Washington, DC—(ENEWSPF)—May 30, 2014. The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Pfc. Jacob H. Wykstra, 21, of Thornton, Colorado, died May 28, in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained as a result of an aircraft accident. The incident is under[Read More…]

Washington, DC—(ENEWSPF)—May 30, 2014. I want to thank Secretary Shinseki for his long and distinguished service to our country, both in and out of uniform. His devotion to our troops, our veterans and their families remained steadfast throughout and evident always in his willingness to lead. Lilibet and I thank[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–May 30, 2014.  This morning, I resigned as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. My personal and professional commitment and my loyalty to Veterans, their families, and our survivors was the driving force behind that decision. That loyalty has never wavered, and it will never wane. Over the course of the[Read More…]

Portland, OR–(ENEWSPF)–May 30, 2014.  Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Shinseki announced his resignation earlier today:   “Secretary Shinseki has served our country with honor for decades. Though I believe that new leadership is necessary at the VA, I have the[Read More…]

WASHINGTON, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–May 30, 2014.  U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today made the following statement after President Obama announced he had accepted the resignation of the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Eric Shinseki.  “The Inspector General’s report is a call to action for Congress and the White House[Read More…]

Two Hines Physicians and a Social Worker Detail Misconduct; Claim Intimidation and Retaliation Block Willingness to Cooperate with Investigators CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–May 30, 2014.  U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) today met with Edward J. Hines, Jr. VA Hospital whistleblowers to outline specific allegations of misconduct and corruption at the Hines VA. Germaine[Read More…]

BURLINGTON, Vt.–(ENEWSPF)–May 30 – Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement today after President Barack Obama accepted the resignation of Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki: “Secretary Shinseki is an American hero who courageously served his country in war,  rose to be the[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–May 30, 2014 – 11:17 A.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT:  Good morning, everybody.  A few minutes ago, Secretary Shinseki and Rob Nabors, who I’ve temporarily assigned to work with the VA, presented me with the department’s initial review of VA facilities nationwide.   And what they’ve found is that the misconduct[Read More…]

Chicago—(ENEWSPF)—May 29, 2014. In a simple and moving ceremony at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2014, Mr. Chindavanh Keomuongchanh was honored by Erica Borggren, Director, Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) as the Veteran of the Month for June 2014 at the Elgin Veterans Memorial Park.    “In their military[Read More…]

Washington, DC—(ENEWSPF)—May 29, 2014. Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby provided the following statement: “On Tuesday, Secretary Hagel outlined the parameters of the comprehensive review he ordered of the department’s military health system. “The 90-day review will be led by Deputy Secretary of Defense Bob Work, with the assistance[Read More…]