President Obama’s visit to Phoenix today gave the nation’s commander-in-chief an opportunity to see first-hand the work VA is doing to improve its ability to serve Veterans in a timely and effective manner, areas where more progress is needed and further steps that are planned. Specifically, the president was briefed on:

Sec McDonald and Maj. Gen. Robles

Sec McDonald and Maj. Gen. Robles at the Phoenix VAMC.

Another major announcement made during the visit was the establishment of the MyVA Advisory Committee.  The members of the committee bring to VA extensive experience in customer service, large-scale organizational change and Veteran advocacy. The group will meet multiple times per year to review progress made toward achieving the goals of MyVA, and give advice to the Secretary and VA’s leaders on further improvements for the department.

“The success of MyVA will be Veterans who are better served by VA, so the work of this committee is incredibly important,” said Secretary Bob McDonald. “The collective wisdom of our committee members is invaluable and each of them understands that VA must improve customer service and focus the department on the needs of our Veterans. They are dedicated to that mission and I am grateful for their principled service to our Veterans.”

 

Here is a list of the committee members and their bios:

Joe RoblesMaj. Gen. Josue “Joe” Robles Jr.
Mr. Robles retired from the U.S. Army as a major general after 28 years in service and joined the United States Automobile Association (USAA), where he assumed the position of president and CEO in December 2007. In 2009, The Christian Science Monitor named Robles the “No. 1 Veteran in Business,” and American Banker named him “Innovator of the Year.” Mr. Robles retired from USAA in February 2015. He will serve as Chairman of the MyVA Advisory Committee.		 Theresa CarlsonTeresa Carlson, vice president of Worldwide Public Sector Amazon Web Services
Ms. Carlson brings more than 20 years of experience as a business executive driving innovation and change, and producing successful business results. She is a leader in the information technology field. Prior to joining Amazon, she served as vice president of federal government business at Microsoft. She has 15 years of experience in the health care field and was recently named to Washingtonian Magazine’s “100 Most Powerful Women,” among other awards.
Herman BullsHerman Bulls, international director and chairman public institutions at Jones Lang LaSalle
Mr. Bulls has vast experience in executive oversight of teams in real estate development, investment management, asset management, facilities operations and business development and retention. He serves on corporate boards including USAA, Tyco International, Comfort Systems and Exelis. Additionally he serves as a director of the West Point Association of Graduates and the Military Bowl, an NCAA sanctioned post season football game.  An Army Veteran, Bulls is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and Harvard Business School.		 Michael HaynieMichael Haynie, Ph.D., vice chancellor of Syracuse University
Dr. Haynie provides strategic leadership within the University’s campus-wide portfolio of Veteran and military-connected programs, partnerships and research – and works to develop new initiatives across the institution. He is an Air Force Veteran and serves as the chairman of the Secretary of Labor’s Advisory Committee on Veteran Employment, Training, and Employer Outreach. Haynie serves as executive director of the University’s Institute for Veterans & Military Families, and he is the founder of Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities program. He will service as Vice Chairman of the MyVA Advisory Committee
Richard CarmonaRichard H. Carmona, M.D., 17th Surgeon General of the United States
Dr. Carmona is a combat decorated and disabled U.S. Army Special Forces Vietnam Veteran.  He is currently a distinguished professor at the University of Arizona, holds numerous public and private leadership positions and has extensive experience in public health, clinical sciences, health care management, national preparedness and a commitment to prevention as an effective means to improve public health and reduce health care costs while improving the quality and quantity of life.		 Delos CosgroveDelos “Toby” M. Cosgrove, M.D., CEO and president of the Cleveland Clinic
Dr. Cosgrove has emphasized patient care and patient experience in his leadership of the Cleveland Clinic, including the reorganization of clinical services. Dr. Cosgrove has launched major wellness initiatives for patients, employees and communities. He was ranked in Modern Healthcare’s “100 most powerful people in healthcare” and “most powerful physician executives.” He is a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
Laura HerreraLaura Herrera, M.D., deputy secretary for public health for the Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene
Dr. Herrera has served as chief medical officer for Maryland and assisted the secretary of health on implementation of innovative health delivery reform structures in the state system. She served as a medical officer in the U.S. Army Reserve, as national director of Women’s Health and the acting deputy chief officer of patient care services in the VA’s Veterans Health Administration.		 Christopher HowardChris Howard, president of Hampden-Sydney College
Mr. Howard currently serves as president of Hampden-Sydney College. In addition, he was nominated and confirmed as a member of the National Security Education Program Board. Howard is a member of the board of directors of the American Council on Education and has served as vice president for leadership & strategic initiatives at the University of Oklahoma. He is a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.
Nancy KilleferNancy Killefer
Ms. Killefer served as a senior director in the Washington, D.C. office of McKinsey & Company. During her career, Killefer has focused on strategy, marketing and organizational effectiveness and efficiency issues with an emphasis on consumer-based and retail industries. Killefer also founded and led McKinsey’s global public sector practice. She is a former chief financial officer, chief operating officer and assistant secretary for management at the United States Department of the Treasury, and has previously chaired the IRS Oversight Board. Killefer now serves on a number of corporate boards and is the vice chair of the Defense Business Board.		 Fred LeeFred Lee, best-selling author and health care industry expert
Mr. Lee is a nationally recognized expert and consultant in the patient and family experience.  He is the author of the best-selling health care leadership book, “If Disney Ran Your Hospital, 9 ½ Things You Would Do Differently.”  His career in hospital management and expertise in quality improvement has changed the language of patient satisfaction in hospitals, and introduced experience based improvement to change management and staff engagement.  
Connie MarianoEleanor “Connie” Mariano, M.D., founder of the Center for Executive Medicine
Dr. Mariano was the first female director of the White House medical unit and the first military woman to become a White House physician to the President. Dr. Mariano joined Mayo Clinic’s executive health program upon departure from the White House, and has since founded the Center for Executive Medicine. Mariano is a retired Navy Rear Admiral.		 Jean ReevesJean Reaves, president of North Carolina AMVETS Service Foundation
Ms. Reaves is a Vietnam-era Veteran who has been a Veteran advocate for more than 20 years. She is a member of AMVETS and several other Veteran service organizations.  She is currently president of North Carolina AMVETS Service Foundation.  Reaves also served as Veteran liaison for United States Sen. Kay Hagan. She also is the wife and mother of Veterans.
Lourdes TiglaoMaria “Lourdes” Tiglao, director of outreach and resource development of The District Communications Group
Ms. Tigalo is a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force and  co-founder of the first USAF critical care medical attendant team in the Pacific. Tigalo currently serves as regional communications manager for Team Rubicon, a Veteran disaster response service organization.		 Robert WallaceRobert E. Wallace, assistant adjutant general and executive director of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
Mr. Wallace is a Vietnam Veteran and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of VFW activities in Washington, D.C. Wallace’s VFW service follows a successful career in banking, and positions in New Jersey state government in Veterans Affairs and the Employment and Training commission.

