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February 24, 2015

VA Secretary Apologizes for Claiming He was in Special Forces 
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Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Mc Donald has apologized for falsely
claiming he served in the U.S. special forces. Mc Donald made the claim
last month while speaking with a homeless veteran in a segment that
aired on CBS Evening News.

Robert Mc Donald: "Do you happen to be a veteran of military service?"

Veteran: "Yes."

Robert Mc Donald: "Really?"

Veteran: "Yes."

Robert Mc Donald: "Army? Navy? Air Force?"

Veteran: "Army."

Robert Mc Donald: "Army. What unit?"

Veteran: "Special forces."

Robert Mc Donald: "Special forces. What years? I was in special forces."

Mc Donald actually served in the Army's 82nd Airborne Division —
not special forces. In a statement Monday, Mc Donald said, "I
incorrectly stated that I had been in special forces. That was
inaccurate and I apologize to anyone that was offended by my
misstatement."

 

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