On Memorial Day, we paused to honor the brave men and women who have given their lives in defense of this great nation, and to reaffirm our sacred duty to every warfighter and veteran for their service, dedication, and sacrifice.
The Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have long collaborated on behalf of our warriors, ensuring that they receive seamless support from enlistment to transition. America's sons and daughters deserve nothing less.
Last week, Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary Doug Collins underscored the strong partnership between our organizations, rooted in mutual respect and a common mission, and reiterated our enduring commitment to the wellbeing of our warfighters, veterans, military families, and caregivers.
Together, DoD and VA will take the bold steps needed to provide the leading, high-quality, and accessible healthcare, services, and benefits that our Service members require to succeed in and out of uniform. Our priorities include: 1) optimizing healthcare resources, personnel, and facilities to meet the evolving needs of our military personnel; 2) facilitating uninterrupted access to healthcare; and, 3) providing comprehensive, continuous, and compassionate mental health treatment. These are more than just policy initiatives, they are matters of dignity and respect, and are critical to saving lives.
This engagement is only the beginning. The DoD and VA will remain in lockstep, breaking down barriers, closing critical gaps, and setting new standards of excellence for how this nation honors its promises to those who safeguard our freedom.
May God bless America, our warfighters, our veterans, and those who have fallen.