Senator Reverend Warnock led the bipartisan, bicameral effort to honor the life and legacy of Senator Max Cleland, a decorated Vietnam Veteran and former VA Administrator
Senator Reverend Warnock to WABE: “Our commitment to veterans cannot and does not end here. To be sure, truly honoring his legacy means we must keep pushing to support the vital work of the Veterans Administration”
Senator Reverend Warnock: “The renaming of the Atlanta VA Medical Center is not just about a name; it’s about preserving the memory of a man who believed in the best of human nature”
Above: Senator Reverend Warnock provides remarks to Georgia servicemembers and community members, honoring the life of the late Sen. Max Cleland
Atlanta, GA – Last week, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) joined Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough to deliver remarks at a renaming ceremony for the Atlanta VA Medical Center in honor of the late Sen. Joseph Maxwell Cleland, a decorated Vietnam Veteran and former VA Administrator. Senator Warnock spearheaded the bipartisan, bicameral effort to honor the life and legacy of the late Senator, passing a bill in late 2022 to rename the Atlanta VA Medical Center as the “Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.” Cleland, a U.S. Army Veteran disabled in Vietnam during the Battle of Khe Sanh in 1968, lost his right forearm and both legs due to a grenade explosion. Suffering from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) while recovering from his wounds, he found comfort at an Atlanta Veterans Center, which he credited for saving his life.
“As the son of a veteran, and a voice for the veterans and servicemembers of our state, know that I’ll remain committed to ensuring our federal government does its part to take care of our heroes,” said Senator Warnock.“Together, we honor a great American and recommit ourselves to the ideals for which he stood. May we continue to serve with the same dedication and honor exemplified by Senator Max Cleland, for in serving our veterans, we serve the very heart of our nation.”
During the ceremony, Senator Warnock emphasized the enduring impact of Senator Cleland’s work and the importance of continuing to improve services for veterans in the Atlanta area. Prior to the ceremony, the Senator also joined local and federal leaders for a closed door briefing to discuss ongoing challenges Georgia veterans face in accessing the quality and timely care they have earned and deserve, as well as opportunities to improve said access, with a focus on improving wait times for appointments, providing more housing for veterans, and enhancing the responsiveness of the phone system to ensure that veterans receive the highest quality care and support.
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