FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 13, 2019

CONTACT: Scott.Vogel@seiuhcil.or

(CHICAGO)—In response to the news that a gunman fired an assault weapon at Jesse Brown VA, Greg Kelley, President of SEIU Healthcare Illinois Indiana, issued the following statement.

“Our VA workers are trained to respond immediately to any tragedy – and they did.

“We thank and recognize the VA police officers and first responders who acted selflessly and courageously to stop an armed gunman who fired multiple rounds into the building and then entered Jesse Brown VA. We are grateful that no one was shot or suffered grievous wounds.

“Our VA workforce whom we proudly represent – from police officers to ER staff, to frontline support workers – do dangerous and demanding jobs to provide our veterans and families with the vital and quality healthcare they need.

 “The skill, professionalism, and commitment of VA workers were on full display not only yesterday but every day where our workers show up. And for that, we owe all our VA workers a debt of gratitude.” 

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