 

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36 Comments

  1. Michael P. Sullivan March 30, 2015 at 13:55

    Very insightful comments about representation, overall.

    I would like to see an added person on the Advisory Committee, especially with expertise on communicating with older veterans.

    The average age of the veteran population is 58. The average age of VA patients is 63. Communications are different when dealing with older persons.

    The VA Secretary, Bob McDonald, also acknowledges that the veteran population is aging.

  2. James Elder March 29, 2015 at 08:52

    How can I be part of the MyVA Advisory Committee?

  3. M Tremeth March 23, 2015 at 17:03

    I would like to know who appointed these people. Are they there to help veterans or the VA? There is a difference. If they were appointed by the VA or the administration we know who the represent.

  4. BriGette McCoy March 23, 2015 at 09:07

    It is very important that we have working committees of diverse military rank and background who are community advocates and actually utilize the VA healthcare system for more than an annual checkup. Personally I have utilized clinics over the past 6 Years. I am also a woman veteran advocate of all eras, service branches and service times. It’s considerably problematic to have someone “drop in” occasionally at the VA and have them saying everything looks good. I appreciate all of the committee members, their military and work history but those are my concerns.

  5. Santiago Blanco, R.N., CNOR March 22, 2015 at 15:12

    Great. Now if we could fastback the opening of some evening clinics and night clinics also. I have live in Arkansas, California and spent some time in Iowa also. When is the VA going to stop coddling their Staff (Healthcare Practioners) and have them stay until some of us who aren’t retired get off work?
    Otherwise I believe the VA does have some great staff and volunteers. Especially, Geta Cojucar at the Long Beach VA in California.

