James B. Peake
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Holiday Message from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs

As perhaps the newest member of the VA Team, I am honored to send this wish for a joyous holiday season to everyone in our VA family and those we serve. Though I am just settling into my office, I have already experienced the camaraderie and graciousness of so many VA employees here at Headquarters, and I have no doubt that the same spirit fills every VA facility throughout the year.

These unique times, with this country’s military men and women in harm’s way, make this season of holiday joy all the more relevant to what we at VA do in meeting our nations commitment to those who defend us; those who won’t be with their families this season. We enjoy our freedoms today because in other Holiday Seasons, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coastguardsmen likewise left their families to defend us. What an honor to have this mission.

To all of our Nation’s veterans, I extend VA’s heartiest greetings; we are privileged to serve you and we look forward to meeting your needs in the New Year. To all of you at VA, best personal greetings and warmest wishes, from my family to you and yours, for a Wonderful and SAFE Holiday Season.

-- James B. Peake

(Posted 12/21/07)