WALTER REED DINING FACILITY Legion Issue Outline

As of Friday 4:30PM August 16th, 2013

The American Legion is looking out for our Wounded Warriors....

WALTER REED DINING FACILITY

 

This past week, The American Legion National Headquarters was contacted by several Legionnaires regarding reports that the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center had cut hours of operation of the dining facility for Wounded Warriors and they are no longer accepting the military meal cards.

 

In an effort to keep leadership informed, staff has researched and offers this email as an outline and update of the situation.

 

OUTLINE

On Thursday August 15^th, Fox News published a story indicating that the military earlier this month decided to invalidate meal tickets and reduce hours for the Warrior Cafe, the sole dining facility in building 62 -- home to all multiple amputees and long-term, recovering patients at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. 

 

Congressional sources with knowledge of the decision say it was based on concerns that government funds for the warrior meals were being misappropriated. They said that because the cafe is listed as a "self sustaining" business, it is not allowed to receive government subsidies, such as the meal tickets and appropriated funds.

 

ACTION

Since the story appeared, American Legion staff has been in contact with Walter Reed hospital to confirm the accuracy of the initial article, and ensure the problem is being corrected.

 

It now appears the military has reversed these changes and will continue accepting meal tickets, as well as reopen on weekends.

 

Additionally, according to an update from Fox News, an official at Walter Reed who wanted to remain anonymous said that in order to ease the burden on the patients, shuttle buses were provided for those who want to go from building 62 to a separate food trailer on the grounds. 

Staff will continue to monitor this situation and talk directly to personnel at Walter Reed to make sure no recovering troops are denied access to their dining facility.

 

Staff has also scheduled a meeting with Rep. Tierney's legislative director for September 4^th, to coordinate a visit to the facility in order to ensure proper oversight is being conducted. Tierney is a minority member of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, and chaired the 2007 hearing on Walter Reed Army Medical Center.