Legion statement on McDonald's Special Forces claim
Photo by Noel St. John

Legion statement on McDonald's Special Forces claim

American Legion National Commander Michael D. Helm called VA Secretary Robert McDonald’s characterization of his service “a poor choice of words.”

“In an effort to bond with a homeless veteran, Secretary McDonald told him he was in the Special Forces,” Helm said. “He did complete Ranger training and served honorably with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. But a lie is a lie. I can’t believe people do this. What a disappointment from the leader of a department whose number one issue right now is the restoration of trust. He should be held to a higher standard. The secretary has apologized, as he certainly should. We hope that he can restore the trust that he has lost.”