  6. Norman March 21, 2015 at 11:39

    I was recently turned away from a VA appt. because some disabled vets are not welcome or not able to be treated equally because the VA lacks the facilities to accommodate ALL disabled veterans. I did get paperwork to find a civilian care facility but was not able to find one willing to accept or deal with the VA reimbursement/payment system. I noticed the new MyVA board lacks a website and a simple way to provide input/feedback. I’m assuming that will come later? I also noticed there is no one on the Board with a background in treating disabled veterans or with ADA experience? The VA really needs to reorient itself from being more concerned with image and changing veterans to a culture of caring and helping veterans in need. Thanks for the effort.

  7. Edward Eckroth March 20, 2015 at 08:59

    The VA continues to neglect Veterans in the creation of this committee to improve the Veterans experience. To fully understand what the veteran’s experience, you must walk a mile in their shoes.

    This committee has no representation of Catastrophically Disabled Veterans. The creation of any committee without the inclusion and representation by a Blind Individual is simply Discrimination. A sighted person cannot imagine the difficulties and discrimination blind individuals face everyday

    This very site which everyone is leaving comments is not fully 508 compliant. A Blind Veteran using adaptive equipment cannot leave a comment without the assistance of a sighted individual as there is not an audible feature with captcha code.

    To this date the VA does not provide Claims decisions or produce veteran’s manuals in braille or MP3 to veterans whom are blind. A Blind Veteran truly must choose between the right to privacy and right to a fair claim process.

    To improve the Veterans experience, you must understand the difficulties the veteran’s experience. This can only be done by including individuals whom walk in those shoes every day.

    • Megan Moloney March 20, 2015 at 10:11

      Edward, as for the captcha code here on Vantage Point: we will be soon be changing our commenting to a different system that will not require the captcha code, which should make it easier for Veterans and others using adaptive equipment to engage on the blog. It’s an issue we are aware of and were already working to address. We hope it will make the experience here on the new Vantage Point better for all readers.

  8. Joseph Axt March 19, 2015 at 12:23

    Once again a committee has been formed with no real thought of who they are supposed to be helping.
    you can include the best customer service and business minds in the country but if they don’t know their target audience then it is all for nothing.
    It is my belief that is true for this one because for the reason it took me to get my wife to help me to post this comment because of improper accessibility features. the captcha doesn’t have an audio feature so a blind veteran cannot post without help.
    This committee needs to include representatives for the veterans they are supposed to help, such as: Blinded Veterans, paralized Vets, and the American Legion.
    This committee will fail because they don’t recognize the many illnesses and disabilities that veterans are dealing with and the many services needed to fulfill this mission.
    This committee needs to represent the veterans they are supposed to help and not just the business community, therefore adequate veteran service organizations should be included.

  9. Jake Louis abraham March 18, 2015 at 10:29

    Yes I agree need someone who knows about the enlisted personnel. They have different needs. Everyone on committee is a big wig. You need a everyday joe or Jane. Might be better to have a separate comi of different services rank ,race and time. My dad was in Air Force and Raf and I was in army and navy, military brat would be great to have on committee.

  10. Bobby Emerine March 18, 2015 at 00:46

    If that is the case, why are appointments still taking two months for confirmation of the appointment?

  11. Valerie Lewis March 17, 2015 at 16:13

    Once again you have demonstrated how very out of touch you are with the problems on the ground. Institutionalizing a problem will not produce the desired results. If you truly want to improve services and restore trust with the Veteran patrons you will need a more balanced approach to solutions. Veteran patrons are sick and tired of rhetoric and bureaucracy they want results and are much more aptly suited to spear-head change and pioneer the new frontier. You will need to create a vehicle of neutral, open, honest feedback and core process implementation in order for this new department to be successful.

  12. Jen Setton March 17, 2015 at 11:59

    Like many of the other commentors, the major flaw I see is that these members have no working knowledge of the baseline VA operations or systems. It’s very difficult to understand what to implement and how to implement it effectively when you don’t know where you’re starting from or what you really have to work with. Unless you’ve actually done the job of sitting in a clinic and working with Veterans, for all your good intentions, you will fail to implement real change. In my experience, these types of advisors come up with very general concepts but have no idea how to implement them, and they just end up producing another tome of corporate buzzwords. I urge Secretary McDonald to switch tactics and work bottom up instead of top down if he really wants to fix the system. He and his ‘seniors” should spend a few weeks trying to actually use the scheduling package themselves. Experience the front line, not as a big visit walk-through, survey, or simulation, but hands-on. Fixing the foundation first will have a positive impact all the way up the chain. I applaud the intentions and lofty ideas but the devil is in the details, and those details are exactly what this committee has no knowledge of.

