With former White House physician Ronny Jackson out of the running for VA Secretary, who do you see fit to run the department?

Amvets American Veterans — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 14:23:10 -0400

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2018 2:26 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 14:26:13 -0400

Really the VA needs to be broken down and rebuilt. It has failed to many for to long.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2018 2:49 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 14:49:16 -0400

Everyone will laugh at this one, but what about Mitt Romney.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Apr 30 at 2018 2:50 PM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 14:50:12 -0400

Bob Kerry

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2018 3:04 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 15:04:37 -0400

The CG over at BAMC; BG Johnson

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Apr 30 at 2018 3:09 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 15:09:01 -0400

As long as they can find someone that can handle the job permanently, that isn't brain dead.

Response by PO3 Phyllis Maynard made Apr 30 at 2018 3:18 PM

PO3 Phyllis Maynard — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 15:18:02 -0400

I'm still following the developments. But at this point, my question is, " who is trustworthy and qualified".

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Apr 30 at 2018 3:53 PM

MSgt John McGowan — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 15:53:33 -0400

I would like to give it a shot. Get enough good people around you and the results are good. I have nothing against me except a couple of tickets, I don't screw around and I have been known to be serious. I have seen E9's that is unbelievable smart. As smart as these were you can tell after a few minutes. One was a future Chief MS of the AF.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Apr 30 at 2018 4:05 PM

LT Brad McInnis — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 16:05:58 -0400

I'm available... but I don't work well with others and have the evals to prove it!

Response by SSgt Donald Libby made Apr 30 at 2018 4:26 PM

SSgt Donald Libby — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 16:26:30 -0400

Veterans and veteran organizations should have greater input in the selection process. As we have seen in the past politics and politicians have a knack for screwing things up in their appointments. A non-politician, veteran, medical practiomer, business executive or any combination thereof would be preferable.

Response by MSgt Brian Williams made Apr 30 at 2018 4:41 PM

MSgt Brian Williams — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 16:41:43 -0400

Me. I learned a long time ago how to make a dollar out of $.15 and I understand that the job is about making life better for those who have served already and may be at a disadvantage.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2018 4:56 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 16:56:49 -0400

It doesn't matter. So long as members of Congress in these ridiculous hearings can MSU without consequences. The guy was good enough to be President Obama's Physician, who President Obama sang high praises about, all of a sudden is a bad pick because President Trump nominated him.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Apr 30 at 2018 5:24 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 17:24:12 -0400

Look...ive been on both sides of VA, i trained in thrm before my total perm disability, i know just about every single facet of it at this point, i assure all of you...in my expisure, which has been very real, both ad resident, watching my attendings and durector gery, very closely, i sssure all of you, ive generslly found that, snd i know youre sll gonna disagree eith me, that it does badically function...most problemd hsppen at VA in large part due to lack of info, mot knowing ehat to adk, who to adk, how to sdk, the one thing thatd solve 99% of VA problrms would be a simple published or doenlosfable phonr directory of all internal phones, honest, i know where snd how to look such stuff up, most font, ive found, honest....

Response by SSgt Gary Andrews made Apr 30 at 2018 5:42 PM

SSgt Gary Andrews — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 17:42:28 -0400

I would like to see the job offered to Colin Powell. I think he has the chops to pull it off.......although I'm not sure he would accept the offer.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2018 6:08 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 18:08:20 -0400

Gary Sinise

Response by SGT Jim Arnold made Apr 30 at 2018 6:14 PM

SGT Jim Arnold — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 18:14:13 -0400

I'd offer to run it but I think I'd get into it with the union

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Apr 30 at 2018 6:55 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 18:55:52 -0400

We've tried the retired senior officers, politically connected sycophants, former CEOs, and influential citizens. All have failed miserably due to the outdated bloated bureaucracy that the VA has become. How about we put some former platoon sergeant in as Director and empower him/her to make the necessary changes up to and including firing deadbeats who are not performing up to standards?

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2018 8:41 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 20:41:47 -0400

They've tried retired Generals and CEOs. Time for somebody that has tackled failing enterprises and turned them around. Unless they want it to fail so they can privatize VA. If so, any useful idiot will do.

