Freshman Spouses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 5, 2007

Freshman Spouses

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) As President Bush prepared to deliver the State of the Union address, the Freshman Spouses Association of the 110th Congress visited Walter Reed Hospital on January 23rd for a first-hand look at the quality of care our troops wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan are receiving.

The President and Vice-President of the organization, Gayle Kagen of Wisconsin and Sue Walberg of Michigan were accompanied by Peggo Hodes of New Hampshire and Steve Boyda of Kansas.

The four congressional spouses visited two of the amputee therapy clinics at Walter Reed, the Occupational Therapy Clinic and the Physical Therapy Clinic.

Gayle Kagen, a nurse, says both clinics are offering excellent services to our recovering troops and was impressed by the technology the hospital is using to treat amputees.

The Congressional spouses learned that the care of active duty soldiers and veterans in this country is heavily dependant on non-profit organizations. They hope to rally support from non-profit organizations in their own districts.

“We want our veterans to continue to receive the first class treatment they deserve after leaving the primary hospitals in the military network and we look forward to working with non-profit organizations nationally and in our districts to make that happen,” said Gayle Kagen, President of the Freshman Spouses Association.

Photo Caption: Members of the Freshmen Spouses Association visit troops in Walter Reed Army Hospital. From left to right: Steve Boyda, Sgt 1st Class Vaughn, Radiologist at Walter Reed, Gayle Kagen, President of the Freshmen Spouses Association, Sue Walberg, V.P. of the Freshman Spouses, Peggo Hodes, Major Marne Sutten, Congressional Army Liaison Office. Credit (not mandatory): Courtesy of Office of Congressman Steve Kagen