Gov. Rod Blagojevich and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin are teaming up for a special cause - one we think is crucial to the health of soldiers and veterans alike.

Both leaders are pushing their respective branches of government to do more for men and women in the military who have suffered traumatic brain injuries.

What is a traumatic brain injury? Some observers describe it as the signature injury of the Iraq war.

When those infernal improvised explosive devices detonate near a roadside, they maim and kill our soldiers. They also do damage that is not so apparent. In the blast, soldiers' heads are brutally buffeted. Their brains often can't stand the shock, resulting in injuries akin to shaken baby syndrome.

They may have no outward signs anything is wrong, and that's what makes traumatic brain injury so insidious.

Victims have varying symptoms that are hard to diagnose. Some will have headaches, confusion, dizziness or lightheadedness. Others experience mood changes and loss of memory. Still others may go into convulsions or experience weakness or numbness in their extremities. In severe cases, the victim loses the ability to coordinate body movements.

In Illinois, Blagojevich announced a program several weeks ago to screen every returning Illinois National Guard member for traumatic brain injury. Veterans also will be offered the screenings.

"After they've given so much to protect our freedom, we should do everything we can to help them live productive and stable lives when they return home," he said.

In Washington, Durbin has been pushing for the Departments of Defense and Veteran Affairs to put together a comprehensive program to diagnose, treat and rehabilitate soldiers and veterans with traumatic brain injuries. He recently succeeded in getting this program included in an amendment that passed the U.S. Senate by a unanimous vote. Of particular note in Durbin's bill is a requirement that soldiers will be tested for cognitive ability before going to the war zone. That establishes a baseline for later comparison, should they suffer injuries.

Durbin said his amendment will help America fulfill its obligations to its soldiers and veterans. Blagojevich said pretty much the same.

They're absolutely correct. Government should do all it can to take good care of its soldiers and veterans.

These efforts by two leaders from Illinois echo sentiments by an Illinois leader of earlier days. As the Civil War neared its end, President Abraham Lincoln pledged the government's aid "to care for him who shall have borne the battle."

When traumatic brain injury victims are properly cared for and treated, Lincoln's pledge is fulfilled. Thanks to Gov. Blagojevich and Sen. Durbin for insisting government live up to its responsibilities.