"what Have You Done?" Va Secretary Asks Iraq War Veteran

[Notorious Kelly]

Coffman, an Army veteran, did not respond at the hearing. But said in a statement later that he could tell McDonald a few things he hasn't done.

"I have never run a federal agency that tolerates corruption the way the VA has. I've never built a hospital that's years behind schedule and hundreds of millions over budget. And I've never been a shill for inept bureaucrats who allowed American heroes to die on a medical waiting list," he said.

HA- good answer!

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/02/11/va-secretary-asks-iraq-war-veteran-what-have-done/?intcmp=latestnews

Edited February 12, 2015 by Notorious Kelly

[63SIERRA]

I dont think its fair to the Honorable so far McDonald to have to own the problems that were created before he signed up for the job.

Many times these congress critters will use every opportunity they can, to make themselves look good. If its standing on thier soapbox badgering someone so it looks like they are fighting for thier district and state they will do it.

The fact that sec McD fired back with some hot sauce on his tongue, shows me he has passion and drive.

[Notorious Kelly]

Coffman added. "This is a department mired in bureaucratic incompetence and corruption."

"McDonald said he was offended by Coffman's remarks and noted that he had only been on the job for six months."

I wasn't even cognizant that this was Bob talking- my head must be gone.

While it's true that Bob hasn't been here long, he is going to be saddled with the VA's troubled history just like the last guy.

[Buck52]

I like what the Sec McD said to Coffman '' offered Coffman his cell phone and said ''you can answer some of the calls and see if I am making a difference for veterans''

I believe the new sec will make a difference he just needs time!

JMO

[broncovet]

I agree Coffman was a little hard on the new VASEC. I do understand why, tho. We have seen a lot of VASECS and each one seems to make big promises and deliver a whole lot less, or even make things worse.

All that said, Robert McDonald seems to have gotten at least some things right. I like his idea about emailing him or Allison Hickey with problems. What I cant understand is why this did not happen earlier.

I am concerned, tho, that Mr. McDonald will "burn out" trying to help Veterans personally, especially when he was attacked like that.

I wish Mr. McDonald well.

I do think he should be implementing this "email Bob" more nationally. In other words, we should email our VARO director, and that VARO director should solve the problem and divide his work load by 57 regional offices.

Maybe the complaints are "tracked", and there needs to be follow up...something like this:

(My suggestion for an email follows):

Dear Mary Smith (VARO director, St. Pete RO, a hypothetical name)

Im forwarding this email I got from a Veteran in St. Augustine Florida. Please check this out and report back to me in 30 days or less what the result was. Thank you

Robert McDonald

Then, these complaints should be tracked..and Mr. McDonald should respond, if nothing happens like this:

Dear Mary Smith, VARO Director:

A month ago, I forwarded you an email from Joe Veteran, in St. Augustive, and asked you to get back to me when you had checked it out. Since I have not heard anything, please call my office right away, and explain why you have not taken any action. If you were(are) gone on leave, please have your Assistant Director Call me and explain what happened.

Robert McDonald.

End suggested emails.

Notice that "follow up" is not recommended, its mandantory. This will keep the pressure on to do their job right.

[Vync]

Sounds like Coffman wants to remind Bob about the mountain of red tape