  13. Dr. Chris Robinson March 17, 2015 at 10:37

    What about representation from Vets as customers of the product and serivces the committe is designed to address? For this process to work, the customer should be involved and have a equal voice on the committe. I volunteer.

  14. M.S. Hagan March 17, 2015 at 02:02

    I concur that those chosen for the board — although probably nice people — are “too high and mighty” to really properly address the VA medical and VA support problems.
    This board/panel is mostly a financial status that has little to nothing in common with those who actually depend on VA for support. This is just (with perhaps an exception or two) a panel of figureheads–decorative eye-candy. Sure, having a couple of bean-counters/business majors makes sense, and physicians who can understand the medical staff issues, but there needs to be some economic diversity! Add some service members who have had to seek help only to get mistreated. A retired general isn’t subjected to the same treatment as a “lowly” E2 through E5 — the general will probably wonder what all the whining is all about because he/she is treated like royalty!

    I also agree that phone calls need to get answered, voicemail calls returned and propér respect given — regardless of rank, the lower ranking vets’ time is just as important as the upper-ranks. These are not stupid, lazy nobodies — these are service members our government sent in harm’s way, they deserve better treatment along with proper human respect.

    Vets are being treated as though the VA is welfare rather than an earned benefit. An extremely high percentage of the vets today have seen combat — often several times — so their bills have been paid well in advance! They have earned the right to be taken care of properly. This is not charity and the vet should never be made to feel like beggars, which
    I have witnessed on too many occasions. I am a 90% disabled vet.

  15. Bobbie Allison-Standefer March 16, 2015 at 14:31

    I read this with interest since we (our nonprofit) are putting together a Veterans Whole Health Center in our city to bring more therapies to local returning soldiers and veterans and their families. Our Advisory Board consists of 12 veterans. Two of the vets are from Viet Nam. The others are: one from Desert Storm and the rest from OIF, Iraq and Afghanistan. We started this at the request of a local VA Social Worker and a couple of the VA psychologists who were frustrated with the system and with having nothing but drugs and psychotherapy to help these veterans. They reached out to a nonprofit who specializes in integrated therapies and has a successful track record. We are now putting together a partnership with nonprofits and community organizations with the help of some corporate funding to get much needed services to these veterans suffering from PTSD and TBI and also, to their families who are trying to cope with something they don’t understand when their loved one returns from battle scarred mentally and emotionally if not physically.
    We also have started working with local vets who have certified to be service officers to help veterans with great needs who get a NO when first trying to get help from the VA. We have heard all the same frustrations as those who have already commented about the VA. I don’t feel this particular National Advisory Committee will be able to do much unless they do listen and create a way for access, a process, for veterans who actually suffer and try to use the VA system. However, it is a step forward and better than doing nothing if they listen to our veterans and create a better system.

  16. Ray Breeding March 16, 2015 at 08:21

    I am SOOOOO TIRED of seeing where BIG NAME personnel are always apponted to Boards, while the “little man”…like me and others…are always left off. It’s totally amazing that this kind of thing happens all the time….”big names get appointed, while every day “little men veterans” from the trenches get bypassed”. That’s a travesty, and cries out to be corrected.

  17. David M Rambhajan March 15, 2015 at 19:44

    Should there not be representation by Veteran Small Business on the committee?

  18. Donald burks March 15, 2015 at 16:34

    If you the “Veterans Affairs Group” want real answers and better ways to help Veterans, then set up a email assess that we can address you. We are the real problem, not the VA hospitals, doctors or other helpers. These groups have a job to do and only do that job, So they see no problem. We the VETERAN is the ones being ignored, misinformed, not treated or just straight out lied to. The professionals are doing their JOB, it’s the management that gets us to the professionals that leaves us outside looking in. An no MANAGEMENT is going to say we have a problem. LET THE VETERANS HELP SOLVE THE PROBLEM!!!!!
    Thanks
    Donald Burks FTGC
    US Navy Retired
    100% Disabled

  19. Hermon March 14, 2015 at 20:16

    How about including people who are “in the trenches”? It’s nice to have all these high powered individuals on the MyVa Advisory board, but do they really see what is going on. I would have included some GS5/6/7 VA employees. After all they are the ones who ultimately have to deal with the veterans when upper management puts out the policies. I would have also included regular veterans who use the VA Health Care system on a regular basis.

