American Legion National Commander Michael D. Helm called VA Secretary Robert McDonald’s characterization of his service “a poor choice of words.”
“In an effort to bond with a homeless veteran, Secretary McDonald told
him he was in the Special Forces,” Helm said. “He did complete Ranger
training and served honorably with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division.
But a lie is a lie. I can’t believe people do this. What a
disappointment from the leader of a department whose number one issue
right now is the restoration of trust. He should be held to a higher
standard. The secretary has apologized, as he certainly should. We hope
that he can restore the trust that he has lost.”
veterans