Veterans group blasts VA secretary, despite words of regret

A veterans group on Wednesday blasted Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald’s comparison of wait times at VA clinics to lines at Disney parks after he said Tuesday he “deeply” regretted if his remarks implied he didn’t take his job seriously.

“McDonald’s comparison demonstrates a supreme lack of sensitivity and concern for those who’ve made tremendous sacrifices for their country,” said Thomas Snee, the national executive director of the Fleet Reserve Association, which represents enlisted Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard service members.

{mosads}“The men and women who serve in our military didn’t wait to answer the call to serve,” he said. “Comparing access to VA services to waiting for an amusement park ride is insulting and demeaning.”

At a breakfast on Monday, ahead of Memorial Day weekend, McDonald told reporters: “When you go to Disney, do they measure the number of hours you wait in line? What’s important — what’s important is what’s your satisfaction with the experience.” 

McDonald appeared on MSNBC on Tuesday, but stopped short of apologizing for his remarks. He later issued a statement saying, “If my comments Monday led any veterans to believe that I, or the dedicated workforce I am privileged to lead, don’t take that noble mission seriously, I deeply regret that.” 

Republican and Democratic lawmakers have demanded McDonald apologize for his remarks, with some calling for his resignation. 

Snee said the FRA agrees that wait times shouldn’t be the only benchmark, but he said they matter. 

“Many are enduring life-altering health problems — both physical and psychological — associated with that service, and they shouldn’t have to wait to receive the benefits and services they’ve earned through service and sacrifice,” he said.

The American Legion issued a statement on Monday calling his comparison unfortunate “because people don’t die while waiting to go on Space Mountain.” 

The organization agreed that wait times “are very important to not just the satisfaction quotient, but in some cases the veterans’ health.”

Wait times have been a sensitive issue for the VA since news reports revealed in 2014 that veterans were waiting months, even years, for an appointment, with some dying before being seen by doctors. 

That scandal led to the resignation of then-VA Secretary Eric Shinseki, a retired four star Army general.