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V-J Day 'Kiss' photo stays on display as VA head reverses department memo that would've banned it
Read full article: V-J Day 'Kiss' photo stays on display as VA head reverses department memo that would've banned itThe Veterans Affairs secretary is reversing a department memo that aimed to ban VA displays of the iconic “V-J Day in Times Square” photograph showing a Navy sailor kissing a woman he did not know on the streets of New York at the end of World War II.
Man in stolen big rig sparks hourslong standoff at Orlando VA hospital, deputies say
Read full article: Man in stolen big rig sparks hourslong standoff at Orlando VA hospital, deputies sayThe Orange County Sheriff’s Office is remaining quiet about what caused an hours-long lockdown at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Orlando’s Lake Nona neighborhood.
COVID-19 vaccine available to veterans of any age at Orlando VA
Read full article: COVID-19 vaccine available to veterans of any age at Orlando VAORLANDO, Fla. – Veterans of any age are now eligible for the coronavirus vaccine at two Veterans Affairs locations in Orange County, according to the Orlando VA. The Orlando VA Healthcare Center, which covers most of Central Florida, said it is vaccinating all veterans of any age who receive VA care at the Orlando and Lake Baldwin locations. The shots are being offered at all four sites through appointments and some walk-ins. People must already receive care through the VA or be eligible to receive care there in order to get the vaccine. Use the form below to sign up for the ClickOrlando.com 4pm Trending newsletter, sent every weekday.
Biggest vets groups step up pressure on Trump to fire Wilkie
Read full article: Biggest vets groups step up pressure on Trump to fire WilkieFILE - In this July 7, 2020 file photo, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Richard Wilkie speaks at the National Press Club in Washington. Confronted with a sexual assault allegation at a veterans hospital, Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie repeatedly sought to discredit the female congressional staffer who made the complaint. The groups pressed Trump to act in the last weeks of his administration since Wilkie had refused to accept responsibility and was refusing to resign. Wilkie and other senior officials had declined to fully cooperate with the investigation by VA Inspector General Michael Missal. Wilkie is Trump’s second VA secretary after David Shulkin was fired in 2018.
American Legion, Pelosi joining calls for VA chief's ouster
Read full article: American Legion, Pelosi joining calls for VA chief's ouster“It is unfair to expect accountability from the nearly 400,000 VA employees and not demand the same from its top executive. Wilkie and other senior officials had declined to fully cooperate with the investigation by VA Inspector General Michael Missal. Wilkie is Trump’s second VA secretary after David Shulkin was fired in 2018. President-elect Joe Biden has pledged to rebuild trust in the VA when he takes office on Jan. 20. He has selected Denis McDonough, who served as President Barack Obama’s White House chief of staff, to be VA secretary.
Vets groups demand Wilkie's dismissal after scathing audit
Read full article: Vets groups demand Wilkie's dismissal after scathing audit“The accountability, professionalism and respect that our veterans have earned, and quite frankly deserve, is completely lost in this current VA leadership team,” said B.J. Wilkie and other senior officials had declined to fully cooperate with the investigation by VA Inspector General Michael Missal. Wilkie is President Donald Trump’s second VA secretary after David Shulkin was fired in 2018. “VA can and must do better,” said Randy Reese, executive director of Disabled American Veterans’ Washington headquarters. He has selected Denis McDonough, who served as President Barack Obama’s White House chief of staff, to be VA secretary.
Watchdog faults VA chief over handling of sex assault report
Read full article: Watchdog faults VA chief over handling of sex assault report“The response of Secretary Wilkie and senior VA officials to the veteran’s complaint of sexual assault was troubling,” Missal said in a statement. “The tone set by Secretary Wilkie appears to have influenced aspects of the initial VA police investigation and the conduct of other VA employees,” the report said. On Thursday, Biden said he will nominate Denis McDonough, who served as President Barack Obama’s White House chief of staff, to be VA secretary. VA officials did not examine the information, the report said. A study released by the VA last year found 1 in 4 female veterans using VA health care reported inappropriate comments by male veterans on VA grounds.
Former VA employee pleads guilty to stealing government funds
Read full article: Former VA employee pleads guilty to stealing government fundsOVIEDO, Fla. – A former Veterans Affairs employee in Florida has pleaded guilty to seven counts of stealing government funds, according to the Department of Justice. Attorneys said in a two-year period, Arenas misused vehicles rented through a rental program on behalf of the VA. “VA employees are public servants who owe a solemn duty to the veterans they serve,” said David Spilker, Special Agent in Charge of VA OIG’s Southeast Field Office. “Today’s guilty pleas by the defendant demonstrate VA OIG’s commitment to holding accountable anyone who abuses the public trust. VA OIG thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office and GSA OIG for their strong partnership in this important matter.”
Explosion kills 2 steam pipe workers at veterans hospital
Read full article: Explosion kills 2 steam pipe workers at veterans hospitalWEST HAVEN, Conn. – Two workers were killed in an explosion Friday while repairing a steam pipe in a maintenance building at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Connecticut, officials said. Alfred Montoya Jr., director of the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, said the men were in the basement of the small outer building and had just finished routine maintenance on a leaky pipe. He said the explosion occurred just after 8 a.m. as the pipe was being refilled with steam. “Our prayers are with the families of the victims of this explosion," VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said. The explosion occurred in a building that houses the hospital’s labor shops, such as carpentry and plumbing, a spokesperson for the hospital said.