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"WOUNDED WARRIOR" INSURANCE UPDATE
September 7, 2006
Media contact: Jeff Schrade (202)224-9093
(Washington, DC) A variety of witnesses and members of the U.S. Senate
today praised the Wounded Warrior insurance program – including one of
the first servicemen who received financial help as a result of the
legislation which created the coverage.
The program, officially known as the Traumatic Servicemembers Group Life
Insurance, was created last year after three young veterans from the war
in Iraq met with U.S. Senator Larry Craig, Chairman of the U.S. Senate
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
"One had lost a leg in combat. The second had two legs amputated. And
the third had lost his sight," Craig said. "They talked about spouses or
parents who quit work to be with wounded servicemembers during their
convalescence, and bills mounting up from expenses both back home and
from living away from home. They asked that I introduce legislation to
create an insurance benefit that would help to bridge the gap in
financial assistance."
The Idaho Republican did just that, joined by the committee’s top
Democrat, Sen. Daniel Akaka of Hawaii. Their legislation passed a few
weeks after Craig first met with the young servicemen and the first
payments went out just before Christmas.
"What has resulted from all of our collective efforts is that nearly
2,700 servicemembers with traumatic injuries have received payments
ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 under the wounded warrior insurance
program. They come from every State in America, including 18 who are
from Idaho," Craig said.
Army Sergeant John Keith, a Texas native, lost his leg from an explosion
in Iraq and was one of the first to receive a payment as a result of
that legislation.
"After receiving my TSGLI, payment of the maximum payment, due to the
loss of my left leg above the knee, being in a coma for 14 days, hearing
loss in the left ear, traumatic brain injury, and third degree burns to
my abdomen. I was able to replace my savings, pay off most debts, and
buy my wife a new van," Keith said.
Sgt. Keith and his family now have a home in Virginia where he has
remained on active duty.
"Whatever the Army will decide to do with me, either by staying on
active duty or move to the VA system, let me stay in or let me go, I
will be o.k. We will be OK. I hope the Army will let me stay in to
finish what I started," Keith said.
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Larry Scott
