WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, OH-- Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) calls on Ohioans to join her in observing Memorial Day, May 30, 2011, recognizing the sacrifice of the brave men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces. 

"We are forever indebted to the heroes who gave their lives for their country. I salute them and give thanks for the millions of veterans who stood in harm's way in defense of our freedom," said Congresswoman Fudge. The toll of war continues to exact a heavy price from our troops. 

The total number of U.S. military deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan since September 11, 2001 exceeded 6,000 this month.  The casualties include approximately 1,400 Ohioans killed or wounded during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Congresswoman Fudge is concerned that the current military conflicts have also been marked by a high rate of suicide among active duty service members. According to the Department of Defense, more than 1,100 members of our military committed suicide between 2005 and 2009—an average of 1 suicide every 36 hours.

"I know the Department of Defense shares my concern.  I urge our military leaders to intensify research into this disturbing trend and develop a plan of action that can effectively address the underlying causes and prevent this tragic, unnecessary loss of life."

Memorial Day is an appropriate time to reflect on all of the health care needs of service members and veterans.  The Department of Veteran Affairs says 441,600 veterans received benefits for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) this year.   It's estimated that 6 -11% of Afghanistan veterans and 12-20% of Iraq veterans returned home with PTSD. 

"I am pleased veterans in my district will be able to receive state of the art care for PTSD and traumatic brain injury at the newly expanded Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center. New clinical services, a long-term care spinal cord injury unit and a blind rehabilitation unit are also being offered.   We have 90,000 veterans in Cuyahoga County, from men and women in their 20s to elderly veterans who served in World War II.  We owe all of them the best health care we can provide.  They have my enduring commitment to leave no veteran behind," said Congresswoman Fudge. 

Expansion of the Cleveland VA Medical Center includes a new inpatient bed tower, a homeless veteran domiciliary and administration building which were dedicated on May 16th.

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