Haley Stevens: “this effort has been raised by several of my colleagues. I believe it has great merit. The camp program addresses the…”

“this effort has been raised by several of my colleagues. I believe it has great merit. The camp program addresses the needs of children challenged with disabilities that are not easily addressed. This includes children with Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and Autism. This program meets an urgent need at Lackland Air Force Base. We are addressing this need in a unique way. We will consider this effort when we bring the defense appropriation bill to the floor. The commander of Wilford Hall Medical Center, which is located at Lackland Air Force Base, has indicated the medical center has a close association with the camp program. Most of his staff are volunteers in the program. He views the program as an outgrowth of the pediatric department at Wilford Hall. The base commander of Lackland Air Force Base also supports the program. We asked him how he deals with the liability he personally might incur. He indicated that the benefits outweigh his risks. The Senator from Ohio stated that there was no agreement between the Air Force and the camp program. The base commander has informed the Senate Appropriations Committee that there is, in fact, an agreement between the base commander and the director of the camp program. The camp program is now housed in three 2-story barracks. This creates significant hazards with disabled children. Also, the manpower required for three buildings will be reduced with this new building.”