MAINE SOLDIER TO RETURN TO MAINE

Sgt. Curtis Mills to be released from DC hospital on Friday Washington, DC – Senator Susan Collins released the following statement after receiving a telephone call today from Sgt. Curtis Mills, who is expected to be released from Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC on Friday, August 20th. He will undergo demobilization in Fort Drum, NY for about one week before returning home to Maine. Sgt. Mills has undergone extensive physical rehabilitation at Walter Reed since he was wounded while serving in Iraq last September.

"Sgt. Mills served our country selflessly and shown a tremendous amount of will to overcome his injuries. He is an inspiration to Mainers and all Americans and deserves our respect and gratitude," said Senator Collins. "I was honored to meet with Sgt. Mills both in Walter Reed and on Capitol Hill and am glad to be able to help him return to Maine, so he can continue his rehabilitation while also being at home."

Sgt. Mills called Senator Collins' office to thank her for her assistance in getting the military to approve his transfer from Walter Reed to Maine Medical Center in Portland. Senator Collins, who is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has been working since May with Sgt. Mills, the Army, Walter Reed, and Maine Med to execute the transfer.

"This is a weight off my shoulders," said Sgt. Mills today. "I can't thank Senator Collins enough and am excited at the help I received from the people of Maine and thankful for their generosity."

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