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SECRETARY NICHOLSON SAYS FAREWELL TO VA
EMPLOYEES -- Nicholson on war veterans: "There
is no
way we can adequately thank them. But I think
we do
go a long way in providing them care and
benefits."
VA Secretary Jim Nicholson
Outgoing VA Secretary Jim Nicholson said of war
veterans today,
"There is no way we can adequately thank them. But I think
we do go a long way in providing them care and
benefits."
Actually, Mr. Secretary, there is a way you can
adequately thank them. Go the rest of the way.
For more about VA Secretary Jim Nicholson, use
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Story here...
http://www.usadaily
.com/article.cfm?articleID=101670
Story below:
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Nicholson Praises Veterans, VA Employees
By HOPE YEN
Associated Press Writer
Resigning VA Secretary Jim Nicholson expressed his gratitude Tuesday to
injured veterans and the embattled government agency that tends to them,
saying their commitment has been unfaltering during times of war.
In his final address to Veterans Affairs employees before stepping down
this week, Nicholson said he always strove to do his best to do right by
veterans during his 2 1/2 year tenure in the face of growing challenges
due to a burgeoning Iraq war.
Describing his many visits to Walter Reed Army Medical Center and
elsewhere, Nicholson said he hopeful that the VA will continue working
tirelessly to meet the growing demands of injured veterans seeking
mental health care and timely disability benefits.
"You are a dedicated group of people possessed with extremely
compassionate hearts for veterans coupled with great, great competence,"
Nicholson said.
Speaking of war veterans, he said: "There is no way we can adequately
thank them. But I think we do go a long way in providing them care and
benefits."
Nicholson, a Vietnam War veteran and former Republican National
Committee chairman, announced in July he was quitting amid intense
scrutiny following reports of substandard treatment at the Pentagon-run
Walter Reed and at VA facilities.
His last business work day is Friday before his tenure expires Oct. 1.
VA Deputy Secretary Gordon Mansfield will become acting VA secretary in
his place, pending a nomination of a new VA secretary by President Bush.
In recent days, Nicholson has acknowledged the VA still has a lot of
work to do to reduce severe backlogs in disability benefits and has
apologized to veterans who might have "slipped through the cracks."
Nicholson, 69, was honored at a farewell ceremony attended by several
lawmakers, former VA secretaries Anthony Principi and Togo West, former
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Jack Kemp, former Sen. Bob Dole,
R-Kan., and businessman H. Ross Perot.
VA Deputy Secretary Gordon Mansfield praised Nicholson as a "man of
sincerity."
During his 20-minute address, a pensive Nicholson thanked his wife,
Suzanne, and Bush for their support.
He expressed some wistfulness about leaving his position and said he had
not determined his future plans, expressing confidence that things will
work out. He has ruled out a future political bid.
"We won't spend the whole time in the rocking chair," Nicholson said.
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Larry Scott --
