Secretary Wilkie

I am humbled and proud to see this magnificent building rise in the name of America’s Veterans. It may seem odd for someone with my background to constantly contemplate the meaning of service, and the meaning of what it means to be a Veteran, but I think General Eisenhower had it about right.

The unknown story of Alaska’s service is that those who could not formally join the military, from ages 80 down to 12, still signed up. Over 6,000 served the United States of America without pay and at great sacrifice. They served fearlessly, and it is my privilege to honor their service.

I am happy to say that the state of the VA is better—better because of the work of this Committee; better because of the attention paid to Veterans Affairs by the President; better because we have a functioning, experienced leadership team in place at all levels; better because we have a workforce dedicated to the care of warriors; and better because the turmoil of the first seven months of 2018 is in the rearview mirror.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of “The War to End all Wars.” Unfortunately, it didn’t end wars.

Today the active force is 17 percent [women]. There are about 250,000 American women deployed in every corner of the world, on the front lines, manning freedom’s cause. They are now the fastest growing single group in the Armed Forces of the United States. And as the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, they are the fastest growing group in our world.

The American Legion has been in the forefront of that noble mission since the beginning. You are powerful advocates for the establishment of the Veterans Bureau in 1921.

On August 3, 2018, Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert L. Wilkie held a Town Hall meeting at VA Central Office. The Town Hall was broadcasted to VA employees nationwide.

On August 3, 2018, Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert L. Wilkie held a Town Hall meeting at VA Central Office. The Town Hall was broadcasted to VA employees nationwide.

Fellow VA employees, It is an overwhelming honor to serve […]

Fellow VA employees, It is an overwhelming honor to serve […]

Let me recognize a local community non-profit. It’s thanks to the work and generosity of good people at A Wider Circle that Veterans living here have furnished apartments.