Deputy Secretary Gibson

Today, 15 years into the 21st Century, a new generation of warriors are making their own place in history, serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, and other posts around the globe.

Today, 15 years into the 21st Century, a new generation of warriors are making their own place in history, serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, and other posts around the globe.

When we think about the role and the contributions of Veterans to our Nation, education has always been a key part of the equation.

When we think about the role and the contributions of Veterans to our Nation, education has always been a key part of the equation.

We already know our VA supply chain is not what it should be, in terms of its ability to manage spending and ensure deliveries. ...we need our logistics processes streamlined, and product procurement standardized.

Collaborations, teaming, partnerships, affiliations—alliances of all sorts that are essential to business in the 21st century.

Imagine trying to overhaul a large healthcare system, update business processes, and implement an organization-wide cultural shift. Now imagine having to do all that in the Federal Government.

I want to talk about the most fundamental principles of leadership–mission and values, and ownership and accountability.

A couple years ago, I went to West Point for the first home game of the season. At lunch before the game, I was seated next to a young soldier. His dad, Craig, introduced me to his son, Army Sergeant First Class Cory Remsburg.

Our mission—yours and mine and all Americans’—is, to care for those who have “borne the battle,” and their families and survivors.

To our 11 future cemetery directors, you have a chosen a profession that demands excellence and perfection. At every VA cemetery I visit, your willingness to accept the obligation to serve our fallen heroes and their families speaks volumes about who you are as public servants.

We still have work to do. Veterans’ demand for care and benefits still exceeds VA’s capacity to meet that demand, and, as a result, Veterans wait too long.