Veterans Affairs Secretary Shinseki Says Job Is Opportunity for 'Do-Over'
Eight million of nation's 23 million veterans are part of agency's health care.
Nov. 14, 2010— -- Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki leads the second largest federal agency after the Pentagon. The VA is also the nation's largest health care system. Eight million of the nation's 23 million veterans are enrolled, including more than a million who served during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
Shinseki, 68, was confirmed as VA secretary Jan. 21, 2009. He is a former Army chief of staff and a twice wounded veteran of the Vietnam War, losing a portion of his right foot in an explosion. At VA, he increased access to disability compensation for Vietnam and Gulf War veterans, launched a study into the health effects of military burn pits in Iraq and implemented the new G.I. Bill.
He is also conducting pilot programs aimed at simplifying and automating disability claims.
Recently, he sat down with USA TODAY to discuss his job.
Nearly two years into this, how are you doing?
"Busy. There is lots to be done. But I will say none of this is the kind of work where I put my head in my hands at the end of the day and say, 'Gosh, I don't know what I'm doing.' … We have the opportunity to make some major changes."
You haven't granted many interviews. It's not clear how much Americans know about you. With Veterans Day approaching, can you talk about the wounds you suffered and how that has shaped your leadership of VA?
"Any time you've been carried off the battlefield on the backs of American soldiers, there's a relationship there that stays for a lifetime. And that's certainly true for me. It happened twice and both times they were quick and gallant, and I'm thankful for it. While I was in uniform there was the beginning of a long love affair with the American soldier. … I know what they've been through, what we've put them through. So I can mentally calibrate that and ensure that we're providing them the best care, the best services available."
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