Paralyzed Veterans of America’s leadership has responded to statements made by President Donald Trump during his press briefing regarding the collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a military helicopter in the greater DC area.
“PVA is deeply sadden by the sudden loss of life of those who perished as the result of the tragic crash of American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Blackhawk helicopter last night. We mourn with the families and friends suffering through this tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with them,” said PVA CEO Carl Blake.
“Today, the President of the United States suggested that people with disabilities may have had a role in the crash when he explicitly stated that individuals with limb loss, partial and complete paralysis, are unqualified and incapable of holding high skilled, high pressure jobs like Air Traffic Controllers. The implication is that veterans with catastrophic disabilities, like amputations and spinal cord injury, are not smart enough, not skilled enough, and generally unqualified for these types of positions.
The President’s statements are shameful. As an Army veteran who spent many nighttime hours in a Blackhawk and who incurred a combat-related spinal cord injury in service to this country, I can speak with authority when I say that veterans and all people with disabilities are dedicated, highly skilled, and fully qualified to tackle the most difficult jobs possible. The fact that disabled veterans are now being shamed and minimized by this administration is disrespectful to their service and contributions to America’s greatness.
For 78 years, PVA has fought for the rights and freedoms of all Americans. We will not sit idly by while the men and women we serve, and who have served with honor and distinction, are pushed into the shadows.”
