends or running with your mom, that allows both the
injured servicemember and the support network to begin to think about
the possibilities. Possibilities in sport. Possibilities in education.
Possibilities in employment. And possibilities in life.
This is especially critical when a servicemember or veteran leaves
the military medical center or VA facility and returns home. Immediate
connection to a local Paralympic program will assist with the
transition for a veteran returning home and it will allow the veteran
to return to the norm with friends and family, both physically and
mentally.
While a primary focus is the development of ongoing physical
activity in communities, the USOC is also responsible for helping
Americans fulfill their dream of representing their Country and sending
them to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. This provides a great
opportunity to create awareness about the outstanding work of the VA
and DoD, the importance of physical activity for persons with physical
disabilities as part of rehabilitation, and develops role models for
all Americans. In 2008, 16 veterans represented America at the
Paralympic Games, including three from the Iraq and Afghanistan
campaigns. The following video will give you a glimpse of the impact
your leadership and legislation had on a few of these heroes. Thank you
for the opportunity to testify today.
Prepared Statement of Diane Hartmann, Director, Office of National
Programs and Special Events, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee, thank you for providing
this opportunity to discuss with you the Department of Veterans
Affairs' (VA) progress in implementing Title VII of Public Law 110-389
that requires VA to establish the Office of National Veterans Sports
Programs and Special Events. Providing our Nation's disabled Veterans
with the opportunity for self-development while at the same time
providing important therapeutic assistance is in the highest tradition
of the Department's mission to ``care for him who shall have borne the
battle.'' We are very pleased to have the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC)
join us in these efforts. Although there is much work left to be done
in order to fully implement the provisions of the law signed last year,
VA has already achieved a great deal, which I will share with you
today.
Public Law 110-389, Implementation and Oversight
Public Law 110-389 became law on October 10, 2008. Title VII of
that law was enacted in the spirit of further enhancing the partnership
between VA and the USOC. To that end, Title VII establishes within VA
the Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events
(ONVSPSE). One of the missions of this office is to facilitate VA's
cooperation with the USOC, and its partners, to promote the
participation of disabled Veterans and disabled members of the Armed
Forces in its sponsored sporting events. Furthermore, Title VII
authorizes VA to award grants to the USOC, through fiscal year 2013.
One precondition to awarding these grants was the signing of a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between VA and the USOC. A MOU was
signed by VA Deputy Secretary W. Scott Gould and Ms. Stephanie
Streeter, Chief Executive Officer, USOC, on July 13, 2009.
However, VA did not wait until July 13 to begin implementing the
other provisions of Title VII. Funding to support Title VII is in the
President's FY 2010 Budget. VA has already begun to draft regulations
for the payment of allowances, and other policy guidelines necessary to
achieve the full implementation of Title VII.
VA is collaborating with the USOC to develop a certification
process and has identified a payment system within the Veterans
Benefits Administration that can be used to process and authorize the
monthly assistance allowance paid to a Veteran with a disability
invited by the U.S. Paralympics, a Division of the USOC, to compete
for, or participate on, the U.S. Paralympic Team. We are now beginning
to develop the grant approval and review process with U.S. Paralympics.
Title VII establishes several reporting requirements for the USOC,
and VA, regarding the use of funds authorized under the title.
Specifically, it requires the USOC to report to VA how the grants
provided to it are used, and permits VA to conduct oversight of the use
of the grant funds. As no grants have as of yet been issued, no
oversight has taken place.
Office of National Programs and Special Events (ONPSE)
In 1999, VA established the Office of National Programs and Special
Events (ONPSE) to oversee highly-successful and well-attended national
rehabilitative programs for disabled Veterans: National Disabled
Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, National Veterans Wheelchair Games,
National Veterans Golden Age Games, and National Veterans Creative Arts
Festival. VA currently has MOUs with partner organizations that co-
sponsor these programs: Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans
of America, Veterans Canteen Service, Help Hospitalized Veterans and
The American Legion Auxiliary. Last year, ONPSE began the Summer Sports
Clinic, which is specifically designed for recently injured Veterans
with amputations, traumatic brain injuries, burn injuries, or post-
traumatic stress disorder. In September 2009, the National Veterans TEE
(Training--Exposure--Experience) Tournament, which was previously a
local event for visually impaired Veterans to develop new skills and
strengthen their self esteem through adaptive golf, bowling, horseshoes
and other activities, will be elevated to a national program under
ONPSE and opened to Veterans with a wide range of disabilities. The
goals of these events are to reach disabled Veterans during their
recovery from traumatic injury or disease, introduce them to adaptive
recreational activities, and challenge them with activities that give
them a sense of accomplishment and enable them to redefine their
capabilities. These events are open to all Veterans enrolled in the VA
healthcare system. Each event encourages first-time participants.
However, able bodied and disabled Veterans who meet the eligibility
criteria can participate. Each year, thousands of Veterans who
participate in VA's local programs have the opportunity to further
their self-development through participation in these national events.
In 2005, VA entered into a MOU with the USOC to increase interest
in and access to Paralympic sports programs for Veterans with
disabilities. Prior to Public Law 110-389's enactment, VA partnered
with the USOC to expand the awareness of Paralympic sports and provide
elite-level athletes with direct access to the USOC Paralympics
program.
Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events
(ONVSPSE)
On February 23, 2009, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs redefined
the functions of ONPSE to include carrying out the new requirements of
Sections 702 and 703 of P.L. 110-389, and he realigned the new Office
of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events directly under
the Office of the Secretary.
Impact of Public Law 110-389 on Existing Programs
VA has worked diligently to implement the new law. The law states
that to the extent appropriate and without impacting the services
provided by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), VHA may permit
recreational therapists, physical therapists, and other medical staff
to facilitate participation of Veterans in sporting events conducted
under the auspices of the United States Paralympics, Inc., without the
need for such personnel to take personal leave. VA medical staff is
currently supporting Veterans participating in Paralympic-sanctioned
events by accompanying Veterans to such events and assisting with the
procurement of specially-adapted equipment for these Veterans. At this
time we do not have an assessment of this impact on local medical
services.
Conclusion
VA has made great progress toward implementing the provisions of
P.L. 110-389 and enhancing its partnership with the USOC. Although work
remains before us, we have developed a spirit of cooperation and
teamwork with the USOC, and I am confident that we are moving in the
right direction. Thank you again for this opportunity to come before
you. I will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.
MATERIAL SUBMITTED FOR THE RECORD
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Washington, DC.
July 30, 2009
Adrian M. Atizado
Assistant National Legislative Director
Disabled American Veterans
807 Maine Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20024
Dear Adrian:
In reference to our Full Committee hearing entitled ``Meeting the
Needs of Injured Veterans in the Military Paralympic Program'' on July
29, 2009, I would appreciate it if you could answer the enclosed
hearing questions by the close of business on September 11, 2009.
In an effort to reduce printing costs, the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs, in cooperation with the Joint Committee on Printing, is
implementing some formatting changes for materials for all Full
Committee and Subcommittee hearings. Therefore, it would be appreciated
if you could provide your answers consecutively and single-spaced. In
addition, please restate the question in its entirety before the
answer.
Due to the delay in receiving mail, please provide your response to
Debbie Smith by fax at 202-225-2034. If you have any questions, please
call 202-225-9756.
Sincerely,
BOB FILNER
Chairman
JL:ds
__________
POST-HEARING SUBMISSION FOR
ADRIAN M. ATIZADO
ASSISTANT NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR
OF THE
DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
FROM THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS HEARING
JULY 29, 2009
Question 1: In your testimony you mentioned that approximately 370
participants from across the country participated in the most recent
learn-to-ski clinic. How do these participants fund their way to and
from these events?
Answer: The veteran is responsible for purchasing their airfare and
lodging to participate in the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports
Clinic (Clinic). Financial support for these items can come from their
local VA facility that has established general post funds for this
purpose. On occasion, a local Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter
or Department or other veterans service organization will sponsor the
individual veteran. In some cases veteran participants choose to pay
their own way.
Transportation from the airport to the Clinic and back, meals, and
appropriate sports equipment are provided by the event. Participants
need only to bring clothes for layering, waterproof shoes or boots,
gloves, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, medication and personal
identification.
Question 2: How soon after a veteran is injured can they attend the
Winter Sports Clinic?
Answer: Veterans who wish to participate in the Clinic must submit
an application, which requires a medical clearance that needs a
physician's concurrence.
Question 3: What are DAV's top concerns regarding seriously injured
veterans and their rehabilitation?
Answer: The DAV was founded on the principle that this Nation's
first duty to veterans is the rehabilitation and welfare of its wartime
disabled.
Recreational therapy offers diverse rehabilitation benefits
addressing the needs of disabled veterans with a range of disabling
conditions. It improves physical, cognitive, social and emotional
functioning. It helps develop the skills needed to enhance functional
independence for community living and to promote a higher quality of
life for the veteran and their family. Recreational therapy also
prevents the decline in physical, cognitive, and psychosocial
functioning, and results in a reduced need for health services, to
include reduction in secondary disability and associated higher
healthcare costs.
