Joe Wilson: “I stand before you as a grateful veteran of the South Carolina Army National Guard, and I have four sons currently…”

“I stand before you as a grateful veteran of the South Carolina Army National Guard, and I have four sons currently serving in the military. You can imagine my concern upon learning of the dire conditions our Nation's wounded service members have recently been made to endure. My appreciation for our troops is as a member of the Armed Services Committee, a veteran and as a parent who expects the best for the courageous troops who protect American families. While Walter Reed Medical Center is renowned as a world-class facility, recent management neglected to provide adequate care. I appreciate Defense Secretary Robert Gates' decisive action in dealing with this disturbing situation. I was honored to attend President Bush's speech earlier this week to the American Legion where he announced a creation of a bipartisan commission to review military and veterans' care. We in Congress are committed to ensuring our military heroes are well cared for and receive the medical attention they deserve. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.”