On Monday, while President Obama promised sailors in Florida that "your nation will fulfill its responsibilities to you," Defense Secretary Robert Gates told a crowd of mental health experts in Washington D.C. that more work needs to be done quickly to adequately address post-traumatic stress disorder and related illnesses.

The remarks, which came at the start of a joint DOD/VA four-day summit, echoed comments from top leadership in both departments over the last few months. VA Secretary Eric Shinseki said only a small fraction of the troops returning from combat suffer serious emotional trauma, but for those "it could mean treatment for a long time."

The summit is designed to help improve those services and access to care. Over the next three days, psychological experts, program administrators and veterans support groups will meet in work sessions to discuss gaps in current offerings as well as new treatments.

Gates told the crowd he specifically hopes to find more program options for family members of returning troops who may be suffering from PTSD, and asked for a critical look at how well publicized many of the existing treatment options after hearing complaints from those in the ranks.

"Beyond waging the wars we are in, treatment of our wounded, their continuing care, and eventual reintegration into everyday life is my highest priority," Gates told the crowd. "I consider this a solemn pact between those who have suffered and the nation that owes them its eternal gratitude."

A full report on the summit's findings is expected by the end of the year.

[PHOTO: Defense Department]