9/11 Brought Lifetime of Responsibility

"12 years also is a long time. We now have a lifetime responsibility to a generation of service members, veterans and their families."

Woodson: With 9/11 Came Lifetime Responsibility

Dr. Jonathan Woodson | Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs

September 11, 2013 - Dr. Jonathan Woodson, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, issued the following statement in commemoration of 9/11.

This morning, 12 years ago, Americans went to work, to school, and about their lives comforted to be living in a nation at peace. Here in Washington and New York, it was a spectacular fall day.

Our world changed in minutes. For those in service to their country, it changed more than most.

As we remember the men, women and children who perished that day ... we also remember those who sacrificed so much in the days, months and years that followed. While that September day is still fresh in our minds, 12 years also is a long time. We now have a lifetime responsibility to a generation of service members, veterans and their families.

We have learned a great deal about prevention, treatment and recovery in these 12 years, lessons we have shared with our colleagues throughout society. As we have increased the likelihood of survival and the opportunity for rehabilitation, we have gladly accepted the responsibilities for ensuring a lifetime of quality care. read more>>>

Fort Belvoir Opens First of Nine Brain Injury Centers

September 11, 2013 - FORT BELVOIR, VA – Since Sept. 11, 2001, more than 2.5 million U.S. troops have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, and hundreds of thousands of service members have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries.

Today those service members and thousands of others who have yet to receive a diagnosis have new hope, as the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund joined with military leaders to officially dedicate the new $11 million “Intrepid Spirit” NICoE (National Intrepid Center of Excellence) Satellite Center. The center will provide crucial treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) in returning service members here.

“The NICoE System is an essential element of the Military Health System’s holistic approach to the recovery and transition of wounded, ill and injured service members,” said Dr. Jonathan Woodson, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and Director, TRICARE Management Activity. read more>>>