President Bush has named former Army Surgeon General James Peake as his nominee for Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. For IAVA's response, click here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Contact: Michael Houston, IAVA (212) 982-9699 or michael[at]iava.org

 New VA Secretary: Veterans React
General James Peake Must Meet the Needs of a New Generation of Veterans 

NEW YORK - Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation’s first and largest nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, issued the following statement in response to President Bush’s appointment of General James Peake to serve as the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs:

“With Veterans Day around the corner, IAVA welcomes the nomination of a new VA Secretary.  IAVA will closely monitor the Senate confirmation hearings to assess General James Peake’s candidacy.  We urge the Senate to carefully evaluate General Peake’s leadership when he served as surgeon general of the U.S. Army from 2000-2004, during the planning for the Iraq War.  Heading the VA is a critical role and requires an independent leader who will have the courage to stand up to the Department of Defense and the White House when necessary,” said Paul Rieckhoff, IAVA Executive Director.

“General Peake possesses some unique qualifications to hold this important position.  In addition to being a decorated Vietnam veteran, General Peake would be the first medical doctor to serve as Secretary of the VA. We are hopeful that he will prove to be a competent and dedicated advocate for the men and women of all generations who have put themselves in harm’s way for our country.

“General Peake’s nomination comes at a time when the Department of Veterans Affairs faces its biggest crisis in a generation.  Secretary Jim Nicholson’s leadership was abysmal and his replacement must fix a system left under enormous strain.  The VA currently faces a backlog of several hundred thousand disability benefits claims, and mental health services have been described as ‘virtually inaccessible.’

“The more than 1.5 million veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan face a myriad of issues including Traumatic Brain Injury, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and recovery from catastrophic injuries.  It is critical that General Peake understand the experiences of these veterans, including the challenges unique to the women who are serving on the front lines,” said Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. “If confirmed by the Senate, we urge General Peake to rely on the veterans’ community to help him identify and execute the most effective ways to meet the needs of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

“IAVA looks forward to working closely with the next Secretary of the VA to turn the page on how this nation cares for its newest generation of veterans and their families,” said Rieckhoff.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is the nation’s first and largest group for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  A non-profit and nonpartisan organization, IAVA represents more than 62,000 veteran members and civilian supporters in all 50 states. To arrange an interview with Paul Rieckhoff or any other IAVA member veterans, please contact Michael Houston at (212)-982-9699, or email michael[at]iava.org   

For more information, please visit www.iava.org.   

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