March 6, 2007

The mission of the Walter Reed Society, since its inception more than 10 years ago, has been to help soldiers and their families and to assist Walter Reed with goods and services not available through regular and normal channels.  In other words, we serve as an adjunct to Walter Reed. The Society is incorporated in the District of Columbia as a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization.

The Command bears the responsibility for inspecting and maintaining living quarters and conditions and for processing medical evaluations. It is public knowledge that recently reported shortcomings in these areas are being reviewed at local and higher levels and that actions are already underway to resolve identified deficiencies. It is regrettable that the catalyst for this review did not occur without negative media coverage.

For the past three years, the Medical Family Assistance Center, now the Warrior Family Assistance Center, has seemed quite effective in referring to the Society those who sought assistance and those who wished to donate funds for assistance.  We are not aware of any soldier or family member in need being denied access to request our help. We would be most concerned if there were.

Since the Society’s OIF/OEF Family Support Fund was established in 2004, scores of wounded warriors and their families have been assisted due to the generosity of our gracious donors.  In 2006, alone, the Society provided more than $400,000 in assistance grants to soldiers and soldiers’ families and for various goods and services at Walter Reed.  With the support of our contributors, the Society’s goal is to continue our supportive relationship with Walter Reed and our program of helping soldiers and families suffering financial hardships.

On behalf of the Society, we welcome Maj. Gen. Eric Schoomaker, as Commander, North Atlantic Regional Medical Command and Walter Reed Army Medical Center. We pledge to continue to be the best way you can help soldiers and their families who are in financial difficulty. That’s our first priority – that’s why we’re here.

Janet R. Southby

COL, USA, Ret.

President, Walter Reed Society

PO Box 59611

Walter Reed Station

Washington, DC 20012-9611