Rep. Rides Motorcycle To Garner Support For Vets

He drove into Washington on a bold yellow motorcycle, an American flag waving behind him, and a serious message for Congress on his mind.

"We spend so much money on our budget," said Pennsylvania state Rep. Bryan Barbin, "and the most important thing that's preserved the country has been the veterans. They've sacrificed for us, and we need to sacrifice for them."

For Barbin, the 1,800 mile ride was well-worth the travel because it's for the troops. Barbin is concerned with the growing number of traumatic brain injury cases, which have become increasingly common among soldiers stationed in Iraq.

"If you deal with the veterans individually, you spend less money and you bring the veteran back to his highest level of independence," said Barbin, "and he gets to go home where he's going to get support."

Barbin stopped in seven states along the way and talked to lawmakers in each of the states' capitals. By telling them of the successful treatment of soldiers and veterans at the Johnstown Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, he believes more funding for centers like the one in Johnstown could significantly help troops in their recovery.

"It's one cent out of a $1,000. It's a tiny portion. It doesn't cost very much money to take care of veterans," said Barbin. "We spend so much more on defense contractors, on any other priority. Our priority has to be veterans first."

In Washington, Barbin was met outside the Capitol by Congressman Mark Critz, D-Pennsylvania, Congressman Bill Pascrell, D-New Jersey, and state representative candidate and veteran Shannon Meehan.

Critz and Pascrell both praised Barbin for his efforts to raise awareness. Meeham, having recovered from a brain injury, emphasized the importance of increasing funding and support to soldiers and veterans suffering from the condition.

"These are invisible wounds. They're unseen," said Meehan. "They're the deepest cutting ones."

Barbin said the model for caring for servicemen at the center in Johnstown should be the model use across the nation.