Secretary Eric K. Shinseki Makes a Promise to the American People to Fight for Veterans Rights and Make Positive Changes For 2009

 

Secretary Eric K. Shinseki spoke in front of Congress making it known to the American people that is well of the problems that Veterans face and that he is going to everything in his power to improve Veteran Affairs.

 

At the meeting, Chairman Filner welcomed the Secretary Eric K. Shinseki to the hearing by saying, “You are a man of great courage and intellectual honesty.  You have been called a ‘soldier’s soldier,’ which is one of the highest accolades your troops can give to you.  We look to you to care for the Nation’s veterans now under your command in the same way.  I look forward to working with you to transform the VA into a 21st century Department.”  Shinseki is a former Army chief of staff, is taking over the government’s second largest agency.

 

You could see in his statement that he respects Secretary Shinseki and everything he has done so far to advocate for the veterans.  This is definitely a good start for 2009.  There words displayed hope and positive change for veterans and their families.  It is clear that he is going to fight hard to provide the services to help Veterans.  His speech and body language showed that he cares a great deal for the Veterans.  We care,” Shinseki said in testimony prepared for a House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing Wednesday.  He also said that he accepted this job (challenge) because he cares and wants to see a positive transformation. 

  
Secretary Shinseki discussed his proposals and goals for the VA.  He was quoted saying, “I intend to encourage teamwork, reward initiative, seek innovation, and demand the highest levels of integrity, transparency and performance in leading the Department through the fundamental and comprehensive change it must quickly undergo, if it is to be transformational.  People induce change, not technology or processes, so transformation is ultimately a leadership issue.” 

Some of the goals and promises he made were as follows:

 

1.     Secretary Shinseki discussed the backlog on benefits claims and the need to move to a paperless, electronic benefits claims system in order to expedite and streamline claims processing.  He promised that he would work hard to obtain this goal.

2.     He also was going to develop one single electronic medical record that follows the veteran from the military to the VA.

3.     He set a goal of putting this system in place by 2012.

4.     Shinseki will also be working on putting together a timely budget for the VA and eliminate the need for continuing resolutions that hamper planning.

5.     The Secretary Shinseki also mentioned that he has been working closely with Department of Defense Secretary Robert Gates to improve the transition process from military to civilian life. 

 

Shinseki also discussed the progress the VA has made in PTSD:

 

Improving post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis and treatment and working with the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.  Shinseki cited that in 2008, the VA was able to intervene and help prevent more than 700 cases of veterans contemplating suicide.

 

Secretary Shinseki realizes that it is important give back to the Veterans because they have devoted their life to helping the America people.  He plans to do everything in his power to give them everything they deserve.

 

One of his statements was as follows:

 

“The privilege of leading the VA is a noble calling,” stated Shinseki.  “I look at it as an opportunity to give back to our veterans.”

 

Secretary Shinseki is going to be committed to being a visible leader and he plans to meet with veterans around the country to learn firsthand of the issues they are dealing with. 

 

His background in the military has already shown us that he is a man that understands the importance of responsibility and getting results.  So many veterans view the VA as ‘Veterans Adversary’ and the Secretary is off to a great start to ensure that veterans will view the VA as ‘Veterans Advocate.’”

Shinseki, a former Army chief of staff, is taking over the government’s second largest agency.  In his testimony, Shinseki said he would review the “fundamentals in every line of operation” to ensure that veterans receive “timely access to the highest quality of benefits and services.”

 

He closed with a quote that I thought was magnificent, “I intend to … demand the highest levels of integrity, transparency and performance in leading the department through the fundamental and comprehensive change it must quickly undergo,” Shinseki said. “There’s a long tradition of VA providing leadership in medicine, of setting standards in many fields. Where we lead, we must continue. Where we do not, we must regain that leadership.”  

 

Now this is the attitude that all Americans should carry. “Where we lead, we must continue. Where we do not, we must regain that leadership. Now this is what America is all about – leadership and results that make a difference to better the lives of the American People.