VA Secretary McDonald renews apology for special forces claim

WASHINGTON – Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald apologized anew Tuesday for erroneously claiming he served in the military’s special forces, and veterans groups and lawmakers appeared ready to accept his expression of regret.

At a news conference outside VA offices, McDonald told reporters he made the misstatement in a conversation with a homeless veteran he was trying “to connect with” during an impromptu meeting on a Los Angeles street last month.

“I made a mistake. I apologize for it. I have no excuse,” he said.

McDonald, 61, said integrity has been “one of the foundations of my character,” from his Boy Scout days to his military service, business career and seven-month tenure as VA secretary.

“Integrity and character is part of who I am,” he said, adding that he owes it to veterans to own up to his mistake and continue his service on their behalf.

Lawmakers and veterans groups have said they are disappointed at McDonald’s comment, but his misstep has not led to public calls for his resignation so far.

“A lie is a lie,” said Michael Helm, national commander of the American Legion, the largest veterans service organization. “I can’t believe people do this.”

Helm said McDonald’s comment was especially disappointing because he leads a department that is trying to restore trust following a nationwide scandal over long wait times at VA health centers and falsified records covering up delays.

“The secretary has apologized, as he certainly should,” Helm said Tuesday in a statement. “We hope that he can restore the trust that he lost.”

McDonald also apologized Monday in a written statement issued by the VA.

McDonald served five years in the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division and qualified as an Army Ranger, but did not serve in a Ranger regiment. He was never part of the special forces – elite units that are trained to perform unconventional missions including covert operations, hostage rescue and other high-risk actions.