"It
is not the solution, yet it is a beginning. The solution is not
complete with Shinseki's resignation. Too many veterans have waited far
too long to receive the benefits that they have earned. Wait times are
increasing even for fully developed claims. But it was never just about
a few of the top leaders. The solution is to weed out the incompetence
and corruption within the VHA and the VBA so the dedicated employees can
continue to perform admirably on behalf of our nation's veterans. The
American Legion's members and professional staff stand ready to assist
in any way feasible."
The
American Legion was the first major veterans service organization to
call for the resignations of the top three officials at VA following
revelations of secret patient waiting lists, inadequate care, and
excessive and undeserved bonuses to managers at dozens of VA Medical
Centers throughout the United States. Undersecretary for Health Robert Petzel resigned on May 16. No announcement has yet been made about the other official, Undersecretary for Benefits Allison Hickey.
"The American Legion congratulates Acting VA Secretary Sloan Gibson
and we look forward to working with him," Dellinger added. "Secretary
Gibson is assuming an awesome responsibility, which will require
decisive action and the changing of an entire culture. Veterans deserve
the best this country can offer."
With
a current membership of 2.4-million wartime veterans, The American
Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national
security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs.
Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through nearly
14,000 posts across the nation.
RELATED LINKS
http://www.legion.org
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