Congressman Paul Hodes Launches New Ad Highlighting the Story of Iraq War Veteran Chris Howe

For Immediate Release
October 13, 2008

Contact:    Mark Bergman, 603-223-2006 (office), 804-269-1323 (cell)

Congressman Paul Hodes Launches New Ad Highlighting the Story of Iraq War Veteran Chris Howe

Concord, NH--- Today, Congressman Paul Hodes launched a new television ad that highlights the work his office did to help Chris Howe of Newport receive critical treatment in Walter Reed Army Hospital. He helped him cut through the red tape and bureaucracy to get back to Newport after his vehicle was hit with an anti-tank blast in Iraq.

Chris Howe who suffered many painful and debilitating injuries after the blast was trapped in the bureaucracy of the Army and the VA system. His fiancée contacted Congressman Hodes' office and he was able to get Chris the treatment and help he needed, got him honorably discharged from the Army and now Chris is working as an auto mechanic with his now wife and newborn daughter.

"Helping Chris Howe and his family is one of the best things I have been able to do in my first term in Congress," Congressman Paul Hodes said. "His story was the inspiration for my legislation to create an Office of the Veterans Ombudsman to help veterans like Chris get the help and treatment they need. This story is an example of how change doesn't start in the halls of Washington but with folks here in New Hampshire."

Congressman Hodes' Veterans Ombudsman Bill passed the House of Representatives in July and would create an office in the Veterans Affairs Administration to help veterans cut through the bureaucracy and red tape to get the health benefits they have earned.