WASHINGTON (AP) – A key committee chairman and the head of the American Legion have expressed disappointment with Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald, who admitted misstating that he served in the military’s special forces.
McDonald has apologized after making the erroneous claim while speaking to a homeless veteran last month.
Michael Helm, national commander of the American Legion, the largest veterans service organization, said Tuesday McDonald’s comment was especially disappointing because he leads a department trying to restore trust following a nationwide scandal over long wait times at VA health centers and falsified records covering up delays.
House Veterans Affairs Chairman Jeff Miller of Florida said McDonald must “redouble” efforts to ensure that his statements, and others by VA leaders, are “completely accurate.”