Walter Reed cancer center to be named for Murtha
Late congressman was advocate of medical care for military members and their families
December 2, 2012
By Tracie Mauriello
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
He has a neuroscience institute, an airport, an Army Reserve center, a highway, and a Navy ship named for him. There's even a John P. Murtha memorial tree on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol.
Starting Monday, a comprehensive cancer center at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center will bear Mr. Murtha's name, too.
The popular Democratic congressman died in 2010 but his legacy is still remembered at home in Johnstown, in Washington where he wielded power over defense appropriations and at military medical centers around the country that bear the Murtha name.
Mr. Murtha had a longtime interest in medical care for members of the military and their families.
"It was always his overriding concern. He was worried about our troops being taken care of physically when they get back," said his widow, Joyce, who plans to attend Monday's naming ceremony in Maryland, where top military brass including Defense Secretary Leon Panetta are expected to honor him.
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As others have pointed out at the This Ain't Hell blog, what's next, naming a Library at the U of Texas for Charles Whitman or a wing at West Point for Benedict Arnold? This is a slap in the face to every veteran and active duty service member.
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