The American Legion National Commander to Attend Congressional Hearing Probing Misuse of VA Relocation Program


Contact: John Raughter, The American Legion National Headquarters, (317) 441-8847, jraughter@legion.org
Washington: Andrea Dickerson, (202) 417-4090, adickerson@legion.org
       
For Immediate Release                                                                                                          October 19, 2015                                   
                                               
Media Advisory
The American Legion National Commander to Attend Congressional Hearing
Probing Misuse of VA Relocation Program and Abuse of Incentives
WHO:     Dale  Barnett, National Commander of the 2.2 million member American Legion
WHAT:    National Commander Barnett, of Douglasville, Ga., has rescheduled his itinerary to attend a House Committee on Veterans' Affairs hearing  which will examine a recent IG report which found exorbitant relocation expenses paid on behalf of Philadelphia Regional Office Director Diana Rubens. Director Rubens' superior, Under Secretary of Benefits Allison Hickey, who announced her resignation on Oct. 16 (a move that was called for by The American Legion),  and Director Rubens are on the witness list to testify at the hearing. Also testifying is St. Paul Regional Office Director Kimberly Graves, former St. Paul Director Antione Waller and former Philadelphia Director Robert McKenrick. Mr. Waller and Mr. McKenrick were reportedly pressured to accept transfers from their previous positions.
        National Commander Barnett will be available for exclusive media interviews at the hearing and will be making a public statement near the hearing room approximately 15 minutes after the hearing concludes.
WHEN:            Wednesday, October 21 at 10:30 am, Eastern Time.
.
WHERE:   Room 334 Cannon House Office Building, U.S. Capitol.
WHY:    The American Legion is the nation's leading advocate for a strong national defense, care for veterans, Americanism and patriotic youth programs. The American Legion is alarmed at the lack of accountability that continues among VA officials accused of committing serious misconduct and the unacceptable backlog of claims as veterans continue to wait for benefits that they have earned.
How:    To arrange an interview with National Commander Barnett, please call John Raughter at (317) 441-8847.
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