The VA medical centers are the best health care in the world.

Jon is trying to get it right. He chose to be there, and since day one has decided that first and foremost the care of our veterans trumps everything else.

We need those few good men and women when they come back to go to the VA if they need the care.

You understand that this country's promise to our veterans is sacred, and to make sure that it is followed through with is not only our moral responsibility, it is our national security responsibility.

This perception that you know is real, that you guys are just trying to delay these until they die, or you are told to kick them back and not approve them, that causes so much tension in this.

Older veterans, we all lived through this where you wouldn't go to a VA hospital because you were afraid of the care you would get.

I always say this to our friends from the VA. I am your staunchest supporter, but I will be your harshest critic, because if one veteran falls through the crack, it is one too many.

As we wind down two overseas conflicts, our military population will soon begin the process of transitioning to our veteran population.

There is absolutely no difference culturally in the care of our veterans.

Thank you each for being here. More importantly, thank you for choosing to serve our veterans.

It is our goal to try and get there, to do a more perfect union, if you will.

In a time of economic uncertainty, we have to be very pointed in how we are doing this.