The nine members of President Bush’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors wrapped up their proceedings last month in Washington, DC. The Commission has now released a 40-page report detailing their findings of existing programs and services, as well as their suggestions for improvement. The subcommittee released a longer, more detailed report and also produced a special video for YouTube.

The commission was established on March 5 when President Bush signed an Executive Order in response to recent concerns surrounding the care provided for America’s wounded soldiers. National Rehabilitation Hospital President and CEO Ed Eckenhoff was one of seven members chosen to serve on the Commission. Former Senator and Victory Award®* Honoree Bob Dole and former U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala, were co-chairs.

NRH’s long history of working with the military to treat soldiers with disabilities made Mr. Eckenhoff a natural appointee. “To be able to translate the expertise and practices of the private sector healthcare system and make applicable to the military healthcare system was a great exercise,” he states, “an exercise that found many worthwhile and efficient solutions.”

He cites his appointment to the Commission as “one of the most outstanding, and memorable professional experiences” of his career. “Serving those who defend our freedom,” Eckenhoff continues, “what greater cause?”