The Subcommittee on Health will now come to order.  I would like to thank everyone for attending this hearing.  I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the city of New Port Richey and Congressman Bilirakis for hosting us today.

Modern medical advances have increased the survival rate of our soldiers who sustain injuries while serving this country, but these soldiers are often left with serious and complex wounds which require continued care once they return home.  One of the key challenges facing VA today is the ability to meet the rehabilitative needs of our veterans by providing a broad and varied menu of therapies and treatments.  There is a clear need for high quality rehabilitative care for all of our veterans, both of older generations and those now returning from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Today’s hearing offers us the opportunity to examine a particularly exciting rehabilitative method. 

Recreational therapy is an ideal component of the rehabilitative regimen because it allows veterans to be active by engaging in their favorite sports and recreational activities, while simultaneously healing the mental and physical wounds of war.  Recreational therapists can use a variety of techniques, including sports, games, dance, arts and crafts, animals, drama, music, and community outings to help reduce depression, stress and anxiety; enhance basic motor functioning; and build confidence among the program participants.  In other words, servicemembers and veterans have an opportunity to engage with their communities and participate in sports and other activities that they may have enjoyed prior to sustaining their war injuries. 

Today, I look forward to hearing from the veterans on our first panel about their personal testimonies on how recreational therapy has benefited them.  I am also eager to learn from our second and third panels about the different types of recreational therapies that are available to our veterans, and how VA and private organizations are working together to offer this valuable treatment option to wounded warriors in the Tampa region and across the country.

I now recognize Mr. Bilirakis for any opening statement that he may have.