VA Leaders Discuss Diversity and Benefits at LULAC Convention

VA Leaders at LULAC Convention

Assistant Secretary Sepulveda, Acting Under Secretary Muro Pledge Inclusion

WASHINGTON – Joining other top administration officials addressing America’s Hispanic leaders this week at the 80th annual convention of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) were two Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) executives with pledges of ethnic inclusion and outreach to Veterans from the nation’s second largest government department.

The conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico, July 14-16, featured John U. Sepulveda, VA’s Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration, and Steve L. Muro, Acting Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs.  Sepulveda emphasized VA’s commitment to hiring and advancement of Veterans, including Latino and Latina Veterans.

“As a major health care and benefits provider, VA recognizes that, to deliver quality services, it must maintain a workforce that reflects the communities it serves,” said Sepulveda. “We strive to recruit, develop and retain a diverse, high-performing workforce through various initiatives.”

As an example, Sepulveda said VA established a board to develop new training courses in equal opportunity, diversity and conflict management for employees and supervisors.

Aware of Puerto Rican Veterans’ concerns about future burial capacity at the Puerto Rico National Cemetery, Muro emphasized VA’s commitment to serve their needs through at least 2019 with 700 more traditional gravesites and space for cremated remains until about 2030.  Development of the expansion project is now in design.

"VA’s National Cemetery Administration has the highest percentage of Veteran employees in the federal government," said Muro.  "We would like to encourage more Veterans to join our team."

Both VA executives participated in panel presentations.

LULAC is the nation’s largest and oldest Hispanic organization.   Its mission is to advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community programs.