WASHINGTON – Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA) President Gerald Yamada released the following statement on Friday after Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki announced that he would step down from his post:
“In the best traditions of the military, Secretary Eric Shinseki offered his resignation to take responsibility for systemic problems for which he had no direct involvement. Secretary Shinseki was faced with the insurmountable burden to anticipate problems where his subordinates apparently misrepresented and covered up the lack of care for veterans.
“It is regrettable that President Obama accepted his resignation preventing this proven leader, hero, and public servant the opportunity to be a part of the solution to address the systemic challenges to improve the well-being of our veterans and accountability within the Department of Veterans Affairs. JAVA wishes Secretary Shinseki success in his future endeavors.”