The John P. Murtha Cancer Center Dedication
By: Danielle Krout
Updated: December 4, 2012
BETHESDA, MARYLAND----The John P. Murtha Cancer Center was dedicated Monday afternoon at Walter Reed Bethesda.
The Congressman was an advocate of military medical care and research. Murtha and the defense of Appropriations subcommittee were driving forces behind improving cancer care for military members and their families."It was history in the making," said Heather Jo Hosaflook, 2nd Class Navy HM2. "I was able to be apart of that."
37- year old breast cancer survivor Hosaflook was one of several members from different military branches that held the ribbon at the ceremony. It was cut by Mrs. Joyce Murtha and several other official party members."We deserve the best, its wonderful," said Hosaflook.
The center was an idea the Congressman has been fighting to see come to life for about 20 years, nearly three years after his death it did."He made things happen," said Congressman Mark Critz. "He was passionate about taking care of men and woman, I know he'd be thrilled about having his name on the building but he'd be saying 'What can we do next?"
"It seems like he is still living and still making a difference," said Joyce Murtha.
"By cutting [the] ribbon on the John Murtha Center today, we remain always faithful to the causes of Jack's life: the strength of our nation, the health of our Wounded Warriors, and the well-being of the American people," said Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Leader.
"Just knowing we have the latest and most cutting edge technology... I know our lives our in better hands," said Hosaflook.
