Senior Spotlight By John Toscano
Crowley Urges Approval Of Increased Vet Aid

Congressmember Joseph Crowley has called for final passage of $12 billion in increased healthcare benefits for veterans of all wars, with $2 billion set aside for service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

"With over 1 million veterans, New York state ranks among the top five states nationwide with the largest population of men and women who have served their country," he declared. "This landmark legislation honors their contribution in protecting our freedom, and honors the brave sacrifices made by all New Yorkers who gave their lives while serving our nation."

Speaking at recent Memorial Day services, Crowley (D- Queens/The Bronx) stated: "We must ensure our veterans and their families have access to needed services and their hardearned benefits. That is why I supported the enactment of legislation to make rehabilitative, mental health and other benefits more readily available."

Crowley said the Democratic-led Congress has been working to honor veterans by improving veterans' health care, strengthening benefits for men and women in uniform today and providing long overdue benefits for the veterans and military retirees who have already served.

Following the recent disclosures of poor management at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., which Crowley termed scandalous, he and fellow Congressmember Carolyn Maloney (D- Queens/Manhattan) urged President George W. Bush to increase veterans' health care and benefits programs by nearly $12 billion, including $2 billion for veterans in the Iraq supplemental budget.

Among the provisions in the bill that passed the House that deal with current service members are the following:

+Proper screening for traumatic brain injuries, which more than half of the combat casualties in the war zones have suffered.

+Assurance that service members who suffer post-traumatic stress disorder, which may not immediately be diagnosed, are covered for treatment for five years after leaving active duty.

BP FUNDS FOR NEW M.V. CENTER: The Middle Village Adult Center is getting a new Honda Odyssey mini van to prop up its transportation services, thanks to a grant from Borough President Helen Marshall.

In announcing the new addition to their fleet, officials at the center at 69-10 75th st., Middle Village also announced that Marshall's office was increasing this year's $20,000 grant to the center by $5,000. The new funds are earmarked for the center's education/recreation and health promotion activities and will support the salaries of the many teachers employed by the center.

The Middle Village center provides rides for its members to doctors' offices, for food shopping jaunts, and hospital visits for a nominal contribution. The new vehicle will replace one that has logged more than 100,000 miles.