    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [April 24, 2007]
    [Page 480]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Interagency Task Force on Returning Global War on
    Terror Heroes
    April 24, 2007

        The brave men and women who have volunteered to protect and defend
    our country deserve to receive the highest level of support from our
    grateful Nation. Today Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim
    Nicholson and members of the Interagency
    Task Force on Returning Global War on Terror Heroes released a
    governmentwide action plan that sets out steps to improve our care for
    America's troops and veterans.
        The task force has proposed specific recommendations to immediately
    begin addressing the problems and gaps in services that were identified
    across the veterans and military healthcare systems. These
    recommendations include directing the Department of Defense and the
    Department of Veterans Affairs to develop a joint process for disability
    determination. Additionally, I have asked Secretary Nicholson to communicate directly with the members of the
    Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors to ensure
    that both groups exchange ideas and information that will efficiently
    advance reform efforts.
        I commend the work of the task force, welcome its recommendations,
    and have directed Secretary Nicholson to
    work with all agencies involved on the recommendations and to report
    back to me within 45 days on how these measures are being implemented.