Response by PO2 Peter Klein made Apr 30 at 2018 10:37 PM

PO2 Peter Klein — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 22:37:37 -0400

Has to be a veteran. Someone with experience running a big hospital system such as Kaiser or
Dignity Health.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2018 10:59 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 22:59:49 -0400

Jim Webb

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Apr 30 at 2018 11:39 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 23:39:40 -0400

Gary Sinse

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2018 3:38 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 May 2018 15:38:16 -0400

Wow, great question. So, we've tried all the political appointees, tried General Officers...and all of come up short. Now its time to get serious. NCOs are in charge of taking care of warfighters...so, let's find one of the best at taking care of warfighters, maybe say a former SMA (SMA Preston or SMA Kidd?) or any of the Senior Enlisted Advisors that have been charged with the welfare of the warfighter. These folks know how to organize, focus, motivate, direct, and do it with the understanding of the person who needs to execute the task. Let's stop messing around with our veterans and their earned health care...We don't need retired 4-Star Generals or active duty General Officers to lead this effort...we need boots on the ground execution from the prospective of the person who will be most impacted by the decisions made. The VA is a mess because of the basic breakdown on First Line Leaders failing to accomplish their assigned missions...its time to get NCO's involved and tighten it up. It won't fix everything, but it sure will make a difference to both the providers and the recipients!

Response by SSG Warren Swan made May 1 at 2018 3:43 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Tue, 01 May 2018 15:43:17 -0400

Whoever can do the job. Problem is we’ve had people fully qualified and able to do it. It’s the political and governmental issues that prevent the VA Secretary from being able to fulfill his job. Take the VA Secretary from being a political position that one where it becomes a director with full ability to fire and hire without a complete and total shutdown of the Veterans Affairs. Being able to fire incompetent senior workers while firing low level employees has been a problem that is crippling the VA. Allowing senior level employees acces with politicians also doesn’t help when those same politicians begin breathing down the Secretaries back. And remove lobbyists and big pharma and let’s rock.

Response by SP5 Jerry Mucha made May 1 at 2018 7:03 PM

SP5 Jerry Mucha — Tue, 01 May 2018 19:03:01 -0400

I just hope it isn't another brain dead bureaucrat that is only interested in building his 'empire'. We have enough of those in government now. We need an entrepreneur who is not afraid to shake up the status quo and make the needed changes.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made May 1 at 2018 7:35 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Tue, 01 May 2018 19:35:21 -0400

I don't think it makes sense to laterally move somebody currently serving in the government or promote from within the VA Amvets American Veterans.
The VA needs new leadership with senior leadership experience. While I would prefer somebody with medical doctor experience as well as leadership, I think leadership makes sense as the primary qualification
I would vote for Michael Linnington who serves as chief executive officer of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP). Prior to joining WWP, Michael was the first permanent Director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), following his retirement as a Lieutenant General from the U.S. Army. He is a friend and classmate of mine from USMA, West Point class of 1980.
Thanks for mentioning me COL Mikel J. Burroughs
FYI LTC Orlando Illi Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. "Bill" Price CPT Jack Durish Capt Tom Brown MSG Andrew White SFC William Farrell SGT Private RallyPoint Member Sgt Albert Castro SSG David Andrews Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt John H. CPL Dave Hoover SGT Mark Halmrast SPC Margaret Higgins SrA Christopher Wright

Response by Cpl Gabriel F. made May 1 at 2018 9:54 PM

Cpl Gabriel F. — Tue, 01 May 2018 21:54:13 -0400

Ronny Jackson a officer and medical doctor. Far to much common sense for the liberals and demo socialist types. President Trump could nominate Saint Peter just back from heaven and democrats would start a rumor old Saint Peter was to conservative at heavens gate. Veterans need someone in that government administration of Veterans Affairs to shake things up and get it squared away now.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made May 2 at 2018 10:12 AM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Wed, 02 May 2018 10:12:50 -0400

Major General (Retired) Rubenstein. Former commander of Army Medcom and former Chair of the Americal College of Healthcare Executives. The next recommendation is Admiral Matthew Nathan, Retired. Was Surgeon General of the Navy.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2018 11:28 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 May 2018 11:28:55 -0400

Someone not involved in politics!!! Give me a retired VET that has to recieve care from the VA.

Response by SPC Tom DeSmet made May 2 at 2018 3:07 PM

SPC Tom DeSmet — Wed, 02 May 2018 15:07:22 -0400

Trey Gowdy. He won't accept anything less than competent and forthcoming. Of course I would like to see him in alot of jobs that need someone like him. We are losing a great American due to the swamp!

