Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins on Faith, Service, and Healing Invisible Wounds

A Career Shaped by Seasons and Faith

• 🎯 Doug Collins reflects on his diverse career path, from military chaplain and pastor to lawyer, congressman, and now Secretary of Veterans Affairs, noting that he could not have predicted it.
• 🌱 He describes his approach to life and career as "seasonal," believing that each phase builds upon the preparation and lessons learned from previous ones.
• 💡 His Christian faith is central to his leadership, acting as his "glasses" through which he views and navigates all aspects of his life and work.

Military Service and Chaplaincy

• ⚓ A desire for service, stemming from his father's National Guard service and his time at a military college, led him to become a military chaplain.
• 🤝 He continues to serve as a chaplain, finding value in the camaraderie, sense of belonging, and the opportunity to be part of something larger than himself, even in the twilight of his career.
• 🗣️ He emphasizes the importance of chaplains practicing their faith traditions freely, stating that they should not be censored, regardless of who appointed them.

Addressing Invisible Wounds and Veteran Suicide

• ⚠️ Collins acknowledges veteran suicide as one of the most challenging issues, noting that signs are often indistinguishable until it's too late.
• 📞 He stresses the need for veterans to feel comfortable reaching out, highlighting resources like veteran crisis lines and the 988 number for immediate support.
• 🫂 Encouraging veterans to maintain contact with their service buddies and "wingmen" is crucial, as peer-to-peer connection is more effective than speaking with strangers.
• 🧠 He identifies PTSD, TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), and moral injury as real issues that require a holistic approach beyond medication.

Leadership and Vision for the VA

• 🌟 Collins is proud of refocusing the VA's mission on the veteran, emphasizing that it is a service organization dedicated to its "committed clientele."
• 🚩 He supports initiatives like reinstating the American flag and POW/MIA flag to foster unity and shared identity among staff and veterans.
• 📈 The administration is committed to achieving a return on investment for all initiatives, ensuring that funds and resources are used efficiently and effectively for veteran care.
• ✅ He aims to leave the VA better than he found it, making a tangible difference in the lives of veterans.

Divine Calling and Fiscal Responsibility

• 🙏 Collins believes God has placed a specific call on his life, guiding him through his diverse career and reinforcing his purpose.
• 💡 He views his calling not just as an opportunity but as a fundamental aspect of his identity, reminding him that he is not his own and is here for a purpose.
• 💰 Addressing fiscal responsibility, he questions whether past investments in personnel and funds have yielded the desired results, advocating for efficient spending in areas that directly benefit veteran care and necessary equipment.