Arkansas' Director of Veterans Affairs Resigns
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: May 14, 2012
Governor Mike Beebe has announced that Department of Veterans Affairs Director Dave Fletcher has submitted a letter stating his intention to retire, effective immediately.
Fletcher met with Beebe Monday and both agreed that it was time to take leadership of the agency in a new direction.
"Dave Fletcher stepped up five-and-a-half years ago when I asked him to take the helm at Veterans Affairs, and I thank him for his service and his dedication to our men and women in uniform," Governor Beebe said. "However, it's become evident that new leadership will be best positioned to re-examine practices and policies and to determine how best to manage the department's finances."
Beebe plans to name a new director very soon, likely in the next few days.
Fletcher's Resignation Letter:
May 14, 2012
The Honorable Mike Beebe
Governor's Office
State Capitol
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Dear Governor Beebe:
I have been contemplating retirement for some time, and in light of recent events, I feel it is best that I take that opportunity now rather than waiting until later this year.
I am proud of what we've accomplished during my five-and-a-half years leading the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs. There is no doubt in my mind that the department will continue our initiatives to help our veterans and our state in the best possible ways.
However, it is clear that there are improvements that must be made to the internal operations of the department, and that mistakes have been made in the administration of both the department and the Little Rock Veterans Home. While I have begun working to address those issues and put stronger policies in place, I recognize that new leadership with a fresh perspective may best improve the department and address its needs.
Please consider this my official notice that I will immediately begin retirement proceedings effective today, May 14, 2012. Even after retirement, I will stand ready to offer any help and assistance to you and the department if requested. Your friendship and dedication to Arkansas's veterans have made this experience a privilege and an honor, and I thank you for allowing me this opportunity to serve.
Sincerely,
David Fletcher
Fletcher met with Beebe Monday and both agreed that it was time to take leadership of the agency in a new direction.
"Dave Fletcher stepped up five-and-a-half years ago when I asked him to take the helm at Veterans Affairs, and I thank him for his service and his dedication to our men and women in uniform," Governor Beebe said. "However, it's become evident that new leadership will be best positioned to re-examine practices and policies and to determine how best to manage the department's finances."
Beebe plans to name a new director very soon, likely in the next few days.
Fletcher's Resignation Letter:
May 14, 2012
The Honorable Mike Beebe
Governor's Office
State Capitol
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Dear Governor Beebe:
I have been contemplating retirement for some time, and in light of recent events, I feel it is best that I take that opportunity now rather than waiting until later this year.
I am proud of what we've accomplished during my five-and-a-half years leading the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs. There is no doubt in my mind that the department will continue our initiatives to help our veterans and our state in the best possible ways.
However, it is clear that there are improvements that must be made to the internal operations of the department, and that mistakes have been made in the administration of both the department and the Little Rock Veterans Home. While I have begun working to address those issues and put stronger policies in place, I recognize that new leadership with a fresh perspective may best improve the department and address its needs.
Please consider this my official notice that I will immediately begin retirement proceedings effective today, May 14, 2012. Even after retirement, I will stand ready to offer any help and assistance to you and the department if requested. Your friendship and dedication to Arkansas's veterans have made this experience a privilege and an honor, and I thank you for allowing me this opportunity to serve.
Sincerely,
David Fletcher
Comments
Well Peter D if your in with that bunch, perhaps just perhaps with any kind of luck you'll be next VA troll to have to bite the dust with a resignation.
R Gilbert
Non Compensated Gay Vietnam Veteran
Roy G.
May 14, 2012 at 7:15 pm
How does it feel to be on the receiving end rotten VA troll and out of a job and the money hole has done dried up.. And another rotten VA troll bites the dust, hope tons more of the puffed up rotting VA old trolls gets forced out of the stinking rotting VA snake holes, from the top of the rotting heap right on down to the stinking rotting bottom of the heap. Comes as no surprise to me.
non-compensated gay Vietnam veteran
Roy G.
May 14, 2012 at 7:08 pm
forgive the "typos".
Peter D.
May 14, 2012 at 5:26 pm
Having spent 14 yeras with ADVA,I am very saddened that an old friend has fond the need to take this action. It is clear that over the last 15 years the agency has grown so larrge and complex that the tight controls that made the nations first State Veterans office(1929)one of the most lauded have been diluted by expansion I commend Daves sense of responsibility and wish him the best. I hope the Governor selects a succesor who will return ADVA to its core mission.
Peter D.
May 14, 2012 at 5:24 pm
