The head of Veterans Affairs flew from D.C. to K.C. to visit the Eastern Kansas VA Hospital in Leavenworth.
Secretary Robert McDonald addressed the multiple lawsuits facing the VA and former physician assistant Mark Wisner.
“Give us another chance. I mean, we are trying to create a VA healthcare system that every veteran can be proud of,” Sec. McDonald said when asked about what he is doing to help veterans.
Retired Army Major Darin Short does not agree with the Secretary’s statement.
"It sickens me to see what happens here on a day to day basis and it's a vicious cycle,” Short said. “I'm a 22-year active duty veteran, Afghanistan, Iraq, operation New Dawn. I just don't get it. So I have simultaneously sent an email to the Secretary."
That e-mail was answered late Friday afternoon. Short told 41 Action News he did get to speak with the VA Director about his concerns.
Short said he was abused by Mark Wisner on six separate occasions. He is trying to put that situation behind him, and he said all he wants now is good medical care.
"It is inadequate at best. And it's borderline criminal,” Short said.
Sec. McDonald told the media all VA hospitals are undergoing a five-step transformation to better improve their quality and the way they serve veterans.
Previous coverage:
Former physician assistant charged with sexual battery, criminal sodomy
More victims come forward, former VA Physician Assistant accused of sexual abuse, over-prescribing
Former VA employee shares even more complaints against Leavenworth VA
Leavenworth VA Physician Assistant surrenders license, accused of sexual abusing patients
Lawsuit accuses ex-VA employee of abuse
Purple Heart recipient sues former VA employee, VA for negligence
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Lexi Sutter can be reached at lexi.sutter@kshb.com.
