Congressman Salazar Leads Congressional Tour of Wounded Soldiers at Walter Reed

WASHINGTON, DC – As part of his ongoing effort to address the needs of veterans and service members, Congressman John T. Salazar (CO-3) led a delegation of Members of Congress to visit recovering injured soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center this afternoon.

“I am humbled by these brave men and women,” said Salazar.  “We visited soldiers as young as 18 or 19, who have been wounded in action and even lost limbs – they volunteered to fight for our common ideals and values, were hurt in the process, and still remain devoted to our country. Their sense of duty and courage deserves nothing less than our complete gratitude.  We need to honor them with more than words, we need to make sure they get the care and benefits they were promised.”

In early May, Salazar visited with troops in Iraq and emphasized the continuing need to ensure that our troops are well equipped as they fight to secure the peace in the Middle East.

“First comes first - our men and women in Iraq should know they have our support here at home,” said Salazar. “But that support can’t just be lip-service – it is our responsibility to make sure our troops have the resources they need to complete their jobs and return home safely. It is a shame that six months into the new year, our troops still don’t have the first grade armor they need.”

A Vietnam-era veteran, Salazar serves as Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Veterans’ Task Force, a group dedicated to improving the quality of life of Hispanic veterans and servicemen. The Congressional delegation included Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (CA-38), Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Task Force, and Congressmen Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Ruben Hinojosa (TX-15), and Bob Menendez (NJ-13).