Through the Clinic, veterans of all ages, all levels of ability and
impairment, are able to reap the rehabilitation benefits of recreation
therapy through adaptive sports and recreational activities, such as
Alpine and Nordic skiing, rock climbing, and scuba diving. Other
national sports and recreation programs, such as the National Veterans
Wheelchair Games, National Veterans Golden Age Games, and the National
Veterans Summer Sports Clinic, focus on the rehabilitation of many
severely disabled veterans.
They showcase the preventive and therapeutic values of sports,
fitness, and recreation, which are key factors in VA's extensive
rehabilitation programs. They are also extremely beneficial to
veterans, helping many to overcome or mitigate the physical and
emotional impact of severe disabilities.
Accordingly, we believe the responsibility for rehabilitative
special event programs should be transferred from the Office of Public
Affairs to the Veterans Health Administration. In addition, we believe
the primary purpose of rehabilitation through sports (promoting
rehabilitation, fitness, and an enhanced quality of life) should be
protected.
We thank the Committee for its interest and actions taken to expand
the quantity and quality of sports and recreation opportunities
available to severely disabled veterans. However, we believe more needs
to be done to identify and eliminate the barriers severely disabled
veterans face, and must overcome, to successfully engage and receive
the benefits from sports and recreation.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Washington, DC.
July 30, 2009
Carl Blake
National Legislative Director
Paralyzed Veterans of America
801 18th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
Dear Carl:
In reference to our Full Committee hearing entitled ``Meeting the
Needs of Injured Veterans in the Military Paralympic Program'' on July
29, 2009, I would appreciate it if you could answer the enclosed
hearing questions by the close of business on September 11, 2009.
In an effort to reduce printing costs, the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs, in cooperation with the Joint Committee on Printing, is
implementing some formatting changes for materials for all Full
Committee and Subcommittee hearings. Therefore, it would be appreciated
if you could provide your answers consecutively and single-spaced. In
addition, please restate the question in its entirety before the
answer.
Due to the delay in receiving mail, please provide your response to
Debbie Smith by fax at 202-225-2034. If you have any questions, please
call 202-225-9756.
Sincerely,
BOB FILNER
Chairman
JL:ds
__________
Paralyzed Veterans of America
Washington, DC.
September 1, 2009
Honorable Bob Filner
Chairman
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
335 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Chairman Filner:
On behalf of Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), I would like to
thank you for the opportunity to present our views on the Military
Paralympic Program and how it is serving veterans and servicemembers
with catastrophic injuries. We were also pleased to outline the many
sports and recreation programs that PVA sponsors and how they meet the
rehabilitation needs of our Members, veterans with spinal cord injury
or dysfunction, and all other disabled veterans.
We have included with our letter a response to each of the
questions that you presented following the hearing on July 29, 2009.
Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Carl Blake
National Legislative Director
__________
Question 1: What are the biggest barriers to participation in a
sports therapy program?
Answer: It is critically important to remove barriers to
participation in sports therapy programs. With this in mind, we would
like to make a few recommendations. These ideas are at least partially
based on our observations and experiences with severely injured active
duty servicemembers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. In order to
further facilitate seamless transition, newly injured veterans should
be provided timely access to education and training regarding sports
and recreation opportunities. Furthermore, the Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) should facilitate
outreach efforts of legitimate organizations promoting sports and
recreation opportunities by improving their access to newly injured
veterans.
Interestingly, PVA found in a sports and recreation survey that we
conducted in 2002 that employment, whether full-time or part-time, is a
barrier to sports and recreation activities due to a lack of time to
participate. Furthermore, inadequate training, lack of local programs,
high equipment and licensing fees, and a shortage of accessible local
facilities are critical barriers to participation.
We also believe that the VA, in coordination with DoD, the
veterans' service organizations, and possibly the United States Olympic
Committee (USOC), should develop and implement a broad-based,
comprehensive program that appeals to all veterans, especially our
newly injured veterans who are more inclined to participate in non-
traditional activities. Furthermore, the VA should develop and
implement a standardized curriculum for recreation therapy to support
VA national programs and special events. We do not believe that VA
recreation therapy programs are consistent across the board. This
emphasis will provide the training and awareness on the local levels to
support these programs and maximize their benefits.
Question 2: What percent of injured veterans participate in
adaptive sports therapy?
Answer: The simple answer to this question is that we do not know.
We are not aware of any particular statistical data that tracks this
information, nor do we believe that it would be easily obtainable.
However, we do know that in FY 2009, approximately 600 disabled and
severely disabled veterans will participate in PVA Sports and
Recreation programs. Of that number, approximately 95 percent are PVA
Members.
Question 3: What are PVA's top concerns regarding seriously injured
veterans and their rehabilitation?
Answer: First and foremost, we remain concerned that newly injured
veterans are not receiving comprehensive information in a timely manner
regarding sports and recreation opportunities during their
rehabilitation. Without this assistance, many severely injured veterans
run the risk of falling through the cracks.
Moreover, VA should develop and implement a standardized curriculum
for recreation therapy to support VA national programs and special
events. Currently, we do not believe that VA recreation therapy
programs are consistent across the board. By focusing on
standardization, the VA will be able to better provide the training and
awareness at the local level to support these programs and maximize
their benefits.
As we mentioned previously, the VA should also coordinate with the
Department of Defense (DoD), veterans' service organizations, and the
USOC-Paralympics to develop and implement a broad-based, comprehensive
program that appeals to all veterans, especially our newly injured
veterans who are more inclined to participate in non-traditional
activities. VA and DoD should facilitate outreach efforts of legitimate
organizations promoting sports and recreation opportunities by
improving their access to newly injured veterans. Without this
coordination, grant moneys appropriated by the Military Paralympic
Program may be awarded to organizations that are unable to provide, or
are ill-equipped to administer, these important rehabilitative
programs.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Washington, DC.
July 30, 2009
Julia Ray, Manager
Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project
Disabled Sports USA
451 Hungerford Dr., Suite 100
Rockville, MD 20850
Dear Julia:
In reference to our Full Committee hearing entitled ``Meeting the
Needs of Injured Veterans in the Military Paralympic Program'' on July
29, 2009, I would appreciate it if you could answer the enclosed
hearing questions by the close of business on September 11, 2009.
In an effort to reduce printing costs, the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs, in cooperation with the Joint Committee on Printing, is
implementing some formatting changes for materials for all Full
Committee and Subcommittee hearings. Therefore, it would be appreciated
if you could provide your answers consecutively and single-spaced. In
addition, please restate the question in its entirety before the
answer.
Due to the delay in receiving mail, please provide your response to
Debbie Smith by fax at 202-225-2034. If you have any questions, please
call 202-225-9756.
Sincerely,
BOB FILNER
Chairman
JL:ds
__________
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
U.S. House of Representatives
Post-Hearing Questions for Julia Ray
Manager, Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project
Disabled Sports USA, Inc.
From the Honorable Bob Filner
July 29, 2009
Meeting the Needs of Injured Veterans
in the Military Paralympic Program
Question 1: In your testimony, you say that Disabled Sports USA
encourages families to participate, what is the average cost for a
family Member to participate?
Response: The cost depends on the length and type of sport
program. For example, a 7 day, ski/snowboard program will cost over
$1200 per person. A 2 hour, local golf clinic costs approximately $30
per person.
Question 1(a): Who pays for the family member?
Response: The Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project. The wounded
warrior and family member participate free of charge.
Question 2: In your testimony you state that you provide for all
the expenses of participation for a veteran. On average how much does
it cost to fund all these expenses per veteran?
Response: As with a family member it depends on the length and
type of sport program as we offer a range of sports and clinics. At all
programs, the Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project supplies all
adaptive equipment, accessible facilities, trained instructors,
lodging, travel expenses, meals and any other required expenses such as
lift tickets. A 7 day ski program can cost more than $1200 per person.
Question 3: How many employees do you have and what type of
certifications do they need to provide this special therapy?
Response: Disabled Sports USA (DS/USA) has 11 employees at their
National Headquarters located in Rockville, MD. DS/USA partners with
its nationwide network of 100 chapters to provide year round services
to the wounded warriors. Each chapter employs their own staff.
Qualifications vary but commonly include Recreation Therapists (CTR/L);
Sports Program Managers (Sports Management) and other Outdoor
Leadership Specialists. Instructors/Coaches used must be trained and
certified by the appropriate sports governing body and have training,
certification and/or experience in teaching people with a disability.
This ensures safe and effective instruction for the wounded warrior.
Question 4: You state that your organization is experiencing an
ever increasing demand for services by disabled veterans. What are the
top three services being requested by veterans?
Response: First, because of the severity of the injuries with
resulting multiple injuries or ``Poly Trauma'', the length of
rehabilitation for individual wounded warriors requires longer
rehabilitation and therefore more sports activities and events.