Response by SSG Brian Carpenter made May 2 at 2018 5:43 PM

SSG Brian Carpenter — Wed, 02 May 2018 17:43:19 -0400

Miller is already on top of issues within the VA. he helped to get the fledgling VA Choice program and has been involved in the VA accountability over the past several years as a congressman. His ideas for options outside the VA administration show he is already dedicated to President Trump's vision for the VA.

Response by CPT Don Kemp made May 2 at 2018 6:36 PM

CPT Don Kemp — Wed, 02 May 2018 18:36:24 -0400

The VA is a busted organization. Scandals at the local level. Mismanagement at the national level.
Government unions / Civil Service regulations apparently prevent firing inept, incompetent staff.
I’d start with questioning the assumption that we need the VA. President Trump just signed authorization allowing Veterans to seek care outside the VA.

I personally know Bob McDonald from our days at Procter & Gamble. He didn’t make a dent in the VA. It isn’t the man that is broken, it is the organization.

Response by SSG Dave Johnston made May 2 at 2018 10:37 PM

SSG Dave Johnston — Wed, 02 May 2018 22:37:08 -0400

Let' just scrap the healthcare portion of the VA to the private sector and go from there. You have your VA ID Card, just locate a Primary Care Provider[PCP] and they can bill the government. Education and or VA Home loan, well there are to government agencies that already do the same so... Time to shutdown this PORK BARREL.

Response by SSG Eddye Royal made May 4 at 2018 10:19 PM

SSG Eddye Royal — Fri, 04 May 2018 22:19:32 -0400

Some might not like my response, but we really need someone outside the system, I grew up in the system both grand parents where WW II, and dad NAM Vet. And me GW vet, so, I saw the changes in the VA since the age of 4 years old, or since 1968 when I was able to look around.

The Medical records, used to be in Latin, the Doctors used to Yell at the soldiers even my dad, a VAM VET stated he wouldn’t go because the VA was a killer because he had friends that lost their lives, but I could go, but he would never go.

Secondly, the computers hardware and software has gotten out dated, lost internet because of ransomware not enough IT personnel to handle the work load; what happened to he VA budget? that goes back to customer care if this was Baylor or another Hospital; but we worked for this, and should not be broken up.

Tri-care, Tri-care for Life, and the other for which I forgot is all under the VA, the soldiers that served 20 years or greater earned this benefit and should not be dismissed by a politician on either side, right or left. I didnt say run the budget to 21 trillion dollars, now no one can pay for it. We need a manger that can run a Corporate size business of 400K people.

Response by PO1 Donald Vinson made May 11 at 2018 2:09 AM

PO1 Donald Vinson — Fri, 11 May 2018 02:09:31 -0400

I think the VA should start off new with a complete new overhaul with new staff and trained correctly

Response by SSG Terry Clay made May 25 at 2018 9:30 AM

SSG Terry Clay — Fri, 25 May 2018 09:30:03 -0400

I will never trust a politician who ever aspired to be a caregiver. I would question their motivation. On the other hand, I might understand a caregiver that once aspired to be a politician and found it unsavory. Col. Powell thought hard as nails and corporately adept, i dont think would be my choice. I think it should be an apolitical post and the care administered in our community medical centers. The face of our military has changed, now largely volunteer i.e. National Guard, and a move like that would actually bring soldiers in need of healing back to the place they call home. I may not have said that correctly, but I hope y'all get my drift. Peace.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2018 10:35 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Jun 2018 10:35:16 -0400

John McCain if he were feeling better or Joe Biden

Response by Cpl Robert Thomson made Jun 6 at 2018 9:58 PM

Cpl Robert Thomson — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 21:58:21 -0400

So the VA would not be considered good in Corporate America? Corporate America are for-profit institutions. The VA is not! I suggest taking a look at hospitals that used to be non profit and compare how the services and Care degraded after they became for-profit hospitals. Is very easy to criticize a huge institution such as the VA. As a veteran that has been using the VA for 40 plus years, I have never had a bad experience or bad care and I know I am not alone. Is there room for improvement in the VA? There certainly is. However, when you look at the VA through a lens of honest and genuine scrutiny you will see a VA providing good care across our country. Do not allow these for-profit maggots to privatize the VA as you will be sorry!

Response by PO3 Vicki Daniels made Jul 27 at 2018 7:18 PM

PO3 Vicki Daniels — Fri, 27 Jul 2018 19:18:08 -0400

Anyone who IS a Veteran of the Armed Forces is more than qualified and can handle this. It should be ran by a VETERAN.