Secretary McDonough

Good morning, everyone, and what a terrific showing by the American Legion, by Legionnaires.

Good morning. It’s an honor to be here with so many Veterans, their families, survivors, and of course, President Biden.

Veterans who were exposed to toxic fumes while fighting for our country are American heroes, and they deserve world-class care and benefits for their selfless service. The bipartisan PACT Act will help VA deliver for those Veterans—and their survivors—by empowering us to presumptively provide care and benefits to Vets suffering from more than 20 toxic exposure-related conditions.

Good afternoon, everyone! What an incredible showing for RISE22 ... record attendance, I’m told.

The Department of Veterans Affairs welcomed the news of the confirmation of Shereef Elnahal, M.D. as Under Secretary for Health.

Mike, thank you for that kind introduction and, Tom, thanks for offering me the opportunity to help kick-off this year’s very, very important symposium.

It’s a privilege to be with you in this beautiful memorial to pay tribute to the legacy of the first and only all Black female unit to serve during World War II, women of The Greatest Generation.

The spirit of Memorial Day is still fresh in our memories, inspiring us—those  powerful reflections on the enormous sacrifices so many Veterans have made for all of us since before this country was founded. Yesterday was the 78th anniversary of D-Day—another incredible reminder of the sacrifice and courage of those we serve.

For the story of Justin’s service, the year was 2009, and Justin had come out of retirement to go on active duty in Iraq at the height of the war—serving as a part of the 34th Infantry Division’s Army National Guard Band... that’s Minnesota’s Red Bull.

It’s a celebration of more than one million lesbian, gay, and bisexual Veterans in the United States. It’s a celebration of the thousands of VA employees who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. It’s a celebration of a country and VA that have come a long way toward equity and equality. And it is so very important.

On May 22nd, 2009, Mike was leading his Marines on a foot patrol when an Improvised Explosive Device—or IED—exploded underneath him, badly severing his left leg and sending shrapnel through his body.

Bonnie Carroll, thank you for that kind introduction, and for your outstanding leadership of this remarkable organization. For nearly three decades, you’ve done this work with unerring focus and skill, and you have been a steady champion for survivors—helping them sustain connections to VA, to the military, and to each other.