  20. Juan B. Gonzalez Charon March 14, 2015 at 19:40

    Hi,
    This is a vet that would need to explain to whoever is sending this email, that not everybody has the luck in not having their records screwed up as mines. Why does the V.A. mail these Vet Choice Card, when what this program may have is “that no” has investigated who’s records are so screwed up that the agency that receives the phone calls for eligibility says that they have no such records of individuals as myself that are not close to the 30 day appointment schedule as me ( 30 to 90 days) wait time but the V.A. hospital does not have their records up to date and would cause them to stay waiting for appointments that they may never see or died before schedule as people have with the same decease I have. So instead of maybe wasting money emailing these incorrect messages time should be use in really knowing who is being put in life jeopardy because of screwed up records.
    To Who it May Concerned.

  21. lambda5555m March 14, 2015 at 18:20

    I find it very distressing that there is only one Disabled Veteran on the board. It also appears that none of them served in Desert Storm or OIF/OEF. Maybe they did, but it doesn’t mention it. There are two Vietnam Vets on the board, but I find that is problematic because the medical conditions that Veterans face is completely different from Vietnam Veterans. Why is there no Desert Storm Veterans on the board? What about a 100% Disabled Veteran? What about someone that served in both Desert Storm and OIF/OEF? There are a lot of different medical problems that happened in both of these other combat zones that do not appear to be represented on the board. Was there anyone Enlisted or an NCO on the board? It appears to me that many of these board members are board members on other boards and is that all they do? Retired Admirals and Generals are not what are going to figure out what is happening or how it needs to be fixed. Who came up with this board? i am not impressed and it is just another group of people in high positions that are going to determine what the masses will do. I am not happy about this and hope the membership would be reconfigured and some of the people I mentioned above put on the board. Shameful for leaving out important people…..

  22. Jason Kahl March 14, 2015 at 15:24

    10 weeks going through the Neurosurgery…is THAT ACCEPTABLE?
    Its STILL going ON!?
    I can hardly leave my house, my dear friend pasted away just last night. I was UNABLE TO BE WITH HIM!
    ITS VA’s FAULT!!!!!
    Yet another…I will NEVER FORGIVE!!!

  23. Jason Kahl March 14, 2015 at 15:18

    10 weeks and still going through the Neurosurgery Department.
    Things have NOT changed, the Policies dumb.
    I spoke to the Surgery Dept, the VERY people I needed. But their hands were tied because a referal from a primary
    doctor that was on vacation was not put in.
    They were going to let a Pre Op Cardiac approval appointment April 2nd for a Expidited Surgery?;
    December 26th…and I am still waiting to have surgery! Still Waiting here in Pain!
    To tell ME things. Have CHANGED! Is a LIE! To tell it to yourselves…. Your Stupid!
    Jason Kahl xx78 New Orleans Patient

  24. Lawrence A. Dos Santos March 14, 2015 at 12:42

    There are two very important Veterans Organizations that are not represented on this Advisory Committee. The Vietnam Veterans of America ( VVA ) and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America ( IAVA ). VVA has years of experienced in dealing with the VA Health Care System and Service Connected Disability Claim via accredited VA Service Reps. IAVA is home to our youngest Veterans and provides support services. Another Group left out are the Directors of State Divisions of Veterans Affair, especially those that provide VA Compensation Claims Assistance. as a Service Reps. accredited by the VA.

    One thing that would speed up Veterans’ Disability Compensation Claims is to to do away with Compensation Examinations.
    The information from VA or Private Doctors should be enough to rate claims. If VA Claims Personnel need more information, they can request it from the Doctors. This is very important in regard to PTSD Claims. The relationship between Veterans and their Psychiatrists is based on trust. To have a VA Psychologists talk to a Veteran and than assign a Compensation Rtating makes no sense. A Veteran can not develop any trust in hour and the Psychologist can’t truly know a Veteran during the same period of tIme. A Psychiatrist is a Doctor who has spent quite a bit of time with him or her and created a relationship of trust.
    I spent 8 years as the Director of the Suffolk Veterans’ Service Agency and about 8 years as a Deputy Director of the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs. I held Accreditations from the VA as a Claims Representative for the Vietnam Veterans of America, Marine Corps and the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs.
    I had the distinct privilege and honor to have served with the 1st Bn 4th Marines as an Infantry Fire Team Leader in Vietnam 67-68.

