AMVETS Optimistic VA Secretary Nominee Has What It Takes to Fix VA
Lanham, Md. (PRWEB) July 01, 2014 -- AMVETS (American Veterans) National Executive Director Stewart Hickey today released the following statement after President Obama’s announcement that he intends to nominate former Proctor & Gamble chief executive Robert A. McDonald to be the next Secretary of Veterans Affairs:
“AMVETS (American Veterans) is optimistic that President Obama’s nominee for Veterans Affairs Secretary, former Proctor & Gamble CEO Robert (Bob) McDonald, will have what it takes to fix the VA’s systemic problems and instill the serious culture change needed. It’s promising that McDonald is an outside business leader who worked his way up to lead one of the largest and complex corporations. The fact that he has some prior military experience himself as well as his family's history of honored service should help him understand the needs and issues of veterans. In theory, he should well understand the vital link between a fully-funded Independent Budget and ensuring that VA has the resources they need. His business experience suggests McDonald will step into the federal government crucible fully aware and less tainted by its bureaucracies and influences. Filling the position of the VA is just the start of what’s needed to fix the VA and there will be many shortfalls and gaps. We encourage McDonald to seek and use the expertise, insight and guidance of AMVETS and other Veteran Service Organizations, as well as private sector healthcare.”
“We are steadfast in our resolve. Whomever is confirmed as VA Secretary must exercise his or her authority to hold management and staff accountable for their inappropriate behavior, and make the tough but right business decisions to immediately stop the corruption and mismanagement within the VA. The VA must make good on the nation’s promise to its honored veterans.”
About AMVETS:
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation’s citizens and veterans alike. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from each branch of the military including the National Guard and Reserves. To learn more visit http://www.amvets.org.
Dave Gai, AMVETS (American Veterans), http://www.amvets.org, +1 301-683-4035, [email protected]
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