Durbin pushes for bill to help disabled vets

  

November 8, 2009 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- Sen. Dick Durbin is calling on the U.S. Senate to pass a bill that would provide assistance to families caring for severely disabled veterans.

The measure would provide training and a stipend for caregivers. It would also require the V.A. to provide caregivers with access to medical and mental health services.

Durbin was joined Sunday by an Oak Lawn, Ill. woman who is caring for her husband. After serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, Corporal Yuriy Zmysly suffered complications during an appendectomy.

"Being a caregiver brings joy, but also a sadness and loneliness that only a caregiver could understand. We don't live a normal life that most people in their 20s do. Our days are filled with doctors visits, therapy sessions and other daily challenges," said Aimee Zmysly.

Senator Durbin also presented several long overdue medals to a pair of World War II veterans. Joe Belman of Lockport, Ill. and Edward Jania of Chicago both earned the Purple Heart, among other medals.

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