Secretary’s Blog

Today marks the tenth anniversary of the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, a policy put into place on Feb. 28, 1994 to prevent lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) service members from serving in the military openly.

To America’s Veterans, their families, survivors, and caregivers: I know it is painful to see the images from Kabul and elsewhere in Afghanistan, especially for the hundreds of thousands of Veterans who have served there since that fateful day in September 2001. When our country was attacked, you and your loved ones made the heroic choice to run towards the fight. That courageous sacrifice matters and has made us safer, no matter what happens today or any other day.

Dr. Richard A. Stone, acting Under Secretary for Health, Veterans Health Administration, says farewell and gives his thanks to Veterans and VHA employees.

On Juneteenth, we remember, we commemorate and we reflect on the long road to freedom forced upon Black slaves across America. We stand with those who have continued that fight ever since. Their resilience represents the best of us, and we at VA, will never forget their sacrifices to this Nation. America proudly celebrates alongside them.

Coach K has become known by many titles over the years. National Champion. Gold Medalist. Winningest coach in NCAA history. Bane of Tar Heels everywhere. But here at VA and in the military, he has also been known as Army Capt. Krzyzewski, an artillery liaison to the infantry and graduate of West Point in 1969.

Yesterday marked the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Massacre, one of the most tragic domestic terrorism instances visited upon the Black community. Today, we remember.

How did VA respond to the needs of older Veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic? Like so many, we started by expanding communications.

Masking requirements remain in place for both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated employees and visitors to VHA buildings providing health care.

On April 14, 2021, VA Secretary Denis McDonough held a virtual ceremony to underscore his zero tolerance for gender-based harassment or sexual assault in VA facilities. At the ceremony, McDonough and VA senior leaders, including Army combat Veteran Chief of Staff Tanya Bradsher, affirmed their commitment to the White Ribbon VA pledge.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III honored Vietnam War Veterans during a ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., March 29, 2021.

On March 29, our Nation will commemorate National Vietnam War Veterans Day on its 50th anniversary, an opportunity for VA employees and all Americans to recognize and thank our Vietnam Veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice during one of America’s longest wars.

As VA secretary, I will ensure that VA operates in a culture that celebrates and draws strength from our country’s great diversity.