by James Oliphant
Continuing a tradition begun during the early phase of the Iraq War, Sen. Dick Durbin will attend President Obama's address to Congress with two veterans from his home state of Illinois.
Sitting with Durbin will be Sgt. Ralph McCallum II of Springfield, Ill. and Sgt. Rafael Delgado of Chicago. They will also attend a dinner that immediately proceeds the speech.
McCallum, a member of the Illinois National Guard, was deployed to Iraq in 2007 and wounded one month later when the Humvee he was riding in was struck by an improvised explosive device. Delgado served in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm and returned to Iraq in 2007. He was badly wounded when the Humvee he was riding in was struck by an explosive projectile and is currently receiving treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington for a traumatic brain injury.
In between military service, Delgado served as a legislative aide to Illinois Rep. Richard Bradley.
Durbin said the recession would make it more challenging to improve care for veterans, something championed by Obama during the campaign. "We have an obligation," Durbin said. "It's going to be harder to do it in a tough economy."
Both soldiers lauded Walter Reed for the quality of its care. Two years ago, the hospital was the subject of a wave of damaging stories in the media about its treatment of returning wounded.
Comments
Durbin, you guys had money for all that pork in the porkulus bill but you make excuses of the recession when it comes to the Vets. What a bunch of hypocrites.
Posted by: vla | February 24, 2009 7:37 PM
I wonder if Senator Dick will compare these veterans to Nazis? or is that just current soliders he compares to Nazis.
Posted by: Terry | February 24, 2009 9:11 PM
BRING THE SOLDIERS HOME NOW!
SPEND THE MONEY WE'RE BLOWING ON THE WAR PROFITEERS ON THE V.A.! ON SMALL BUSINESS BRIDGE LOANS! ON PEOPLE TRYING TO PAY THEIR MORTGAGES!
Posted by: it's the WAR SPENDING that's hurting us! | February 25, 2009 8:44 AM
vla- At least Durbin is meeting with our wounded vets, unlike the cowards Bush and Cheney who never even attended a single funeral. Now that's patriotism for you. Republican style.
Posted by: Doug R. | February 25, 2009 9:03 AM