What do you see as Shinseki's biggest challenges as head of the VA?

[w8liftinglady]

http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1863062_1863058_1865215,00.html

[tekisui]

1. Providing quality mental health for our veterans.

It gets swept under the rug and far too many end up committing suicide or murder. Many become abusive and addicts. Our Veterans should be honored and taken care of for what they have sacrificed of themselves.

Also, he should set up programs to assist in finding good jobs. My brother in law served 2 tours in Afghanistan ans one in Iraq. No one in the military or VA has mentioned mental health to him, and he is working at a video store. It is disgraceful.

[AnneD]

4. Here's a partial list....

Update antiquated unsafe buildings

So many facilities were closed -especially in rural area-making access almost impossible.

Have services for women. Many places don't even have a gynecologist. I know we are all GI's but some of us are wired and plumbed differently.

Mental services (intensive) and serious rape counseling for women.

[suston96]

2. Cost cutting attempts by depriving veterans of costly medications - like Plavix.....nt

[w8liftinglady]

3. BTW-this is the topic of my next ltte-I welcome all input

[tech3149]

5. getting funds to do all that's needed

I think he instinctively knows what needs to be done and has the judgment to prioritize. The biggest problem is getting the green.

[unhappycamper]

6. I've been advocating for a cut in the military budget.

It was $302 billion when dubya took over in 2000. The 2009 budget is almost a trillion dollars.

My proposal? Cut the military budget in half to $500 billion, and make the VA fully funded before you can buy more war toys. When you run out of bucks, start the layoffs and lock the door.