FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Over the last year, DoD has focused on the non-medical care for wounded service members by working diligently on the recommendations of independent review groups, task forces and a Presidential Commission. 

On Thursday, Feb. 14, the Pentagon’s top doctor, S. Ward Casscells, MD, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, wants to get to the “heart” of the matter and hear directly from wounded warriors and their families to personally ensure the DoD is on the right path. Casscells invites wounded service members and their families to share their concerns and recommendations in a live on-line discussion with senior DoD leadership.

Beginning today, and throughout the live program, Service members and their families may submit questions by email to mhswebmaster@tma.osd.mil or text to 202 527-2751.  The on-line discussion will air on www.health.mil from 1-2 p.m., Feb. 14, 2008.

The questions or recommendations should be broad issues or lessons learned.  The forum should not be used for personal problems, due to privacy issues, and service members should always use the chain of command whenever possible.

“Good is not good enough,” Casscells said at the recent Military Health System Conference. “Our goal is excellence in all we do. Our men and women who have been wounded, ill, or injured from their military service have our solemn commitment: We will not allow bureaucratic obstacles, outdated procedures or ineffective systems to hinder their care. With the leadership of so many in our system, we have certainly turned a corner. But we are not resting.”