WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today joined Mayor Dan Stenvold of Park River, N.D. to present handmade walking sticks, made by Dennis and Phyllis Enger of Park River, to U.S. service members recovering from amputations at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

 During the past several years, the North Dakotans have presented more than 650 of the handmade walking sticks to amputees at Walter Reed. Today, Hoeven participated in presenting an additional 50 walking sticks to service members currently undergoing treatment for injuries sustained while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

“Meeting with these service members is a true honor and inspiration,” said Hoeven. “These remarkable individuals have shown enormous courage and sacrifice in service to our country. While we cannot begin to adequately convey our appreciation, it’s important to express our gratitude, and these walking sticks serve as a symbol of our country’s appreciation and ongoing commitment to support and honor our American heroes. North Dakota is also proud of our residents who have given so generously to help convey the sentiments of all Americans. They, too, deserve our thanks.” 

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, located in Bethesda, Md., is one of the world’s largest, most renowned military medical centers, serving military personnel as well as the president, vice president, and members of Congress. Since 2003, the medical center has treated more than 1,600 war wounded service members. In 2007, the center opened the Military Advanced Training Center facility to offer the most cutting-edge technology to help enhance amputee and patient care.