In addition, the wounded warriors are indicating higher interest in
the following programs:
Endurance sports, i.e. marathons, triathlons, other
outdoor adventure sports
Skiing and Snowboarding
Water Sports, especially SCUBA diving, water skiing and
kayaking
Question 5: What kind of partnerships does Disabled Sports USA have
with other similar organizations?
Response: Disabled Sports USA primarily partners with
approximately 40 of its 100 chapter members to offer programs to the
wounded warriors. These chapters are all well established adaptive
sports programs and we are confident they will offer a positive first
time sports experience for the warriors. Others also include:
Wounded Warrior Project/SoldierRide
100 member DS/USA Chapter organizations (i.e. Challenge
Aspen, Sun Valley Adaptive Sports, Soldiers Undertaking Disabled SCUBA,
Team River Runner)
PGA of America
Tee It Up for the Troops
Non-Commissioned Officers Association
British Limbless Ex-Servicemembers Association
Professional Ski Instructors of America/American
Association of Snowboard Instructors
Diving Equipment and Marketing Association
Challenged Athletes Foundation
American Canoe Association
USA Water Ski
National Recreation and Parks Association of Maryland
Trijicon
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Washington, DC.
July 30, 2009
Barbara Tulipane
Chief Executive Officer
National Recreation and Park Association
22377 Belmont Ridge Rd.
Ashburn, VA 20148
Dear Barbara:
In reference to our Full Committee hearing entitled ``Meeting the
Needs of Injured Veterans in the Military Paralympic Program'' on July
29, 2009, I would appreciate it if you could answer the enclosed
hearing questions by the close of business on September 11, 2009.
In an effort to reduce printing costs, the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs, in cooperation with the Joint Committee on Printing, is
implementing some formatting changes for materials for all Full
Committee and Subcommittee hearings. Therefore, it would be appreciated
if you could provide your answers consecutively and single-spaced. In
addition, please restate the question in its entirety before the
answer.
Due to the delay in receiving mail, please provide your response to
Debbie Smith by faxing your responses to Debbie at 202-225-2034. If you
have any questions, please call 202-225-9756.
Sincerely,
BOB FILNER
Chairman
__________
National Recreation and Park Association
Washington, DC.
September 10, 2009
The Honorable Bob Filner
U.S. House of Representatives
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
35 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Representative Filner:
First off, thank you for the opportunity for the National
Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) to provide answers the hearing
questions posed from the Committee hearing on ``Meeting the Needs of
Injured Veterans in the Military Paralympic Program''. As you know,
David Stringer, Human Resources Director for the Richland County, South
Carolina Parks and Recreation Commission, testified on behalf of NRPA
at the July 29, 2009 hearing regarding meeting the needs of injured
veterans in the Military Paralympic Program. We thank you for this
opportunity and please find below NRPA's responses to the post-hearing
questions.
Question 1: What is the key thing that we should be doing to help
veterans stay healthy and active in their communities?
Response: An active lifestyle is important for the mental and
physical health of all Americans and has become even more important to
our Nation as we face an obesity epidemic that is claiming the lives of
millions and causing healthcare costs to spin out of control. The
veterans and servicemembers, who are now physically disabled, are at an
increased risk for contracting various chronic diseases and becoming
obese. In order for these individuals to stay active and maintain a
healthy lifestyle, they must have convenient, close-to-home access to
the places, spaces and programs that encourage and help them to become
physically active.
Every community in the United States has a park and recreation
agency that can provide these very resources to veterans and active
duty servicemembers and, in turn, help ensure they are living a
healthy, physically active lifestyle. However, Federal funding for park
and recreation has significantly decreased over the past 9 years
thereby limiting the ability of communities to meet the personal and
therapeutic recreational needs of veterans and active duty
servicemembers who have physical disabilities and now have different
needs.
In order for public parks to meet the needs of our veterans and
active duty servicemembers, especially those with physical
disabilities, we must ensure communities throughout this country have
the recreational infrastructure, professional staff, and innovative
programming to support and enhance the rehabilitation of the many
veterans and active duty servicemembers who have bravely served our
country. Currently the National Recreation and Park Association is
working to do just this in partnership with the U.S. Olympic
Committee's Paralympics Division, but the need significantly outweighs
the available resources (funding, staffing, etc.) necessary to
accomplish this goal. NRPA strongly encourages Congress to provide $10
million to the Paralympic Adaptive Sports Program and $5 million to the
Paralympic Military Program (funded through the Department of Defense)
which will ensure our veterans and servicemembers have the recreational
resources they need to stay healthy available to them in the
communities where they live and serve.
Question 2: Does your organization have an active partnership with
VA or DoD?
Response: Through our partnership with the U.S. Olympic
Committee's Paralympics Division NRPA has had the opportunity to work
with representatives from both the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
and the Department of Defense (DoD). We are actively exploring
opportunities to expand our working relationship with both of these
Departments as we believe this will greatly assist our efforts to
ensure veterans and injured servicemembers have the resources and
outlets to live a physically active life.
Question 3: The NRPA and U.S. Olympic Committee's Paralympics
Military Program task force expanded the use of local resources and
events to benefit local communities. How exactly were local resources
expanded to benefit local servicemembers and their families?
Response: The combined work of NRPA and U.S. Olympic Committee's
Paralympics Division on the Military Program task force has resulted in
greater utilization of local resources to increase physical activity of
veterans and injured servicemembers.
The task force is systematically working with Warrior Transition
Units around the country and has been working with the WTU at Fort
Bragg, Ft Lewis and other select installations. A few examples of the
work being done in local communities are below.
A dynamic partnership has formed between Fayetteville-Cumberland
Parks and Recreation and Fort Bragg, MWR-Sports, Fitness and Aquatics
to work with the wounded warriors in the Fayetteville area. Masaryk
Park in Fayetteville has tennis courts, trails, fishing and presented a
prime opportunity to engage injured servicemembers in physical
activity. During the first week of a tennis program that Fayetteville-
Cumberland Parks and Recreation created to serve the wounded warriors,
a game ensued between the warriors and some local senior citizens. The
seniors were actually WWII Army Veterans and were highly encouraged to
see how the community and the partnership with Fort Bragg is working to
take care of their own. Additionally the park and recreation staff
member who is leading this program is a military veteran and is honored
to be a part of the partnership with Fort Bragg and witnessing the
impact on the warriors involved in the program.
Another example is the innovative work that is being done in
Washington State. Here, Metro Tacoma Parks, NRPA, and U.S. Olympic
Committee's Paralympics Division have organized a taskforce to focus on
utilizing sports and recreation in the rehabilitation of injured
servicemembers. As a result of the taskforce created, Fort Lewis began
a recreation and sports program for the 450 injured servicemembers
stationed there, a sports camp on post and therapeutic recreation
programming and family integration opportunities for injured
servicemembers and families outside the gates of the military
installation. By creating and offering adaptive sports and recreation
at the community level, those with varied abilities are afforded the
opportunity to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle in a
convenient and welcoming environment in the community they call home.
This taskforce has regular communication on how to expand the use of
local resources, events, and opportunities to benefit local wounded
servicemembers and their families.
Further, NRPA has also been working with Fort Lewis on a Remote
Care Program for wounded warriors. Local park and recreation agencies
have been assisting in developing physical training plans that meet the
requirements set forth by the medical staff at Fort Lewis. These plans
connect soldiers to their hometown public parks and recreation agencies
thereby allowing them to return home for rehabilitation and recovery.
The agencies work directly with the base and the soldier to develop a
plan to ensure their rehabilitation and recreational needs are met.
A final example comes from the Sacramento Department of Parks and
Recreation which is working locally in California to introduce
Paralympic sports to returning warriors. The impact of this work can be
summed up by comments made from a soldier who recently attended an
event:
``I wanted to let both of you know that the experience I had at the
camp was one of the most memorable time I have ever had. I learned a
lot about myself and about life. I think that the most important thing
I learned however is that no matter what stumbles life may throw at
you, if you have the determination, they will not stop you. In fact,
those stumbles may make some of the things you desire to a bit more
difficult, but with the right attitude more difficult just means a
challenge and most people love a good challenge.''
In concert with public park and recreation assets and the U.S.
Olympic Committee's Paralympics Division's expertise and prominence,
and distinction creates a unique and particularly beneficial
partnership that has the potential to impact the lives of injured
servicemembers, veterans and their families around the country.
NRPA thanks the Committee for the opportunity to provide testimony
and information on the many ways in which public park and recreation
agencies are working to rehabilitate wounded veterans and
servicemembers. Should you require additional information, please feel
free to call me or Stacey Pine in our Public Policy office at 202-887-
0290 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
Barbara Tulipane, CAE
Chief Executive Officer
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Washington, DC.
July 30, 2009
Paul Rieckhoff
Executive Director and Founder
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
770 Broadway, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10003
Dear Paul:
In reference to our Full Committee hearing entitled ``Meeting the
Needs of Injured Veterans in the Military Paralympic Program'' on July
29, 2009, I would appreciate it if you could answer the enclosed
hearing questions by the close of business on September 11, 2009.
