Remarks of Secretary Robert McDonald (As Prepared) for the Disabled American Veterans August 9, 2014, Las Vegas, Nevada Joe Johnston, thank you for that kind introduction—and to all of you here in Las Vegas, thank you for that warm welcome. This is an important conference at an important moment in VA’s history. And it is an honor and a privilege to give my first address as Secretary to Disabled American Veterans. I first met Joe Johnston, along with Randy Reese and Ed Hartman about four weeks ago at a benefit in Cincinnati, not far from where Judge Robert Marx founded DAV. Joe, Randy, Ed—and more—were there supporting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and me. Joe, it was a real pleasure to talk with you that evening. I’m really glad to see you again here. Congratulations on your tremendous work for Veterans this past year as DAV’s National Commander. With your great leadership—most recently through some difficult and turbulent times—DAV has kept its focus squarely on Veterans and what is best for them, just as it has since 1920. DAV’s contributions to VA reform discussions on Capitol Hill and across the Nation have been of great help—without ever compromising the strong support and confidence you have given to VA for so long. Moving forward, that sort of counsel is going to remain invaluable to me, and I look forward to hearing it. Thank you.
Remarks of Secretary Robert McDonald (As Prepared) for the Disabled American Veterans August 9, 2014, Las Vegas, Nevada Joe Johnston, thank you for that kind introduction—and to all of you here in Las Vegas, thank you for that warm welcome. This is an important conference at an important moment in VA’s history. And it is an honor and a privilege to give my first address as Secretary to Disabled American Veterans. I first met Joe Johnston, along with Randy Reese and Ed Hartman about four weeks ago at a benefit in Cincinnati, not far from where Judge Robert Marx founded DAV. Joe, Randy, Ed—and more—were there supporting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and me. Joe, it was a real pleasure to talk with you that evening. I’m really glad to see you again here. Congratulations on your tremendous work for Veterans this past year as DAV’s National Commander. With your great leadership—most recently through some difficult and turbulent times—DAV has kept its focus squarely on Veterans and what is best for them, just as it has since 1920. DAV’s contributions to VA reform discussions on Capitol Hill and across the Nation have been of great help—without ever compromising the strong support and confidence you have given to VA for so long. Moving forward, that sort of counsel is going to remain invaluable to me, and I look forward to hearing it. Thank you.
VA%20Secretary%20Robert%20McDonald's%20remarks%20--%20DAV%20Convention.docx