WASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – led a hearing to review the nomination of Congressman Doug Collins to be the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA). Congressman Collins’ nomination is supported by several veterans service organizations including Wounded Warrior Project, AMVETS, Blinded Veterans Association, Military-Veterans Advocacy and others whose statements of support are included below.

“Mr. Collins knows first-hand what service to our country means, and his experience serving in the military and Congress underscores his knowledge of the challenges veterans face and how our government can and should help them,” said Walt Piatt, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) and CEO of Wounded Warrior Project. “He understands the solemn promise our country makes to its service members when they don the uniform.”

“After hearing from Representative Collins and the transition team senior staff, it is clear to AMVETS that he has a firm understanding of how important the VA and its polices are to veterans and their families,” said Joe Chenelly, AMVETS National Executive Director. “He has committed to safeguarding veterans’ benefits and addressing VA’s key issues.”

“Through his extensive military service and an effective tenure in Congress, Doug Collins has demonstrated a thorough knowledge of the challenges confronting our nation’s injured and ill veterans, and the skills to successfully navigate those challenges and resolve them,” said Donald Overton Jr., Blinded Veterans Association National Executive Director. “We look forward to now working with a Post-9/11 veteran in the top position at VA who will be sensitive to and anxious to learn about the unique needs of our blind and low vision members and their families.”

“Doug Collins has been a consistent and reliable supporter of veterans, and I have witnessed his steadfast commitment to ensuring they receive the best care and benefits possible,” said John Wells, Chairman of Military-Veterans Advocacy. “His advocacy was especially instrumental in the passage of the Blue Water Navy Veterans Act, and the Choice Act. I am confident he will bring the same dedication and urgency to ongoing issues, particularly related to toxic exposure and related health concerns.”

“Former Congressman Doug Collins embodies the leadership qualities and vision that are essential for advancing the mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs,” said Jason Loughran, Chairman of America First Vets. “His distinguished career, marked by a steadfast commitment to public service, legislative acumen, and an unwavering dedication to our nation’s servicemen and women, makes him uniquely qualified to lead this critical department. As a veteran of the United States Air Force and a passionate advocate for veteran causes during his tenure in Congress, Mr. Collins has consistently demonstrated an intimate understanding of the challenges faced by veterans and their families.”

“Our organizations believe that with Doug Collins at the helm, collaboration will flourish between government agencies, private partners, and nonprofit organizations,” said Joe Brennan, CEO of Avalon Action Alliance. “As a military chaplain, Collins has ministered to servicemembers’ mental health and spiritual needs, equipping him to address these critical issues. With Collins’ leadership, we are hopeful that the needs of veterans living with TBI and mental health challenges are urgently addressed and that they receive the comprehensive treatment and resources they have earned.”

“As an Air Force Reserve Colonel, Iraq War veteran, and former Congressman, Doug Collins possesses the leadership, compassion, and vision required to lead the VA,” said Fletcher Doud Gill Sr., Luke’s Wings CEO and Co-Founder. “His firsthand understanding of veterans’ challenges, combined with his legislative accomplishments, makes him uniquely qualified for this critical role. During his time in Congress, Doug championed key legislation like the VA MISSION Act, improving healthcare access and accountability—issues central to Luke’s Wings’ mission of reuniting our wounded, ill and injured service members with their families during recovery and in their times of need.”

“As a military chaplain, Doug brings a unique perspective on veterans’ mental health and the importance of compassionate care,” said Jimmy Mac, Valor Mission Project Executive Director. “He has shown time and again that he understands the struggles of our most vulnerable veterans, and I am confident that he will prioritize suicide prevention, mental wellness, homelessness, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and timely access to care. Doug’s bipartisan approach and track record of solving complex problems, both as a Congressman and an attorney, demonstrate his ability to lead the VA effectively.”

Congressman Collins’ nomination is also supported by the National Defense Committee, the Hunter Seven Foundation, Burn Pits 360, Wounded Paw Project, Mission Roll Call, Armed Forces Retirees Association, Heroes Athletic Association, Mission: POW/MIA, Gunt Style Foundation, Jewish War Veterans of the USA, Ranger Leadership Policy Center, American GI Forum, 75th Ranger Regiment Association, Military Order of the Purple Heart, America’s Warrior Partnership, WiseHealth/VeteranCaregivers.com, TREA: The Enlisted Association and the Stronghold Freedom Foundation.

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