VA Honors Wayne Newton

WASHINGTON — Las Vegas singer and performer Wayne Newton stopped by VA headquarters in Washington, D.C., Tuesday to receive a plaque from Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi in honor of his time and efforts to pay homage to the men and women who have donned our Nation’s uniforms.

“We are grateful for all he has done to honor our Nation’s heroes,” said Principi. “I invited him here to express the appreciation of all VA employees and to personally thank him for his efforts.” 

Secretary Principi presented Newton with a plaque that read: “From a grateful Nation to a great patriot who has given a lifetime of service to America’s veterans, from Vietnam to Afghanistan. Your heart for, and dedication to, those who have served our Nation in uniform exemplifies the very spirit of America.”

Newton’s commitment to America’s veterans dates to Vietnam, where he made two tours with the United Service Organizations.  Newton, who is chairman of the USO Celebrity Circle, has visited troops in the Mediterranean, Persian Gulf and, recently, Afghanistan. 

Newton also met with Deputy Secretary Leo S. Mackay Jr., Ph.D., who discussed advances in VA health care and the department’s role in the event of a national emergency. Newton toured the building and spoke with VA employees about their service to America’s veterans.

A long-time supporter of VA, the entertainer said,  “I am humbled to be here, among those who have given so much more than I have given.  What I have given pales, but what I gave was my best.”

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