Wounded Warrior Project Issues Statement on Veterans Affairs Crisis Leadership

Jacksonville, Fla. (May 5, 2014) – If the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is to weather this crisis of confidence, VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki needs to publicly address these issues, reassure veterans and their families that access to timely and effective healthcare is top priority, and send a strong message that the alleged actions at the Phoenix VA facility will not be tolerated. The credibility of the VA is at stake.

Secretary Shinseki rose to the highest ranks of the Army because of his leadership. He paved the way for our wounded warriors who fight to continue to serve by leading change in Army policies and fighting to remain in the service after his injury. He has consistently demonstrated leadership when it mattered, and now is the time for him to do the same at the VA.

“A test of leadership is not your willingness to step in front of the cameras when things are going well, but your resolve to face the issues and own them when there is a crisis,” said Steve Nardizzi, Wounded Warrior Project CEO.

VA beneficiaries need to know what is being done at the VA concerning the allegations in Phoenix, the ongoing investigations and the resolution of backlogs for care, and they need to hear it from Secretary Shinseki, not media pundits.

Now is not the time to be a humble leader who avoids the limelight. Now is the time to boldly step out and lead from the front to let everyone who has served this country know that the VA is committed to accomplishing its mission of providing the promised care for our veterans and their families.

About Wounded Warrior Project

Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.