News Releases

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – hosted Robert Wilkie, Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, in Topeka and Kansas City to highlight the innovative work taking place at Kansas VA Medical Centers and speak directly with Kansas veterans, caregivers and advocates.

“Showing Secretary Wilkie around Kansas allowed him to learn about the unique challenges facing rural veterans,” said Sen. Moran. Throughout the visit, topics from the implementation of the VA MISSION Act to legislation I introduced to improve mental health care and increase suicide prevention programs within communities were discussed.”

Secretary Wilkie and Sen. Moran started their visit in Topeka at the Colmery-O’Neil VA Medical Center.

“Thank you to the Kansas VA leaders Dr. William Patterson, Director Rudy Klopfer, Director Rick Ament, Director David Isaacks, and Director Donna Meyer-Hickel for joining us from across the state, and for all the work you do on behalf of veterans,” continued Sen. Moran. “During our time at the facility, we had important conversations about how we can support our nation’s heroes by constantly improving the VA healthcare system. The Topeka VAMC’s satisfaction rates are among the highest in the country, and it was a pleasure to highlight the hardworking Kansans that make this possible for our nation’s heroes.”

Sen. Moran and Secretary Wilkie also traveled to Kansas City and met with veterans and advocates, answering questions about our work to improve the VA and provide veterans with the care and support they deserve.

“Together, we’re working hard to create a 21st century VA that is worthy of the service and sacrifice of our heroes,” continued Sen. Moran.

To hear more about the visit from Sen. Moran, watch the video regarding the visit here.