Mr, Christopher S. Wilkes Ms. Germaine Clam VA Truth Tellers United States of America 3646 Youree Drive Shreveport, LA 71105 The Honorable Robert A. McDonald Secretary of United States Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20420 August 10, 2015 Mr. Secretary, As the Co-founders of the group VA Truth Tellers, we are writing you today to discuss an extremely important issue. The group VA Truth Tellers is comprised of 50 + individuals who are current or former employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, all of whom have stepped forward, at the risk of their careers, to reveal the egregious treatment being provided to our military veterans, The issue we wish to discuss is related to the actions of Phoenix VAMC Director Glen Grippen, According to a sworn statement by Laurie Butler, a former Navy Officer and former Phoenix VAMC acting Chief of Human Resources, Director Glen Grippen purposely planned, with vicious intent, retaliation against VA Truth Teller Brandon Coleman. Ms. Butler's accusation is extremely concerning and alarming, not only to the numerous VA Truth Teller members located at the Phoenix facility, but also to VA Truth Tellers and other VA Whistleblowers around our great nation. Dr. Katherine Mitchell, a Phoenix Employee and VA Truth Teller, recently testified before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Governmental Construction and VA Affairs that WhIstleblower retaliation is still alive and well at the Phoenix VAMC. Having spoken to numerous VA Truth Tellers across the country, it is unfortunate, but obvious, that this same pattern of vicious behavior is not unusual and is often exhibited by VA Leaders throughout the system. Time and time again persons with Integrity find themselves in an uphill battle against corrupt VA leaders for simply bringing up concerns. We can no longer tell ourselves that these same VA leaders, responsible for the largest scandal in VA history, are going to right a corrupt VA system, the very system that they helped build. There has to be accountability at every level, not just the frontline level. The VA Truth Tellers formally requests that you call for an outside unbiased and Independent third party to fully investigate the allegations that Glen Grippen maliciously and Intentionally planned the retaliation against Brandon Coleman. If the accusations are substantiated, the behavior by Glen Grippen must be dealt with swiftly, to the fullest extent possible, and without hesitation. There must be accountability and a new VA standard showing that this type behavior will no longer be tolerated. If the VA's goal is to truly change and create a new culture, it has the opportunity with this situation to make that statement. ThiS statement should make it clear that "No More" will those who choose not to follow the VA ICARE philosophy hold leadership and/or managerial positions within the VA system. A solid culture starts with Integrity, and until the VA decides to hold its leaders accountable for their dishonorable actions, there will never be a solid culture. Thank you for your time and consideration related to this issue. Very Respectfully, q(,) Christopher Shea Wilkes Co-Founder VA Truth Tellers L / Germaine Clam Co-Founder VA Truth Tellers