VA Press Room

Good morning. Emily Wilkins, thanks for that kind introduction, and for leading this important organization. Let me recognize the Press Club’s American Legion Post and its commander, Tom Young, and all the Veterans Service Organizations represented here.

Monica Rivera, thanks very much for that kind introduction.

Thanks so much to everybody. Good morning to you. Thank you for inviting me to join you for your 16th Judicial Conference.

You had me a couple of years ago. The fact that you welcomed me back notwithstanding the intervening time as Secretary I take as a mildly positive sign. We’ll see how the reviews are on that at the end of the speech.

Thank you, Walt Dannenberg, for that kind introduction. Mayor Phillip Jones is here today. It’s so fitting to have a Marine leading Newport News, a city with such a long maritime history, and where so many Veterans choose to call home.

Matt , thanks for that kind introduction and for the opportunity to join the team here this morning to kick off Day 2 of this important Gathering.

Commander Espinosa, thank you for that kind introduction, and for you and your family’s distinguished service to this awesome nation. As importantly, thank you for leading with unwavering commitment your more than 1 million DAV members for the past year.

This training is some of the most important, lifesaving training VA does. And getting it right is never easy. Expectations are necessarily and understandably very high, because the stakes for our Vets are so high.

My friend and advisor, Chief Bill , it’s good to see you again, and thanks for the kind introduction.

Thank you, Adam Farina, for that warm welcome and my thanks to Conrad Washington for helping organize today’s event. Most of all, thanks to all our faith-based and community partners, Veterans, and VA teammates participating today.

Maureen Roepsch is an Air Force and Coast Guard Vet who comes from a long line of military service—her family members served in Vietnam, the Korean War, and World War II. Maureen qualifies for community care, but chooses to get her care at the Manchester VA Medical Center.