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Vice Chief Cody speaks:

Army leadership has been reeling in the aftermath of widespread publicity about the squalid living conditions that wounded combat troops are enduring while undergoing treatment and administrative processing at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Army Secretary Francis Harvey and Gen. Richard Cody, vice chief of the Army, toured the grounds of the Washington, D.C. facilities on Tuesday and promised changes in leadership and improvements in living conditions.

On Wednesday afternoon, Cody sent a message expressing his dismay with conditions that wounded troops were subjected to and taking responsibility for reform. Here is the full text of that message:

“Many of you have read or have heard reports this past weekend concerning the outpatient care of our Wounded Warriors at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

The Secretary of the Army Francis J. Harvey and I visited one outpatient care building mentioned in those reports yesterday, Building 18, and were absolutely disappointed in the status of the rooms and found the delays and lack of attention to building repairs inexcusable.

I am disappointed that I had to learn of the conditions of that building through media reports. Despite frequent visits to Walter Reed facilities and informal and formal discussion with patients and their families, I have never been made aware of Building 18, its condition, or any complaints our Wounded Warriors may have had.

Clearly, a breakdown in leadership and bureaucratic medical and contractual processes bogged down a speedy solution to these problems. I can assure you that appropriate vigor and leadership is being applied to this issue and we will correct any problems immediately.

I will personally oversee the plan to upgrade building 18 and other facilities and ensure our Soldiers and their families, who have sacrificed so much, receive the care and housing they so deserve.

Army medical care is the best in the world. Each day, selfless and dedicated doctors, nurses, and support staff perform miracles to save lives and limbs and provide the best possible care for our Wounded Warriors. What has been discovered at Walter Reed in dealing with outpatient care must not overshadow the incredible work of our medical professionals.

We will do what is right for our Soldiers and their families; and our Soldiers need to know that the Army leadership is committed to ensure that their Quality of Life and Medical Care is equal to their Quality of Service and Sacrifice.”

GEN Cody