Walter Reed

The DHCC is comprised of a team including an internal medicine doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, physical therapist, clinical nurse, physiatrist, and nutritionist. Througout the week we met with each of these people to discuss Sean's conditions as they pertained to the area of expertise.

Interestingly enough, the staff asked repeatedly, "What took you so long to apply?" When we explained the circumstances, we were told that since the DHCC is a specialty clinic, it takes one phone call or letter from a referring physician to get an evaluation, and the wait time is nil. The director, Mrs. P, said, "Don't let them tell you we don't want to see you, we're Walter Reed, we'll see you."

It was refreshing and relieving to at long last be talking to people with an active interest in Sean's care and the runaround we had been getting for 3 1/2 months. Finally, people who didn't think we were crazy, or complainers, or trouble makers. We were told, "Given all you've been through, you should be agitated, you should be frustrated, you should expect and receive better treatment."

We were made to feel like people who mattered. Sean was thanked repeatedly for his service and sacrifice.

And there were stark reminders of how fortunate we were. Men and women who had served and sacrificed filled the hallways. Many were missing limbs, or in wheelchairs, on crutches, without sight. To these men and women I say thank you a million times over for being willing to serve where others would not. To protect our freedom at home, and fight for that freedom for others. To sacrifice without thought for yourself. God Bless you and yours.