Gunner's Blog

Measure Will Establish Disability Insurance Benefit for Military

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Third District Congressman Walter B. Jones is an original co-sponsor of legislation introduced last night by Congressman Rick Renzi of Arizona to help injured veterans. The bill, called the Wounded Warrior Act, will establish a disability insurance benefit for members of the Armed Forces who suffer certain specified severe disabilities. The disability payment is intended to assist members of our armed forces and their families during the injured service member’s hospitalization and rehabilitation period.

"We must always stand by our men and women in uniform," Jones said. "They are there for us fighting on the battlefields when our nation is in trouble, and we must be there for them when they find themselves in difficult times as a result of their bravery. I whole-heartedly support this legislation that can at least partially ease the stress a military family faces when their loved one is injured in battle."

Often times patients are forced to recover from severe injuries far from their homes, which makes the process all the more stressful. Hospitalization often requires the service member’s family to leave work for an extended period of time in order to be with their loved one. This potentially puts at risk a source of income for the family and adds the financial strain of travel expenses during an already stressful time. The intent of this legislation is to provide an immediate payment for the service member and their family to help ease the financial burden until the service member is discharged. This period can take between 6-18 months.

"It is important to consider the needs of our servicemen and women when they return home, especially when our country is at war and our soldiers have risked their lives for our freedom", said John Melia, Director of the Wounded Warrior Project. "This insurance payment is intended to help the convalescing soldier, and, just as importantly, their family, during the time of initial hospitalization and rehabilitation. Although medical staff are trained to deal with the emotional and physical effects of war, many times the warrior and their family are left to struggle emotionally and financially. This bill would address that need."



For additional information or to schedule an interview with Congressman Walter B. Jones please contact Kristen Quigley at (202) 225-3415.