Good morning. I am so pleased to be here today in the heart of the 9th Congressional District and want to thank my fellow Floridian colleagues, Corinne Brown and Jeff Miller, for taking time out of their busy schedules to be here today.

It is a pleasure to serve this great state with two individuals so committed to championing the best interests of our servicemembers, veterans, and all of the residents of Florida.  I am grateful to both of you for being here.  I am proud to call you colleagues and even prouder to call you friends.

Most importantly, I am happy this morning to see my constituents from the ninth district. Whether here as a witness or as an interested participant -  seeing so many that have gathered so early and are willing to spend their Tuesday morning exploring the role of recreation therapy in healing our wounded warriors is a testament to the depth of patriotism and caring in this community. I thank you for being here – representing you is a true honor.

Throughout my career, honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans has been among my very highest priorities.  Ensuring the men and women who fought so bravely for our freedoms are given access to the highest quality care and services is a commitment I take seriously.  That is why I specifically requested a seat on the Veterans Affairs Committee when I was elected to serve in Congress in 2006.

Since then, I have introduced numerous bills, many of which were incorporated into law, aimed at improving veterans care and benefits.  I was pleased to lead the effort to bring a VA outpatient health clinic to Hillsborough County, to work with local and national VA officials to expand the Pasco County Outpatient Clinic and bring additional services such as dental care to ninth district veterans.

I am very appreciative of the fact that we have a world class medical and polytrauma center in the nearby James A. Haley VA Medical Center.  The dedicated medical staff at Haley are second to none.  However, it is always important that we strive to enhance the care and services provided to our brave veteran patients.  And, today, I anticipate learning from those of us gathered here about the important topic of recreation therapy.

Recreation therapy is a therapeutic endeavor that improves an injured veteran’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health through activities aimed at increasing independence and quality of life.

It doesn’t surprise me that Florida is a national leader in recreation therapy. And, I look forward to taking the ideas we discuss today back to Washington to improve the lives of veterans not only in our state, but in every VA facility throughout the nation.

In closing, I would like us to take a moment to recognize and honor those veterans in the room. As always, I am humbled by your bravery and your dedication to a cause bigger than yourselves. Because of your efforts, we are able to gather this morning freely, safely, and democratically.   On behalf of a grateful nation, I thank you for your service.  I yield back my time.