4
4
0
For those not staying up on current events, the American Legion has called for Sec Shinseki to resign from his position as the head of the VA.
The VA released a statement rejecting the AL's call for his job and the President released his own statement saying he still backs Shinseki.
All this started over the 40 Veterans that died in Arizona. These deaths may be releated to the delays in care and a "secret list" of Veterans to wait for treatment.
With all the negative news flying around, is it time for a change at the top or are all these matters something that that the regional directors need to take responsibility over?
The VA released a statement rejecting the AL's call for his job and the President released his own statement saying he still backs Shinseki.
All this started over the 40 Veterans that died in Arizona. These deaths may be releated to the delays in care and a "secret list" of Veterans to wait for treatment.
With all the negative news flying around, is it time for a change at the top or are all these matters something that that the regional directors need to take responsibility over?
Posted in these groups: 
Health
Health
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 27
2
2
0
I have had my disagreements in the past with the way Shinseki ran things, but I also know the history about why he chose to do some things (such as the beret). I disagreed with it, and I still do, but the change was made. In case you haven't noticed, those of you who still are on active duty or who work closely with active duty, the beret appears to be falling to the wayside in favor of the patrol cap again... Just saying.
Anyway, to continue: I am starting the process of dealing with the VA as I progress towards retirement, and I realize that one man, although notionally in charge, is not going to change things overnight.
As I understand it, Shinseki has IMPROVED the VA tremendously, by getting rid of an 18+ month backlog of claims that were just sitting there never getting processed. He kicked ass, had the VA start cleaning things up, and made them start working overtime to process those records and claims.
I have friends who are in the VA, and they have been a part of this and have openly told me that they are seeing improvements in the VA. Currently (I'll admit that my newly assigned VA rep might be lying about this next part), it takes about 6-9 months to process and finalize the initial claims currently being filed.
Normally, you fire the people in charge, but you can only go so high. Normally, you only go one or MAYBE two levels up if the crime is bad enough
Think of it like this: If a Soldier is caught committing some crime the command should have been aware of, the people who get relieved are the immediate chain - that is, if it's a private, his squad leader in most cases. If it's a Platoon Sergeant, the CO and/or the 1SG - IF they SHOULD have or DID know! If they couldn't have possibly known, oftentimes, they may still pay be being relieved.
YOU DO NOT RELIEVE THE BC because the CO CDR got relieved.
To continue the above statement: If the CO CDR committed the crime, and the BC should have known he was committing a crime, you relieve the BC, EVEN if he didn't! You don't relieve the Brigade or Group (in my case) commander.
So, while it is EXTREMELY tragic that anyone died as a result of possible deliberate negligence or ineptitude or malicious intent, there is NO WAY Shinseki could have seen this coming - especially since he was probably being told by his immediate subordinate that everything was getting better, and his immediate subordinate's subordinate was singing the same tune, all the way down to the real problem.
Shinseki didn't do this, and could NOT have known this was going on. What does need to happen, and what is a travesty, is that the guy in CHARGE of the whole shebang can't EVEN FRIGGIN FIRE ANYONE! THAT, is what is ridiculous.
Shinseki should (BE ABLE TO) relieve the regional or district manager who oversees the staff at this hospital, who should have known and done something about this before it became a problem.
THAT'S the bottom line!
Anyway, to continue: I am starting the process of dealing with the VA as I progress towards retirement, and I realize that one man, although notionally in charge, is not going to change things overnight.
As I understand it, Shinseki has IMPROVED the VA tremendously, by getting rid of an 18+ month backlog of claims that were just sitting there never getting processed. He kicked ass, had the VA start cleaning things up, and made them start working overtime to process those records and claims.
I have friends who are in the VA, and they have been a part of this and have openly told me that they are seeing improvements in the VA. Currently (I'll admit that my newly assigned VA rep might be lying about this next part), it takes about 6-9 months to process and finalize the initial claims currently being filed.
Normally, you fire the people in charge, but you can only go so high. Normally, you only go one or MAYBE two levels up if the crime is bad enough
Think of it like this: If a Soldier is caught committing some crime the command should have been aware of, the people who get relieved are the immediate chain - that is, if it's a private, his squad leader in most cases. If it's a Platoon Sergeant, the CO and/or the 1SG - IF they SHOULD have or DID know! If they couldn't have possibly known, oftentimes, they may still pay be being relieved.
YOU DO NOT RELIEVE THE BC because the CO CDR got relieved.
