September 7, 2006
Media contact: Jeff Schrade (202)224-9093

(Washington, DC) A variety of witnesses and members of the U.S. Senate today praised the Wounded Warrior insurance program ? including one of the first servicemen who received financial help as a result of the legislation which created the coverage.

The program, officially known as the Traumatic Servicemembers Group Life Insurance, was created last year after three young veterans from the war in Iraq met with U.S. Senator Larry Craig, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

"One had lost a leg in combat. The second had two legs amputated. And the third had lost his sight," Craig said. "They talked about spouses or parents who quit work to be with wounded servicemembers during their convalescence, and bills mounting up from expenses both back home and from living away from home. They asked that I introduce legislation to create an insurance benefit that would help to bridge the gap in financial assistance."

The Idaho Republican did just that, joined by the committee's top Democrat, Sen. Daniel Akaka of Hawaii. Their legislation passed a few weeks after Craig first met with the young servicemen and the first payments went out just before Christmas.

"What has resulted from all of our collective efforts is that nearly 2,700 servicemembers with traumatic injuries have received payments ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 under the wounded warrior insurance program. They come from every State in America, including 18 who are from Idaho," Craig said.

Army Sergeant John Keith, a Texas native, lost his leg from an explosion in Iraq and was one of the first to receive a payment as a result of that legislation.

"After receiving my TSGLI, payment of the maximum payment, due to the loss of my left leg above the knee, being in a coma for 14 days, hearing loss in the left ear, traumatic brain injury, and third degree burns to my abdomen. I was able to replace my savings, pay off most debts, and buy my wife a new van," Keith said.

Sgt. Keith and his family now have a home in Virginia where he has remained on active duty.

"Whatever the Army will decide to do with me, either by staying on active duty or move to the VA system, let me stay in or let me go, I will be o.k. We will be OK. I hope the Army will let me stay in to finish what I started," Keith said.

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