VA Dr. Katherine Mitchell
reported to The Republic that she received a call last Sunday from a VA
employee who said records were being destroyed at that very moment at
the facility, which is now the subject of VA Inspector General's
investigation into the deaths of as many as 40 veterans whose names were
allegedly kept on a secret list and went unreported.
"These
shocking allegations, if true, are further proof that something is
terribly wrong at the Phoenix VA facility," said Dellinger, leader of
the nation's largest veterans service organization. "VA Secretary Eric Shinseki
has taken the proper steps in placing the facility's director,
associate director and another employee on administrative leave while
this investigation is ongoing. But if it is determined that there was
willful negligence on the part of the staff that resulted in the deaths
of veterans, any ensuing cover-up or destruction of records that could
assist in the investigation, employee terminations and criminal charges
must be brought against those responsible.
"I
also want to acknowledge those who have stepped forward to bring this
situation into the public eye – knowing fully that by speaking up, they
could be jeopardizing their careers with VA. If allegations of record
destruction are proven, their courage and commitment to our nation's
veterans should be commended."
Contact: Marty Callaghan:202-263-5758/202-215-8644, mcallaghan@legion.org. A high resolution photo of Nat. Cmdr.Dellinger is available at www.legion.org.
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