War veterans have mental health needs, Giffords says

BISBEE - As more and more soldiers return from tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, military healthcare facilities are faced with a rising number of cases of post traumatic stress disorder and undiscovered brain injuries, some requiring life-long care.

The gravity of the life these men and women face has fed the drive of newly-elected U.S. Rep. Gabriel Giffords.

In an interview Sunday, prior to a fund-raising dinner in Bisbee, Giffords related her impression of the new poly-trauma center in Tucson after her visit there last week and what she sees as a need for the Bush administration and Congress to step up and take responsibility for the men and women who chose to wear the uniform and put themselves in harm's way.

"The professionals at the center are doing an extraordinary job dealing with our soldiers who have suffered multiple wounds and multiple injuries. I saw some remarkable things there and remarkable soldiers. The Veterans Administration is going to be breaking ground on new mental health centers. They're going to be comprehensive facilities to help veterans deal with bipolar disorder, depression and post traumatic stress disorder.

"We will be seeing more and more soldiers coming back, particularly after multiple tours, in need of this type of help and we need to see more emphasis on their care and well-being," she said.

As she serves on the House Armed Services Committee, she plans to do her part to ensure that American troops are prepared and ready for any task they may face.

Millions of dollars in accounting irregularities from no-bid and cost-plus contracts are being uncovered by the Government Accounting Office, she noted.

"There's no doubt there has been fraud committed in some of the contracts. And we'll be looking into some of those irregularities of the defense contracts. There are a number of ongoing investigations into the contracts and the problems that have come to light in the Iraq war. We have a responsibility to spend tax dollars wisely.

"Frankly, they've been spending so much money in Iraq that's just been handed over and there's no accountability. We're going to have to do a lot of investigating."

Giffords believes it is critical to have oversight of the money being spent there, because resources are not bottomless. She says she has a commitment to the men and women serving in the military and insists they receive the maximum in resources that they need to be safe and do the job.

"Our responsibility is to make sure our soldiers can be successful in their mission. And I have some very grave concerns that their needs are not being met."