To continue the above statement: If the CO CDR committed the crime, and the BC should have known he was committing a crime, you relieve the BC, EVEN if he didn't! You don't relieve the Brigade or Group (in my case) commander.
So, while it is EXTREMELY tragic that anyone died as a result of possible deliberate negligence or ineptitude or malicious intent, there is NO WAY Shinseki could have seen this coming - especially since he was probably being told by his immediate subordinate that everything was getting better, and his immediate subordinate's subordinate was singing the same tune, all the way down to the real problem.
Shinseki didn't do this, and could NOT have known this was going on. What does need to happen, and what is a travesty, is that the guy in CHARGE of the whole shebang can't EVEN FRIGGIN FIRE ANYONE! THAT, is what is ridiculous.
Shinseki should (BE ABLE TO) relieve the regional or district manager who oversees the staff at this hospital, who should have known and done something about this before it became a problem.
THAT'S the bottom line!
(2)
(0)
1
1
0
I think the best way to examine yoiur question is two ways...One media places "EX"-Generals on a pedestal because it is believed there is a level of superior professionalism over the civilian populus. And 2nd this story although gross and unexcuseable was just a tiny volcano ready to erupt into something massive. Who if anyone except the top tier personnel should be left to blame. When in charge be in charge...stop enjoying parachute vacations while Vets are medically deprived. I believe this is a social problem across the board and truly is an examplel of how polticians and civilians mix it up to cause chaos and unrest in the public's eye. Fire him elect a responsible individual who will place the needs of Warriors above their own. Remember Mr. Shinseki is the one who ordered, mass-produced, and gained approval of the All-Army Black Beret while beginning the infant stages of future Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts. Its been excuse after excuse why the VA system has backlogged claims, vets not being taken care of properly and whistleblowers saving their own butts by notifying media representatives. Honestly it makes me sick and ashamed that my future looks dismal and faithless upon retirement in the Armed forces from a medical standpoint. All contributors to blatent negligence should be fired from the TOP - DOWN. Overhaul VA benefits as if Obamacare depended on it.....Taxpayers pay for it so maybe as citizens we should have the SAY-SO in this matter....????
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Over night, two senators, Republican John Cornyn of Texas and Republican Jerry Morgan of Kansas have joined in the call for Shinseki to step down or be removed.
There's no doubt that under his leader some things at the VA have improved. He took control of an organization that was already failing and while the system isn't 100% he has made some good moves.
To me, what we are seeing here is frustration boiling over. First the back log in claims, then followed by reports of deaths in several VA hospitals including an outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease here in Pittsburgh which in fact impacted more hospitals outside the VA during the same time frame including the famed UPMC Children's Hospital. Yet the people in these different regions with boots on the ground are still sitting in their chairs making bad decisions.
There's no doubt that under his leader some things at the VA have improved. He took control of an organization that was already failing and while the system isn't 100% he has made some good moves.
To me, what we are seeing here is frustration boiling over. First the back log in claims, then followed by reports of deaths in several VA hospitals including an outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease here in Pittsburgh which in fact impacted more hospitals outside the VA during the same time frame including the famed UPMC Children's Hospital. Yet the people in these different regions with boots on the ground are still sitting in their chairs making bad decisions.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
No he should not resign. He should be fired and fined. Way before the recent deaths.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Plus, he needs to take a large number of people with him. This is a major failure of a bureaucratic functionary to establish an ethical climate, to demand the truth regardless of the taste, and communicate his confidence in the agency's ability to solve problems.
Many people need to go.
Asleep at the wheel, again.
Many people need to go.
Asleep at the wheel, again.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Interesting, Listened to the debate on NPR on the way into work. Sounds like the Legion is calling for his head but the VFW wants a shakeup and some answers but is supporting him. I belong to both organizations. Normally being a Sailor, I believe in the Navy Way, Top Dog takes the dive but seeing how Political Appointments have become so Politicized as of Late and replacements are not being blessed by the Senate, we would Gap a Boss of that Organization and I don't think that would improve the situation.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
It is easy to blame the guy on top as if the VA were a battalion where he had command over subordinate commanders, but in reality it is the middle layers of the bureaucracy that needs to be fixed.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
As a former soldier, and combat veteran, I respect Secretary Shinseki’s service while in the U.S. Army. However he has not been effective in leading the VA, and he needs to go. Veterans are dying due to the ineptitude of the VA, yet the VA continues to award bonuses based on short wait times. Will anyone really be held accountable for this? I seriously doubt it.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google