  25. Mack D. Gooding March 14, 2015 at 12:37

    Why are no ordinary Vets, users of the system, included on the panel? Based on the resume of the panel members, how much time and thought will they be able to devote to MyVA while still pursuing their careers? This is a prestigious panel with many valuble talents, but I doubt that any of these people have ever actually used the VA Health Care system. They can and do afford private care. Actual users of the system would provide valuable insight to these problem solvers. I volunteer, at my own expense, to be a member of such a user panel.

  26. John Turner March 14, 2015 at 09:43

    I think it might be a bit more beneficial to have some plain old younger veterans from Vietnam Era or served there of the enlisted ranks. Officers, CEOs, etc., etc., are all well and nice and sometimes required to get things done, are usually out of touch with those who really need their services.

  27. Catherine Gerolimatos March 14, 2015 at 09:35

    What I don’t see on this Advisory Board is any representation of the actually recipients of VA health care. I guarantee you, they know what they need, want & expect. I want a state of the art medical equipment and practioners. Access to the latest treatment protocols. I want respect. I want to be treated with dignity. I want my telephone calls answered. I want my telephone calls returned. I want appointments that work with my schedule. I don’t want to feel like when I show up for an appointment I’ve just arrived for the daily cattle call.

  28. George Woodruff March 14, 2015 at 08:45

    This committee sounds like a good idea. Why not add competition between VA facilities with public awards for those who reduce wait times and improve service to veterans. It could be a morale raiser for VA employees an result in favorable media coverage which could improve the VA’s image in the minds of veterans and the public. The awards could be pennants that fly over the winning VA facilities kind of like the World War Two E- Award for excellence given to companies who did the most for the war effort. That program actually worked to improve morale and instill pride.

  29. Larry D Dobbins March 13, 2015 at 20:21

    Is there someone on this committee I can write to that will be collecting ideas from veterans at large for better business and operation processes?

    I have a lot of process improvement suggestions for the VA, based on my experience in process reengineering and thirteen years of dealing with the VA for my own health care.

    I’m a retired veteran with an MBA concentrated on Information Systems and Operations Management, a CPA, and a CPIM. I was a manager at Verizon for a number of years, responsible for their business process for capital planning and control through operational asset management. I also hold one patent for a business-software process.

  30. Larry D Dobbins March 13, 2015 at 20:19

    I there someone on this committee that will be collecting ideas from veterans at large for better business and operation processes?

    I have a lot of process improvement suggestions for the VA, based on my experience in process reengineering and thirteen years of dealing with the VA for my own health care.

    I’m a retired veteran with an MBA concentrated on Information Systems and Operations Management, a CPA, and a CPIM. I was a manager at Verizon for a number of years, responsible for their business process for capital planning and control through operational asset management. I also hold one patent for a business-software process.

  31. Lee C. Almquist March 13, 2015 at 19:50

    Need immediate VA assistance on death of a US Army veteran. Member of American Legion. Who should we contact?

    • Gary Hicks March 16, 2015 at 11:01

      On behalf of VA’s National Cemetery Administration (NCA) : “Thank you for contacting us. Veteran service organizations play an important role in helping to honor our Nation’s heroes. More information about VA Memorial Benefits can be found at http://www.cem.va.gov. We reached out to you separately via e-mail to discuss your specific situation.”

  32. Trena Payton March 13, 2015 at 18:01

    They should have appointed some average everyday vets as well. When you are a doctor or CEO you don’t really have the same issues as a person that just needs their CPAP clinic to return your call. Diversity of hierarchy experiences would have been a nice touch and enlightening I’m sure.

    • min min March 16, 2015 at 12:43

      I totally agree. Very disappointing that the VA did not choose actual Veterans who rely on VA services on a regular basis for all their healthcare needs.
      Why not choose some Vets who filed complaints via heir Iris system to assist in pointing out deficiencies in the VA system & address how to make needed changes as well as see those changes implemented in the VA system.
      Their committee panel of persons is ridiculous and it is sad that they did not include actual consumers of VA services—the Veterans who rely on the VA for their health care, mental health care.

  33. Tamela Ketchmore March 13, 2015 at 17:38

    I am a Captain (Ret) Persian Gulf War Combat Disable Veteran. I am writing this E-Mail because I am concern that the VA has established My VA Advisory Committee and their is not a representation of African American Women Veterans selected to be a member of this Committee. African American women have served in all Branches of the Armed Force’s and I feel it is important that we should be included on this committee. Sincerely Tamela D. Ketchmore Captain (Ret) United-States Army

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