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WASHINGTON, May 5 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama Wednesday signed legislation expanding healthcare services for veterans, calling it a "moral obligation." Saying the country's obligation to veterans does not end on the battlefield, Obama signed the Caregivers And Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act.
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"We have a responsibility to veterans like Ted Wade. … Six years ago, Sergeant Wade was serving in the 82nd Airborne Division in Iraq when his Humvee was struck by an IED, an improvised explosive device," Obama said. "He lost much of his right arm and suffered multiple injuries, including severe traumatic brain injury. …
"As I've said many times, our nation's commitment to our veterans and their families -- to patriots like Ted and Sarah -- is a sacred trust, and upholding that trust is a moral obligation."
The bill expands mental health counseling and services and authorizes the Veterans Administration to use hospitals and clinics outside its system, and also provides expanded support for caregiver training and services.
About 30 people were on hand for the signing ceremony, including first lady Michelle Obama, the vice president's wife, Jill Biden, and VA Secretary Gen. Eric K. Shinseki.