In an effort to reduce printing costs, the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs, in cooperation with the Joint Committee on Printing, is
implementing some formatting changes for materials for all Full
Committee and Subcommittee hearings. Therefore, it would be appreciated
if you could provide your answers consecutively and single-spaced. In
addition, please restate the question in its entirety before the
answer.
Due to the delay in receiving mail, please provide your response to
Debbie Smith by faxing your responses to Debbie at 202-225-2034. If you
have any questions, please call 202-225-9756.
Sincerely,
BOB FILNER
Chairman
JL:ds
__________
U.S. House Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
``Meeting the Needs of Injured Veterans in the Military Paralympic
Program''
Followup Questions, Carlos Leon, IAVA Member & Paralympian
Question 1: What percentage of injured veterans from the Iraq and
Afghanistan War have participated in adaptive sports therapy?
Response: An estimated 30,000 OEF/OIF servicemembers have been
injured since 2003. The USOC and its partner organizations are
currently providing physical activity programming at the community
level to more than 6,000 injured servicemembers and veterans.
Question 2: Currently what outreach is being done by VA and other
similar organizations to inform seriously injured veterans from the
Iraq and Afghanistan War about these adaptive sports programs?
Response: In my experience, I was informed of these programs
within days of starting my physical therapy at the VA. Shortly after
learning about these programs I was signed up for my first military
sport camp. Once I was brought into the USOC community they then
informed me of more programs in my community.
Question 3: When is the best time to inform an injured member about
these adaptive sports therapy programs?
Response: I believe the sooner the better. I can't stress enough
how important it is for the servicemembers not to go into depression.
It is vital that they're informed of these programs in the beginning of
their therapy. This not only gives the veteran something to look
forward to while in therapy, but more importantly it does not let
emotional strain set in. That is key to a health recovery.
Question 4: With the new appropriated funds, how do you think the
Paralympics Military Program should use the resources to help injured
veterans or servicemembers participate in sports programs?
Response: I would recommend utilizing the existing system
developed by the U.S. Olympic Committee to distribute funds to
Paralympic, veteran and USOC member organizations at the community
level. By providing the funds to the USOC, they can utilize the
existing grant system that reviews applications, distributes funds and
evaluates impact for reporting back to the DoD, VA and Congress.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Washington, DC.
July 30, 2009
Hon. Robert M. Gates,
Secretary
U.S. Department of Defense
The Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1155
Dear Mr. Secretary:
In reference to our Full Committee hearing entitled ``Meeting the
Needs of Injured Veterans in the Military Paralympic Program'' on July
29, 2009, I would appreciate it if you could answer the enclosed
hearing questions by the close of business on September 11, 2009.
In an effort to reduce printing costs, the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs, in cooperation with the Joint Committee on Printing, is
implementing some formatting changes for materials for all Full
Committee and Subcommittee hearings. Therefore, it would be appreciated
if you could provide your answers consecutively and single-spaced. In
addition, please restate the question in its entirety before the
answer.
Due to the delay in receiving mail, please provide your response to
Debbie Smith by fax at 202-225-2034. If you have any questions, please
call 202-225-9756.
Sincerely,
BOB FILNER
Chairman
__________
Hearing Date: July 29, 2009
Committee: HVA
Member: Congressman Filner
Witness: Ms. Cohen
Question 1: Does DoD have an active partnership with VA regarding
assistive technology?
Question 1(a): If so, how are both agencies working together?
Answer: The Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) was
established in 1990 as the centrally funded reasonable accommodations
program for employees with disabilities in the Department of Defense
(DoD). Following the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of FY
2000, Congress granted CAP the authority to provide assistive
technology, devices, and services free of charge to Federal agencies
that have a partnership agreement with CAP. The TRICARE Management
Activity, a field activity in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of
Defense (Health Affairs), serves as the executive agent for CAP.
On February 27, 2002, CAP established a partnership agreement with
the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide assistive technology
to VA employees with disabilities as outlined in the NDAA. Since the
inception of this VA partnership, CAP has filled over 3,200 requests
for assistive technology and accommodations.
The assistive technology is provided to VA employees as a work-site
accommodation. Equipment remains with the VA as government property.
This supports VA's compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as
amended, to ``recruit, place, accommodate and retain employees with
disabilities.''
VA employees may submit their requests for accommodations to CAP
via the web at www.tricare.mil/cap. CAP provides the accommodation and
training at no cost to the VA or the employee. The VA provides the
accommodations outside of CAP scope per the NDAA.
In the area of accommodations for wounded servicemembers, CAP
provides accommodations to them during their recovery and
rehabilitation in the military treatment facilities. Once a
servicemember separates from active duty, he/she will receive any
additional assistive technology from the VA. CAP and the VA work
closely to ensure they are providing similar assistive technology that
makes it easy for the servicemember to receive upgrades and continue to
use the technology provided by CAP.
Question 2: Has the assistive technology that DoD provides
permitted any servicemember to return to active duty?
Answer: Yes. Since the inception of the Computer/Electronic
Accommodations Program (CAP) to provide assistive technology to wounded
servicemembers, we have filled over 12,300 requests for accommodations.
We have filled over 941 accommodations for servicemembers who have
remained on Active Duty. Examples of the assistive technology
accommodations include:
Alternative keyboards, input devices, and voice
recognition software for servicemembers with dexterity impairments;
Screen readers and training, magnification software,
closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) for servicemembers with vision loss;
Assistive listening devices (ALDs) and personal
amplification devices for servicemembers with hearing loss; and
Cueing and memory aids, literacy software, screen
readers, ALDs, augmentative communication devices for servicemembers
with cognitive impairments, including Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI).
We have also provided 104 accommodations to wounded servicemembers
who have separated and returned to the Federal Governmant as civilian
employees. One of the many servicemembers that have remained on active
duty is Capt. Scott Smiley. While deployed in Mosul, Iraq, he was hit
by shrapnel in the face from an improvised explosive device, causing
brain injury and permanent blindness. He was introduced to assistive
technology by CAP during his recovery at Walter Reed Army Medical
Center. He has completed his MBA and is now an instructor at U.S.
Military Academy at West Point and continues to use the assistive
technology from CAP. His full story can be found at http://
militarytimes.com/smoy/army/army-
winner-2007.php. Employees with disabilities and wounded servicemembers
can see and test the various assistive technologies at the CAP
Technology Evaluation Center (CAPTEC) at the Pentagon. CAPTEC provides
needs assessments and demonstrations of the latest assistive
technologies.
Question 3: Can you give us the number of veterans who have needed
assistive technology in the past 3 years?
Answer: We have filled over 11,300 accommodations for wounded
servicemembers during their recovery and rehabilitation at military
treatment facilities during the past 3 years.
As they separate from Active Duty, the Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) tracks if any have requested additional or new assistive
technology. We are aware of 30 disabled veterans who have returned to
Federal employment and requested technology from the Computer/
Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) for their work location.
CAP has also been involved in 12 VA training/conferences over the
past 3 years, including a session at the Veterans Benefits
Administration Leadership Conference. Over 600 VA case managers,
rehabilitation specialists, and medical professionals have attended the
trainings and received information on the CAP process and assistive
technology.
Additional information on CAP can be found at www.tricare.mil/cap.
Question 4: How many adaptive sports therapy programs does DoD have
at this time?
Answer: Sports and recreation therapy programs are available
throughout DoD within the medical treatment facilities and on DoD
installations that have wounded warriors assigned. The ability of
injured servicemembers to engage in recreational activities is a very
important component of rehabilitation and reintegration. Our
installation MWR specialists are successfully working with medical
personnel, wounded warrior units, community parks and recreation, and
non-profits to integrate sports and recreation as part of the healing
process. The number and type of activities vary by location based on
types of injuries, identified needs and interests, staff and volunteer
expertise, and accessible facilities. Activities may include swimming,
kayaking, skiing, hiking, rock climbing, rafting, fishing, horseback
riding, biking, and team sports such as basketball and volleyball.
The Department has contracted with Penn State University to provide
12 joint Inclusive Recreation Training Courses over 3 years. The 4 day
course trains 30 installation recreation specialists to successfully
integrate wounded warriors and family members into existing MWR
programs. Feedback from the first year (four courses) has been very
positive.
Thanks to support from Congress, the United States Olympic
Committee's Paralympic Military Program has been hugely successful in
enhancing the rehabilitation, readiness, and quality of life of
severely injured servicemembers and veterans. The U.S. Paralympics has
provided training to develop adaptive sports and fitness programs at
many military treatment facilities, VA Polytrauma hospitals, warrior
transition units, and wounded warrior regiments. The program engages
Paralympic mentors in all aspects of program development and
implementation. Another key component are the U.S. Paralympic staff who
help connect injured military personnel to sports and fitness
programming in their local communities.
