Washington, D.C. – “With the ongoing engagement of American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, thousands of troops are returning home each month to enter an already overburdened Veterans Affairs medical system.  Following the 2007 exposure of neglectful conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and other VA health facilities, it is clear that now more than ever the Department of Veterans Affairs is in desperate need of a new and more attentive leadership structure.

“Throughout his illustrious career, General Shinseki has shown himself to be an honest and unwavering advocate for our men and women in uniform.  President-elect Obama’s nomination of General Shinseki to serve in this important post demonstrates his intention to once again make the health of our veterans a national priority.

“I thank General Shinseki for his patriotic service to our nation and look forward to working with him to better ensure that all our veterans receive the health care services they need to lead more healthy and productive lives.”

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