Secretary McDonough

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of America’s withdrawal from Vietnam. This year and every year, we remember the 58,220 American patriots who were killed or are still missing from that war. A

The Department of Veterans Affairs delivers more care and more benefits to more Veterans than ever before in fiscal year 2023.

Britt, thanks for that kind introduction, and for your advice and counsel. And Leroy, thanks so much for the invitation to join you today, and for your leadership as President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

You once told an audience that our most valuable asset at VA is our people—a force of caring, compassionate, innovative professionals deeply committed to the Veterans we serve. Truer words were never said, and you are one of our most valued professionals. Thank you for your leadership.

California and Pennsylvania are two of the earliest tests of 704, so we don’t have specific updates for you on that. The idea we are pursuing in Pennsylvania is not specifically to cancer care, it’s to a whole range of care options for Veterans there.

Chaplain Willis, thanks for that kind introduction, for your leadership, and for the critical spiritual care you and your team of chaplains bring to Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. And I’m especially grateful, Chaplain Willis, for the work you’re doing in support of the President’s National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism and Islamophobia.

VA awarded nearly $16 million in grant funding to 91 national, regional, and community programs to help more than 13,000 Veterans and service members with disabilities participate in adaptive sports. 

It’s a tremendous honor to join so many extraordinary Veterans, VA teammates, and community leaders to celebrate the history and enduring legacy of the Tuskegee VA Hospital.

Thanks to all of our faith-based and community partners for being here today for this important event. Most importantly, thank you for your partnership and leadership in helping prevent Veteran suicide. Because there is nothing more important than saving Veterans’ lives, together.

Welcome to our September press conference. As experienced reporters, I'm sure you've sleuthed out that I am not, in fact, our esteemed Press Secretary Terrence Hayes. Terrence is on a well-deserved vacation, and I am his far inferior replacement.

Veterans, and their families, caregivers, and survivors now have access to expanded burial benefits to help with end-of-life expenses related to a Veteran’s gravesite, burial, funeral and transportation of remains to their final resting place.

Since 1973, NCA has ensured that Veterans, service members, and their families are honored with a final resting place that pays tribute to their service.