The American Legion congratulates new VA Secretary, Urges Shulkin to 'keep your promises'

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Feb 13, 2017, 19:32 ET

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The leader of the nation's largest veterans organization congratulated VA Secretary David Shulkin for his confirmation earlier this evening by the U.S. Senate and made clear that The American Legion is counting on him to deliver on promises he made during his testimony.

"As a highly experienced physician, The America Legion has confidence that Dr. Shulkin possesses the skill set, compassion and commitment to restore the trust that veterans need to have in the department that was created to serve their needs," National Commander Charles E. Schmidt said. "During his confirmation hearing, Dr. Shulkin promised greater accountability, improved access, responsiveness and expanded access within his department. He also said that VA will not be privatized. Secretary Shulkin will find that if he delivers on these promises, he will have no greater friend and stronger partner than The American Legion. We are eager to work with Secretary Shulkin on making VA as great as the people it serves."

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) 630-1253 / 317-441-8847 (cell), [email protected].

SOURCE The American Legion