American Legion eager to work with new VA Secretary

WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National Commander Charles E. Schmidt of The American Legion issued the following statement concerning President-Elect Trump's selection of Dr. David J. Shulkin to lead the department of Veterans Affairs:

"My staff and I have worked closely with Dr. Shulkin and believe he has improved the Veterans Health Administration in the short time he has been at the helm.  I met with him just last month and believe he is deeply committed to improving VA care and all of the services that VA provides to veterans.   If confirmed by the Senate, Dr. Shulkin will continue to find The American Legion to be a resourceful and knowledgeable friend with nearly a century of experience as an advocate for America's veterans. While The American Legion believes in a strong and robust VA, friends tell each other the unvarnished truth. When VA serves veterans well, we will say so. When it doesn't, we will demand fixes. The American Legion has a team of Washington-based staff, and expert volunteers from across the nation, who are eager to meet with Dr. Shulkin to discuss ways to modernize an antiquated appeals system, decrease wait times for health care and hold poor-performing VA staff accountable. We believe that Dr. Shulkin shares our goals."

With a current membership of 2.2 million wartime veterans, The American Legion, www.legion.org, 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 more than 13,000 posts across the nation.

Media contacts: John Raughter (317) 630-1350 / 317-441-8847 (cell), [email protected]  or Michael Dorsey (202) 263-5758, [email protected]

SOURCE The American Legion

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