Happy Veterans Day 2019!
"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation." --George Washington
Throughout our country’s history, brave men and women have willingly answered the call of duty to defend our nation and our way of life. The actions of our servicemen and women have changed the course of history, touched lives and spread freedom and democracy to nations around the world. As Americans, we owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to our Veterans who, during peace and war, have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to safeguarding the principles upon which our nation was founded. From Bunker Hill to Baghdad, their sacrifices have given us the security and freedom in which to grow and flourish as a nation – in law, human rights, economics, science and technology, business, and the arts.
Veterans Day is a time to remember and pay tribute to the brave men and women of the U.S. armed forces who served in previous wars, who are serving today and who have made sacrifices before having the chance to become honored Veterans. I would like to reaffirm our commitment to those who have answered the call of duty on behalf of all Americans. Enduring great personal sacrifices, these men and women and their families need the support of our entire nation. We are deeply thankful for the Veterans who served our country with great honor in the past, and to those who uphold their duties today.
Many of our Kansas City VA family have served in the military, and I would like to extend my personal thanks to them for their courage and service. VA’s mission is to honor American’s Veterans every day. We will continue to support improving health care and other benefits for all Veterans.
The price of freedom is paid for by the courage of those who are willing to fight for what they believe. The greatness of America is found in the bravery and heroism of men and women who stand strong in the face of oppression and conflict. They ignite the enduring spirit of our nation and strengthen the unity of the American people with their resolve for freedom, justice and democracy.
Every day is Veterans Day at Kansas City VA, because it is our honor to help the nation repay its debt to America’s Veterans. To keep that covenant, the Department of Veterans Affairs and Kansas City VA are modernizing how we deliver support to better meet the ever-increasing demand for benefits and health care. We see evidence of that modernization throughout the facility in our construction projects, systems redesign activities, new equipment, changing treatment modalities, and our high reliability journey to Zero Harm. Your continued commitment to that mission of service to Veterans and their families and our core values is appreciated.
Our measure of success will be the timeliness, quality, and the experience of the services and support we provide to Veterans rather than our promises. We want Veterans to choose VA, because they want to and not because they must. Thanks to all the Veterans on our staff for your service. And thanks to all personnel for assuring that every day is Veterans Day at Kansas City VA.
I consider myself fortunate to be able to serve these heroes. They are our neighbors. Our friends. Our families. Our loved ones. We have an obligation to serve them as they have served us.
At the KCVA, we will continue to put our veterans first. We salute the spirit of the American service member and we honor the sacrifices of those who fulfilled their obligations and now proudly call themselves American Veterans.
To my fellow veterans, thank you. God bless you, and may Veterans Day and every day bring you joy in the freedoms our country has because of your sacrifices.
#AllInKCVA
DAVID ISAACKS, FACHE
Chief Executive Officer