WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) is urging the Co-Chairmen of the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs Senior Oversight Committee (SOC) to develop a transition plan as the current administration completes its final year.  As Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee and a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, Senator Akaka has closely monitored the work of the SOC, formed in the wake of last year's news stories about conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. 

In a letter, Senator Akaka asked the Co-Chairmen to respond with their views on a transition plan.  "While the current administration approaches its end, there is a great deal of unfinished business before the Senior Oversight Committee.  Alongside its important work to help servicemembers transition from the military to veteran status, it must also prepare for its own transition from this administration to the next," said Senator Akaka. 

The SOC is headed by DoD Deputy Secretary Gordon England and VA Deputy Secretary Gordon Mansfield.  The activities of the SOC since the Walter Reed stories represent an unprecedented level of collaboration and cooperation between the two departments.  Since last May, DoD and VA have been working together to implement many of the recommendations from various studies, as part of an effort to provide a seamless transition from military service to veteran status.

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February 20, 2008