Today’s hearing will give the Subcommittee the opportunity to learn more about Paralympic programs and how they are assisting our servicemembers and veterans to heal from the wounds of war.  The price of war is not paid by money alone, it is the servicemember that is called upon to serve on behalf of our country that pays the ultimate price.  This is especially true for those that have made the ultimate sacrifice of life, and injury sustained while in service.

In my state of South Dakota, we have had at least 3,100 National Guard soldiers and 730 airmen from the air national guard that served in support of the Global War on Terror.  Of these, we have bestowed 29 guard members with the Purple Heart, 5 of which made the ultimate sacrifice and had their medal presented posthumously. 

I have had the honor of meeting some of these servicemembers from my home state of South Dakota.  Servicemembers such as Specialist Brian Knigge, a South Dakota National Guard soldier who served with Yankton’s Battery C, 1st Battalion, 147th Field Artillery in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  On May 8, 2006, Specialist Knigge sustained injuries to his arm and leg that resulted from an improvised fired projectile.  This soldier was later flown to Walter Reed Army Medical Center to be treated for his injuries and receive rehabilitative physical therapy.

We owe it to servicemembers like Specialist Knigge to provide them the best training and equipment to ensure they complete their mission successfully, and post military services to help them live a healthy and active lifestyle in their civilian life.

Many of my colleagues would agree that the Department of Veterans Affairs provides world class care to our injured servicemembers and veterans.  Knowing this, I would like to explore ways for the VA to continue to play a key role in the Paralympic Military Program to help this population through a difficult transition in their lives.  All veterans should be afforded an opportunity to have a rewarding and fulfilling life after their service to our country.

I look forward to working with Ranking Member Boozman and Members of this Subcommittee to explore how rehabilitation programs assist our servicemembers and veterans to recover from their injuries.  I now recognize Mr. Boozman for any opening remarks he may have.