Additionally, there are many other civilian non-profit
organizations providing recreation programs for wounded warriors and
their families.
Question 5: Does DoD participate in any of the national adaptive
sports events sponsored by VA?
Answer: Active-duty members have participated in two events: the
winter sports clinic and the wheelchair games. Active Duty members can
participate if they meet the eligibility requirements and the Secretary
signs a waiver authorizing their participation in that event. Travel
related expenses have been paid by donations, as VA is not authorized
to use appropriated funds.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Washington, DC.
July 30, 2009
Charlie Huebner
U.S. Olympic Committee Chief
U.S. Paralympics Division
1101 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Dear Charlie:
In reference to our Full Committee hearing entitled ``Meeting the
Needs of Injured Veterans in the Military Paralympic Program'' on July
29, 2009, I would appreciate it if you could answer the enclosed
hearing questions by the close of business on September 11, 2009.
In an effort to reduce printing costs, the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs, in cooperation with the Joint Committee on Printing, is
implementing some formatting changes for materials for all Full
Committee and Subcommittee hearings. Therefore, it would be appreciated
if you could provide your answers consecutively and single-spaced. In
addition, please restate the question in its entirety before the
answer.
Due to the delay in receiving mail, please provide your response to
Debbie Smith by fax at 202-225-2034. If you have any questions, please
call 202-225-9756.
Sincerely,
BOB FILNER
Chairman
JL:ds
__________
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
U.S. House of Representatives
Post-Hearing Questions for Charlie Huebner
Chief of Paralympics
U.S. Olympic Committee
From the Honorable Bob Filner
July 29, 2009
Meeting the Needs of Injured Veterans in the Military Paralympic
Program
Question 1: During the March 13, 2008, hearing on U.S. Paralympics
Military Program, in your testimony you stated that the USOC goal was
to establish new Paralympics-based programs in 75 communities by the
end of 2008. Can you provide us an update on this goal?
USOC Response: Please see the attached list (Attachment A) of USOC
Paralympic and Veteran program locations in addition to a listing
(Attachment B) of the 99 current community-based programs (Paralympic
Sport Clubs). As of July 29, 2009, the USOC has created Paralympic
community-based programs in 99 U.S. communities.
Question 2: In your testimony you refer to a collective $40 million
in private resources invested annually. I applaud your tenacity in
finding these resources. Can you give us a sense of how much an event
like the National Veterans Wheelchair Games costs to plan and execute?
USOC Response: Our primary focus with the Paralympic Military and
Veterans Program is to provide daily physical activity programming at
the community level for injured servicemembers or veterans that return
home. The National Veterans Games is a week-long event that provides
competition and introduction to sport at a national level. U.S.
Paralympics is not involved in the planning of the Veterans Games.
Diane Hartman of the VA would be able to give you an accurate figure of
the cost to host the Games. The Veterans Games is an important aspect
of the rehab process, but not our focus. The focus for U.S. Paralympics
is to implement ongoing sport programs that veterans and injured
servicemembers can participate on a daily basis in their local
community.
Question 3: What changes has the USOC implemented since 2005, when
USOC and VA signed a memorandum of understanding, to ensure lessons
learned are implemented in future events?
USOC Response: The memorandum of understanding signed in 2005,
created the avenue for the USOC and VA to work together. We have signed
a new in MOU in June 2009 that focuses on the programming relating to
the 2008 legislation. Our primary focus is to work with DoD and VA
facilities at the community level to provide physical activity
training, resources, Paralympic mentors and equipment for ongoing
programming. This is done in a flexible manner based on the need and
wishes of the local facility. Included in the list of program locations
as referenced in response #1 is a list of communities where we are
currently working on developing and establishing ongoing sport programs
with VA facilities. One success story of our VA partnerships involves
our relationship with the VA Hospital in Tampa FL. We have worked
closely with leadership at the hospital to implement a variety of
ongoing sport programs that are regularly scheduled and accessible to
both in and out patients. In fact, the Tampa VA just had one of their
sport program athletes named to the National Adaptive Rowing Team and
will compete in the 2009 World Rowing Championships. This athletes'
success is due in part to the ongoing sport training he continues to
receive through the VA. The Tampa VA also has a working relationship
with the local community-based sport program, Paralympic Sport Club
Tampa Bay. The local Sport Club assists the VA programs by providing
sport facilities, necessary adaptive equipment and coaching.
Question 4: What is your vision on how to spend the appropriated 10
million?
USOC Response: Our primary recommendation for funds would be to
provide program grants to Veteran, Paralympic, and Community-Based
programs to implement ongoing physical activity programs at the
community level. The USOC already has an infrastructure in place to
implement a grant program (see attachment C). A small portion of the
funds, would be to expand infrastructure to support ongoing training
and technical assistance to develop community programs in cities that
have needs. We would also expand the education and awareness materials
available to DoD and VA staff, injured military personnel, veterans and
their family member to make them aware of programs in their local
communities.
Question 5: You have provided grant funding to 45 organizations.
Who are these organizations, what do they do and what was the average
dollar amount of the grant awarded?
USOC Response: Please note the attached list (Attachment D) of
grants distributed to date to a variety of organizations to develop
ongoing sport programming and to enhance the rehabilitation of injured
servicemembers and veterans. You'll note from the list that grant
recipients range from Veteran, Paralympic and/or community-based
organizations that request funding to meet a specific need for injured
military personnel and/or veterans, utilizing physical activity as part
of the rehab process. The grants funds distributed provide a variety of
functions in order to develop ongoing programming for injured
servicemembers and/or veterans including, but not limited to equipment,
coaching, training, and facilities/sport venues. Examples include a
grant to a local parks and recreation department to support an archery
program for veterans or a grant to a Veterans organization to implement
hand cycling clinics in four cities.
Grant activity is monitored through regularly scheduled progress
reports. Staff members also complete site visits whenever possible to
ensure program quality.
Question 6: You state in your written testimony, that you have
provided technical assistance. What does technical assistance
encompass?
USOC Response: The technical assistance we provide involves a
number of initiatives from `Train the Trainer' programs, focusing on
coaching techniques for particular sports, to leadership training on
how to implement military programs. In addition, we provide partnering
organizations with strategic planning tools for program implementation
and expansion, educational materials and opportunities to learn from
others through forums and conferences. A majority of the technical
assistance we provide is customized as the needs of organizations we
work with are different. Technical assistance is broad and maybe
different in each situation. Primarily it is leadership training for
local military, veteran or community leaders to be trained in how to
implement a local program, or coaching expertise to run a specific
physical activity program at the local level. It also may include
identifying and providing funds for renting of facilities, creating
education and awareness materials, or providing sport equipment.
Question 7: Can you elaborate on what you and the: 4 medical
centers, 11 warrior transition units and the 14 VA facilities are
providing to veterans and servicemembers?
USOC Response: To date more than 6,000 injured servicemembers have
been introduced to physical activity through ongoing sports programs at
the community level in collaboration with Military and Veteran Medical
Treatment Facilities and/or installations. As examples, at the 4 DoD
Medical Treatment Facilities the Paralympic Military Program is
offering an average of 6 sports per facility to nearly 1,000 injured
servicemembers. Of the WTU's we're currently working with 8 Units are
offering an average of 7 sports while the other 3 Units are in the
strategic planning and/or train the trainer phase of implementation and
will be offering a variety of sports in the near future. Our work with
each of the VA's is different based on their population and program
needs. Being flexible and building programs with the input from local
leadership is a core component of success with each of the VA's. Some
will partner with local community-based programs others find it works
best to offer sport programs in-house. We are there to support each VA
and their sport offerings by helping them gain an understanding of the
concept--enhancing rehabilitation through sport.
Based on a training model we developed in collaboration with the
Ft. Lewis WTU, we are providing train-the-trainer sessions on how to
implement physical activity programs as part of duties at WTU's
throughout the U.S. We also create alignment with local Paralympic or
community-based sport organizations to assist. In military medical
centers, we have full-time Paralympic mentors providing ongoing
physical activity to soldiers in the wards based on their sport
interest. At VA facilities, we have aligned our local resources--a
Paralympic Sport Club or community-based organization--to provide
ongoing physical activity at the VA facility or in the community for
injured Veterans.
Question 8: In your testimony you state that the communities to
which you are expanding are being selected based on need. How do you
define need?
USOC Response: Creating a stronger link to DoD and VA systems to
communicate with injured servicemembers, especially as they return to
local communities, is a primary driver for identifying communities
based on need. Our focus in community growth is based on the number of
injured servicemembers or veterans returning to a specific community
and/or the infrastructure needed to implement programs. By
collaborating with USOC Member organizations, we can cost efficiently
provide training and programming to meet the needs of urban and rural
areas.
A majority of our programs are currently centralized in areas with
a service Member population center. Our concern is reaching out to and
serving those servicemembers that reside in rural communities. Edmond
Oklahoma has been a good model for us in serving injured servicemembers
in rural communities. By collaborating with the University of Central
Oklahoma we've been able to reach a number of injured servicemembers in
the surrounding rural areas. The University offers programs on campus
and has also taken their programs on the road to reach those that may
have difficulty getting to the University campus.
