In his first message to veterans since being confirmed as Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary, Doug Collins said America is the greatest nation on Earth because they were willing to step forward and defend freedom.
“I’ve witnessed this firsthand throughout my two decades in the military, as I’ve served with some of the finest men and women our nation has to offer,” he said.
Collins, a Navy veteran who currently serves as an Air Force Reserve colonel and chaplain, was confirmed on a 77-23 vote in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday.
“During my time in the military, I’ve learned that leadership is about listening, serving, motivating and setting a good example for those around you,” he said. “That is the approach I will bring to the Department of Veterans Affairs.”
Collins said when President Donald Trump offered him the job of VA secretary, he gave him simple instructions: take great care of America’s veterans.
To do that, Collins pledged that the VA would deliver timely access to care and benefits for every eligible veteran, family member, caregiver and survivor.
“We’re going to put veterans at the center of everything VA does, focusing relentlessly on customer service and convenience,” he continued.
With a more than $350 billion budget, VA oversees nearly 200 medical centers and hospitals nationwide. It also manages national cemeteries and works closely with the Defense Department on personnel matters.
Collins added that the status quo would be challenged in order to find new and better ways of helping VA beneficiaries and that the vast majority of its employees who do a great job would be celebrated while those who fall short of the mission would be held accountable.
“We’re going to provide veterans with the health care choices they have earned while maintaining and improving VA’s direct health care capabilities,” he said. ‘And we’re going to do a better job reaching veterans at risk of homelessness or suicide – especially those who have had no contact with VA.”
Collins represented Georgia in the House of Representatives from 2013 to 2021. A close ally of Trump during his first term, Collins ran unsuccessfully for the Senate in 2020, losing in the GOP primary to Kelly Loeffler.
Collins said his commitment to his fellow servicemembers and veterans would serve as his compass for the way ahead.
“I am honored to be working with the men and women of VA to accomplish our noble and vital mission,” he said. “Together, we will strengthen VA so it works better for America’s heroes. Let’s get to work.”
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.