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Forum for wounded troops Thursday

The Pentagon’s top doctor is calling on wounded service members and their families to share their concerns and recommendations in a live online discussion Thursday at http://www.health.mil — and e-mails and text messages are being accepted ahead of time.

Senior Pentagon leaders will participate in the online discussion from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern time, according to an announcement from the Defense Department. Service members and their families can submit questions now and throughout the live program by e-mail to mhswebmaster@tma.osd.mil or by sending a text message to (202) 527-2751.

Officials ask that the questions or recommendations be limited to broad issues or lessons learned. Because of privacy issues, the forum should not be used for personal problems. Service members should use their chain of command whenever possible, officials said.

In addition, the service branches have programs set up to advocate for their wounded service members — the Army’s Wounded Warrior Program, the Marine for Life Program, the Navy’s Safe Harbor Program, and the Air Force Palace HART Program.

Dr. S. Ward Casscells, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, said he wants to hear from wounded troops and their families to ensure that the Defense Department is on the right path. Over the past year, defense officials have focused on issues related to non-medical care, he said, and have worked on the recommendations of independent review groups, task forces and a presidential commission.

“Good is not good enough,” Casscells said at the recent Military Health System annual conference in Washington. “Our goal is excellence in all we do. Our men and women who have been wounded, ill or injured from their military service have our solemn commitment. We will not allow bureaucratic obstacles, outdated procedures or ineffective systems to hinder their care.”