Question 9: How exactly do you manage, monitor and measure the
impact of grants provided to external organizations?
USOC Response: In each grant application to the USOC, specific
programs and measurables are outlined. We have dedicated staff that is
focused on quarterly monitoring of grant applications with a focus on
outcomes. We are also collaborating with Paralympic, Veteran and
University resources to create long-term research focused on the impact
of ongoing physical activity as it relates to overall health; long-term
success in education and employment.
__________
Attachment A
2008-2009 Paralympic Military and Veterans Programs Highlights
During the past year the USOC Paralympic Military Program has been
using several distinct components to collectively enhance the
rehabilitation of injured servicemembers and veterans through ongoing
activities at local, regional and national levels.
Training in the development and implementation of sports
and physical activity programs for injured servicemembers has been
provided to nearly 1,000 community leaders within the past year;
New programs have been initiated at 15 Warrior Transition
Units and 14 Veterans facilities with ongoing programming, technical
assistance and provision of Paralympic mentors;
Through the fourth quarter, 5,700 injured servicemembers
have been introduced to physical activity through ongoing sports
programs at the community level in collaboration with Military and
Veteran Medical Treatment Facilities and/or installations;
Grants have been provided to nineteen community/military
partnerships throughout the country. These programs offer 3,500 injured
servicemembers sports opportunities to enhance their rehabilitation at
the community level;
More than 60 injured servicemembers have been identified
as individuals who have demonstrated the potential to pursue higher
levels of athlete training and performance, and;
Five Veterans, four of which have physical disabilities,
have been hired to implement the program.
The USOC and Paralympic Organizations throughout the country
continue to utilize existing infrastructure and resources to meet the
needs of injured servicemembers and veterans, thus making the program
extremely cost effective.
2010 Goals
Provide training-of-trainers for local community leaders
to expand programming support in targeted areas of need;
Increase programming, technical assistance and Paralympic
mentor support at Warrior Transition Units, Veterans facilities and in
community programs;
Enhance communication and awareness capabilities to
ensure injured servicemembers, Veterans and their families are aware of
programming options in their local communities;
Increase grant support to enhance and develop programming
in communities with needs, and;
Provide resources for equipment to participate in
everyday physical activity.
USOC Paralympic and Veterans Program Locations
Veterans Administration Hospital Facilities:
Richmond, VA
Palo Alto, CA (2 programs)
Minneapolis, MN
Tampa, FL
Augusta, GA
Oklahoma City, OK
Cheyenne, WY (via Eldora Ski Program)
Denver/Boulder, CO
Tucson, AZ (via USABA)
Birmingham, AL (via USABA)
Hines, IL (Chicago--2 programs)
Jesse Brown, IL (Chicago)
La Jolla, CA
Washington DC, VA
Warrior Transition Units:
Ft. Bragg, NC
Ft. Campbell, KY
Ft. Lewis, WA
Brook Army Medical Center, TX
Balboa, CA
Ft. Stewart, GA
Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC
Ft. Carson, CO
Ft. Sill, OK
Ft. Gordon, GA
Ft. Benning, GA
Ft. Richardson/Wainwright, AK
Ft. Drum, NY
Ft. Hood, TX
Ft. Riley, KS
Department of Defense Medical Centers:
Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC
National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda MD
San Diego Naval Medical Center, San Diego CA
Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio TX
Wounded Warrior Battalions:
Camp Lejeune,
NC Camp Pendleton, CA
__________
Attachment B
Paralympic Sport Clubs
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Challenge Alaska Anchorage, AK
Alaska
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of STRIDE Adaptive Rensselaer,
Albany Sports NY
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of University of Texas-- Arlington, TX
Arlington Arlington
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Challenge Aspen Snowmass
Aspen Village, CO
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of BlazeSports Atlanta Atlanta, GA
Atlanta
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Texas Rowing Center Austin, TX
Austin
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Lakeshore Foundation Birmingham,
Birmingham AL
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of City of Boulder Parks Boulder, CO
Boulder and Recreation EXPAND Program
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Breckenridge Outdoor Breckenridge,
Breckenridge Education Center CO
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of New England Newport, NH
Central New Handicapped Sports Association
Hampshire
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Mecklenburg County Charlotte, NC
Charlotte Park and Recreation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of City of Chattanooga, Chattanooga,
Chattanooga Chattanooga Parks & Recreation, TN
Therapeutic Recreation Division
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Chicago Park District Chicago, IL
Chicago
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Rehabilitation Chicago, IL
Chicago Institute of Chicago (RIC)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Cincinnati Recreation Cincinnati,
Cincinnati Commission Foundation OH
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of City of Colorado Colorado
Colorado Springs Springs Parks, Recreation and Springs, CO
Cultural Services, Therapeutic
Recreation Program
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Columbus Recreation Columbus, OH
Columbus and Parks Department
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Columbus Parks & Columbus, GA
Columbus Recreation Department
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of National Sports Denver, CO
Denver Center for the Disabled-- Denver
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport Clubs--Continued
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Craig Hospital Englewood, CO
Denver
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport Fort A program of Turnstone Center for Fort Wayne,
Wayne Children and Adults with IN
Disabilities
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Great Lakes Adaptive Lake Forest,
Great Lakes Region Sports Association IL
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Champions Made From Evans, GA
Greater Augusta Adversity (BlazeSports Augusta)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Houston Parks and Houston, TX
Houston Recreation Department-- Adaptive
Recreation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of TIRR Memorial Hermann Houston, TX
Houston
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Rehabilitation Indianapolis,
Indianapolis Hospital of Indiana (RHI) IN
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of National Sports Kansas City,
Kansas City Center for the Disabled-- Kansas MO
City
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Kennesaw State Kennesaw, GA
Kennesaw State University-- College of Health
University and Human Services-- Global
Center for Social Change
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Kentwood Parks & Kentwood, MI
Kentwood Recreation Department
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport Lake A program of Disabled Sports USA Tahoe City,
Tahoe Far West CA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport Las A program of City of Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV
Vegas Adaptive Recreation and Clark
County School District
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport Loma A program of PossAbilities Loma Linda,
Linda CA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Louisiana GUMBO Inc. Pineville, LA
Louisiana
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Frazier Rehab Louisville,
Louisville Institute KY
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Disabled Sports Mammoth
Mammoth Lakes Eastern Sierra Lakes, CA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of MidSouth Adaptive Memphis, TN
Memphis Sports & Recreation, Inc.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport Mesa A program of City of Mesa Adaptive Mesa, AZ
Sports and Recreation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Miami-Dade Parks & Miami, FL
Miami Recreation Leisure Access
Services
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Milwaukee Recreation Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee Department
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport New A program of New England Disabled Lincoln, NH
Hampshire Sports
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport New A program of AbilityPLUS, Inc.-- Waterville
Hampshire New Hampshire Valley, NH
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport Clubs--Continued
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport New A program of Charles T. Sitrin New Hartford,
Hartford Medical Rehabilitation Center NY
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport New A program of Children's Lightening Mountainside,
Jersey Wheels NJ
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport New A program of New York City New York, NY
York City Department of Parks & Recreation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Northeast DuPage Addison, IL
Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association--
NEDSRA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of South West Suburban Alsip, IL
Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association
(SWSRA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Fox Valley Special Aurora, IL
Northern Illinois Recreation Association (FVSRA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Special Recreation Dolton, IL
Northern Illinois Services
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Lincolnway Special Frankfort, IL
Northern Illinois Recreation Association
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of West Suburban Special Franklin
Northern Illinois Recreation Association (WSSRA) Park, IL
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Warren Special Gurnee, IL
Northern Illinois Recreation Association (WSRA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Illinois Therapeutic Northbrook,
Northern Illinois Recreation section Adapted Sports IL
Committee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Maine-Niles Northbrook,
Northern Illinois Association for Special Recration IL
(M-NASR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Northern Suburban Northbrook,
Northern Illinois Special Recreation (NSSRA) IL
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Oak Lawn Park Oak Lawn, IL
Northern Illinois District/Special Recreation
Cooperative
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Heart of Illinois Peoria, IL
Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association
(HISRA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Northwest Special Rolling
Northern Illinois Recreation Association (NWSRA) Meadows, IL
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Tri County Special Romeoville,
Northern Illinois Recreation Association IL
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of South Suburban Tinley Park,
Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association IL
(SSSRA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Special Recreation Vernon Hills,
Northern Illinois Association of Central Lake IL
County (SRACLC)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Special Recreation Zion, IL
Northern Illinois Service of Northern Lake County
(SRSNLC)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Southeast Association IL
Northern Illinois for Special Parks and Recreation
(SEASPAR)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Northern Illinois IL
Northern Illinois Special Recreation (NISRA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport Clubs--Continued
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport Park A program of National Ability Park City, UT
City Center
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of City of Pasadena Pasadena, TX
Pasadena Verne Cox Multipurpose Recreation
Center
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Pennsylvania Center Philadelphia,
Philadelphia for Adaptive Sports PA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Grand Canyon State Apache
Phoenix Fencing Foundation Junction, AZ
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of HOPE Network Pittsburgh,
Pittsburgh PA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Oregon Disability Portland, OR
Portland Sports
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport Reno A program of City of Reno Parks, Reno, NV
Recreation and Community Services
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Rockford Park Rockford, IL
Rockford District
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of City of Sacramento Sacramento,
Sacramento Department of Parks and CA
Recreation, Access Leisure
section
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Michigan Sports Saginaw, MI
Saginaw Unlimited
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport Salt A program of Salt Lake County Midvale, UT
Lake County Adaptive Recreation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport San A program of The San Antonio Kyle, TX
Antonio Fencing Center
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport San A program of San Diego Adaptive San Diego, CA
Diego Sports Foundation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport San A program of Far West Wheelchair San Jose, CA
Jose Sports
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Seattle Adaptive Seattle, WA
Seattle Sports
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Midwest Wheelchair Dolton, IL
Southern Cook & Will Sport & Social Club (MDWSSC)
County
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Northeast Passage Durham, NH
Southern New
Hampshire
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of St. Lukes Spokane, WA
Spokane Rehabilitation Institute
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport St. A program of Disabled Athlete St. Peters,
Louis Sports Association MO
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport Sun A program of Wood River Ability Sun Valley,
Valley-Ketchum Program ID
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Metro Parks of Tacoma Tacoma, WA
Tacoma
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Hillsborough County Tampa, FL
Tampa Bay Parks, Recreation & Conservation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Telluride Adaptive Telluride, CO
Telluride Sports Program
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Bridge II Sports Durham, NC
Triangle
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport Clubs--Continued
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport Twin A program of Courage Center Golden
Cities Valley, MN
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Ability Athletics and University
University Park Disability Recreation Program of Park, PA
Penn State University
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Penn State Ability University
University Park Athletes Program and Disability Park, PA
Recreation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Vermont Adaptive Ski Killington,
Vermont and Sports VT
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of AbilityPLUS, Inc.-- West Dover,
Vermont Vermont VT
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of National Washington,
Washington DC Rehabilitation Hospital DC
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Oakland County Parks Waterford, MI
Waterford
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Western DuPage Carol Stream,
Western DuPage Special Recreation Association IL
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Wheelchair Sports Wichita, KS
Wichita Inc.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Adaptive Sports Windham, NY
Windham Foundation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of National Sports Winter Park,
Winter Park Center for the Disabled-- Winter CO
Park
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralympic Sport A program of Huggins Hospital Wolfeboro, NH
Wolfeboro Adaptive Sports Program
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Attachment C
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
__________
Attachment D
U.S. Paralympic Grants
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grantee Grant Total Grant commitment Type
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Achilles International, Inc. $15,000 fund injured military in handcycling Community/Military
events
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adaptive Sports Foundation at $10,000 military fund injured military with the PSC/Military
Windham Mountain Stratton VA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bay Area Outreach & Recreation $15,000 injured military cycling, wheelchair Community/Military
Program (SF Bay Area) basketball and Goalball
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blaze Sports America (Atlanta $75,000 BSA shall provide technical assistance &
GA) support to Paralympic Sport Clubs that
provide services/programming to injured
servicemembers.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BlazeSports America Inc. $5,000 swimming program PSC Only
(Atlanta GA)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bridge II Sports (Durham NC) $5,000 Paralympic skills program PSC Only
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Central Cross Country Ski $25,000 construct and loan out sit skis to Community/Military
Association (Hayward WI) injured military
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Challenge Aspen $50,000 support military athletes who qualify for
and commit to training with Challenge
Aspen
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Challenged Athletes Foundation $25,000 support Operation Rebound to provide Community/Military
(San Diego CA) funding to injured military for training
and competition in Paralympic-related
Sports
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Champions Made from Adversity $60,000 develop and implement ongoing programs
(Augusta GA) for the soldiers assigned to the Warrior
Transition Battalion at Fort Gordon, the
Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical
Facility and for local veterans in the
Central Savannah River Area of Georgia
and South Carolina
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
City of Boulder Parks and $5,000 track program PSC Only
Recreation Exciting Programs,
Adventures and New Dimensions
``EXPAND''
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
City of Colorado Springs Parks, $32,000 handcyling and shooting for injured PSC/Military
Recreation & Cultural Services, military
Therapeutic Recreation Program
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
City of Reno Parks $1,500 Paralympic Academy PSC Only
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
City of Sacramento Department of $5,200 track program PSC Only
Parks and Recreation, Access
Leisure section
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eldora Special Recreation $28,000 injured military skiing program PSC/Military
Program (Boulder CO)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Great Lakes Adaptive Sports $13,000 track and swimming for injured military PSC/Military
Association (Lake Forest ILL)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greater Metro Parks Tacoma $21,000 rowing for injured military PSC/Military
Foundation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Headquarter Air Force Command $17,500 archery for injured military Community/Military
(Colorado Springs)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hillsborough County Parks, $5,000 basketball and archery programs PSC Only
Recreation and Conservation
Department (Tampa FL)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOPE Network (Pittsburgh PA) $5,000 adaptive sport equipment for injured Community/Military
military
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lakeshore Foundation (Birmingham $25,000 hosting military camp
AL)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lakeshore Foundation (Birmingham $5,000 track program PSC Only
AL)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Louisiana Games Uniting Mind and $5,000 expand adaptive equipment PSC Only
Body ``GUMBO''
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Memorial Hermann Foundation $4,500 sled hockey PSC Only
(Houston)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Miami-Dade County Park and $5,000 judo PSC Only
Recreation Department
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Midsouth Adaptive Sports and $5,000 expand adaptive equipment PSC Only
Recreation Inc. (Memphis TN)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Milwaukee Public Schools-- $5,000 cycling equipment PSC Only
Department of Recreation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Recreation and Parks $200,000 expand community programs and
Association opportunities for injured military
personnel to pursue physically active
lives through the use of grants for
equipment, training, and program
development by public park and
recreation agencies around the country
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Sports Center for the $7,500 soccer PSC Only
Disabled (Denver)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Sports Center for the $20,000 skiing equipment loaner program for Community/Military
Disabled (Denver) injured military
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New England Disabled Sports $5,000 biathlon PSC Only
(Lincoln NH)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New England Disabled Sports $15,000 hosting military camp
(Lincoln NH)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northeast Passage (Durham NH) $5,000 training camp PSC Only
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Wheelchair Basketball $75,000 NWBA's commitment to recruit injured
Association (NWBA) servicemembers to wheelchair basketball
teams
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operation Comfort (San Antonio $16,000 sled hockey for injured military Community/Military
TX)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oregon Disability Sports $5,000 expand adaptive equipment PSC Only
(Portland OR)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paralyzed Veterans of America $143,000 PVA staff to plan and implement a
Handcycling Paralympic Military Handcycling Program
in four strategic locations (Washington
DC/Richmond, Chicago, San Antonio and
San Diego).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rehabilitation Hospital of $5,000 archery & track programs PSC Only
Indiana Sports Program
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rehabilitation Institute of $8,000 hosting military camp
Chicago
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rockford Illinois Park District $5,000 expand adaptive equipment PSC Only
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
San Diego Adaptive Sports $24,000 year round sports programs for injured Community/Military
Foundation military
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tampa VA $57,500 Tampa VA staff to implement Paralympic
Sports opportunities for military
servicemembers and veterans in the Tampa
Bay area as an extension of their
rehabilitation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Team Semper FI $35,000 expand adaptive equipment and programming
for wounded Marines at Camp Pendleton
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Team St. Luke's (Spokane WA) $7,500 field equipment PSC Only
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Telluride Adaptive Sports $5,000 ski camp PSC Only
Program
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Texas Rowing Center-- Adaptive $17,500 rowing for injured military PSC/Military
Rowing Program (Austin TX)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The University of Central $14,000 purchase of trailer to transport Community/Military
Oklahoma's Sports and equipment for injured military
Recreation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The University of Texas at $16,000 college sport programs for injured Community/Military
Arlington military
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Washington DC VA Medical $22,000 rowing and judo for injured military Community/Military
Center
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Therapeutic Recreation and $23,600 handcycling and skiing for injured Community/Military
Independent Lifestyles military at George E. Wahlen VA Medical
``TRAILS'' Center
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Handcycling $15,000 competitive handcycling series for Community/Military
injured military
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The University of Central $75,000 to coordinate 2009 Endeavor Games
Oklahoma's Sports and focusing on injured servicemembers
Recreation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Underwater Warriors Foundation $6,000 scuba program
(Ft. Campbell KY)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Association of Blind $50,000 to develop and implement programs for
Athletes (USABA) Opportunity injured servicemembers with eye injuries
Fund Grant extension
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USABA position grant proposal $50,000 grant is for hiring consultant to
implement the programs noted above-- it
is a matching grant where USABA will
match 25% or $12,500 for total of
$62,500
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vail Veterans Adventure Team $6,000 Adventure Team race
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vail Veterans Program $35,000 winter sport programming
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports $5,000 purchase of van to transport equipment PSC Only
for injured military
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $1,446,300
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Washington, DC.
July 30, 2009
Hon. Eric K. Shinseki
Secretary
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20420
Dear Mr. Secretary:
In reference to our Full Committee hearing entitled ``Meeting the
Needs of Injured Veterans in the Military Paralympic Program'' on July
29, 2009, I would appreciate it if you could answer the enclosed
hearing questions by the close of business on September 11, 2009.
In an effort to reduce printing costs, the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs, in cooperation with the Joint Committee on Printing, is
implementing some formatting changes for materials for all Full
Committee and Subcommittee hearings. Therefore, it would be appreciated
if you could provide your answers consecutively and single-spaced. In
addition, please restate the question in its entirety before the
answer.
Due to the delay in receiving mail, please provide your response to
Debbie Smith by fax your responses to Debbie at 202-225-2034. If you
have any questions, please call 202-225-9756.
Sincerely,
BOB FILNER
Chairman
JL:ds
__________
Questions for the Record
Hon. Bob Filner, Chairman
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
July 29, 2009
Meeting the Needs of Injured Veterans in the Military Paralympic
Program
Question 1: In the last Congress, the Subcommittee on Economic
Opportunity conducted a hearing on this same subject. They received
testimony from Disabled Sports USA expressing concern that the VA was
considering a rule change to re-classify the hand-cycle as a sports
wheelchair. The concern is that this rule change may negatively affect
one's ability to participate in rehabilitative sports activities. Can
you provide us an update on this matter? (The concern is that they will
get one wheelchair as opposed to two.)
Response: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has made great
progress to alleviate concerns regarding a Veteran's ability to
participate in rehabilitative sports activities. In April, 2008, the
Under Secretary for Health of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
issued new clinical practice recommendations (CPR) for the issuance of
recreational and sports equipment. These guidelines are available on
VA's prosthetics service Web site: http://www.prosthetics.va.gov/
cpr.asp. The guidelines indicate that each Veteran is entitled to an
individualized evaluation and that VA can provide adaptive sporting
equipment to a Veteran for the sport(s) in which the Veteran is
actively engaged with options for demonstrating active participation
outlined in the document. The guidelines do not identify a specific
number of sports/activities to be supported; rather, decisions are
based on meeting the criteria for the requested equipment. Thus, if a
Veteran meets the criteria for each sport for which equipment is
requested, they can receive that piece of adaptive sporting equipment.
Furthermore, the guidelines establish an independent review of each
device requested. With the publication of this CPR, the availability of
adaptive sports and recreation equipment has been greatly broadened.
Prior to this CPR, VA provided handcycles and sports wheelchairs only
(i.e. basketball, rugby, tennis, etc). Now, when an enrolled Veteran
meets the identified indications, mono-skis, adaptive Nordic skis, ice
sleds, and tandem bikes for those with visual impairment, and other
pieces of adaptive equipment may be considered for issuance when
prescribed by a VA clinician.
Question 2: Public Law 110-389 requires the VA Secretary to draft
oversight reporting requirements. Has the VA begun drafting its
oversight reporting requirements? If so, when do you expect to have
this finalized?
Response: VA is drafting regulations for implementing a monthly
assistance allowance as specified in section 703 of Public Law (P.L.)
110-389 that includes specific provisions for oversight, including
access to Paralympics-sanctioned events and activities to provide such
oversight. In regards to the grant program specified in section 702 of
P.L. 110-389, VA is still in the process of determining the appropriate
level of oversight. However, through collaborative efforts with U.S.
Paralympics, VA is examining the feasibility of a quarterly reporting
mechanism to include information on budget, cash transaction reports,
and a summary of grant-funded activities, participants and outcomes. VA
will follow the prescribed process for publishing a notice of proposed
rulemaking and a final rule. VA officials are tracking this action
closely as a means to expedite publication in the Federal Register.
Question 3: What kind of outreach campaign does the VA plan to
implement to reach Veterans, especially rural Veterans who may be
interested in participating in a VA sponsored event? Do you plan on
using mass media (TV or radio) as authorized by Public Law 110-389?
Response: VA is currently focused on implementing the allowance and
grant programs authorized under P.L. 110-389. VA is developing the
outreach plan and will implement it as we move forward in fiscal 2010.
Question 4: We have heard complaints that there is insufficient
followup after a flagship event. Can you explain how VA plans to
followup with veterans participating in a major event like this month's
National Veterans Wheelchair Games that took place in Spokane,
Washington?
Response: VA is not aware of complaints regarding insufficient
followup to VA's National Rehabilitation Special Events. Each
participant in our National Veterans Wheelchair Games receives a survey
upon the completion of the event. Through this survey, participants
have an opportunity to provide direct feedback which VA uses to shape
subsequent events. In addition to this followup, these events are an
extension of the rehabilitation that occurs daily at VA medical
facilities. As such, Veteran patients are sent from their local VA
medical centers to participate in these events. Upon their return home,
followup continues at the local level as they resume recreation therapy
through their local VA medical center programs. VA welcomes the
opportunity to examine specific complaints from Veterans, and requests
the Committee staff provide any available details of these complaints.
Question 5: The 2005 memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the
VA and U.S. Olympic Committee requires both parties to collectively
establish a mechanism for annual evaluation of the Paralympic sports
program. Can you elaborate on what are the key elements of the
evaluation and the results of any evaluations done?
Response: VA's 2005 MOU with the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC)
specifies that both parties evaluate the effectiveness of a program to
build upon the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic and the
National Veterans Wheelchair Games by expanding opportunities for
disabled Veterans to participate in Paralympic sporting activities. As
such, VA has collaborated with the USOC to introduce and evaluate
Paralympic sporting events for participants at the National Disabled
Veterans Winter Sports Clinic and the National Veterans Wheelchair
Games. This evaluation is specific to these events and is based upon
Veteran interest, attendance and satisfaction in specific Paralympic
introductory events. The results of the evaluation are used to further
enhance these opportunities. For example, at the Winter Sports Clinic,
we originally introduced an elite training component as part of our MOU
with the USOC. VA was pleased to see much interest among Veterans in
this new event. However, through an ongoing evaluation in conjunction
with USOC, we determined that only a few participants had serious
potential. Many of those originally interested were 55 years and older
and did not have the skill and level of commitment required for serious
Paralympic contention.
VA and USOC did, however, notice a great deal of interest in
advanced training and education for Veterans and adaptive ski
instructors. As a result VA implemented a program whereby Veterans can
test ride new, higher-end equipment and be fitted by a VA adaptive-
equipment expert. This is a tremendous new aspect to the Winter Sports
Clinic as it allows Veterans to identify the proper model of adaptive
equipment and have direct access to the VA purchasing official on site
at the event. Based on the program evaluation, VA is providing
personalized services to a greater number of Veterans while still
providing high performance training experiences for those looking to
take their training to the Paralympic level.
VA also added curling, biathlon and alternate wheelchair fencing to
the activities at the Clinic to introduce Veterans to these Paralympic
sports. At the 2007 Wheelchair Games, VA established a ``stand-up''
track and field clinic for Veterans with amputations. An evaluation of
this clinic led to the introduction of new and permanent Paralympic
``stand-up'' events in table tennis and archery at subsequent
Wheelchair Games.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
Washington, DC.
July 30, 2009
Hon. Eric K. Shinseki
Secretary
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420
Dear Secretary Shinseki,
In reference to our Committee hearing of July 29, 2009, I would
appreciate your response to the question below for the record by close
of business Wednesday, August 26, 2009.
Public Law 110-389 requires that the Director of the Office of
National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events report to one of
the following: the Secretary, the Deputy Secretary, or a person in VBA
as determined by the Secretary. To whom will the Director report and
when will that reorganization take place?
It would be appreciated if you could provide your answers
consecutively on letter size paper, single spaced. Please restate the
question in its entirety before providing the answer.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Sincerely,
Steve Buyer
Ranking Republican Member
SB:dwc
__________
Questions for the Record
Hon. Steve Buyer, Ranking Republican Member
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
July 29, 2009
Meeting the Needs of Injured Veterans in the Military Paralympic
Program
Question 1: Public Law 110-389 requires that the Director of the
Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events report
to one of the following: the Secretary, the Deputy Secretary, or a
person in VBA as determined by the Secretary. To whom will the Director
Report and when will that reorganization take place.
Response: The new Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and
Special Events will be aligned under the Office of the Secretary and
the Director shall report to the Secretary through the Chief of Staff.
The decision to realign that office was made in late February and the
reorganization will take place with the new fiscal year.