[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[September 26, 1992]
[Page 1670]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 1670]]


Letter Accepting the Resignation of Edward J. Derwinski as Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs
September 26, 1992

Dear Ed:
    It is with great regret and with sincere appreciation for your 
dedicated service to our country that I accept your resignation as 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs. However, I'm delighted that you are 
willing to now devote your great energies to speeding our message of 
renewal across America as Deputy Co-Chairman of our Campaign.
    When I appointed you as Secretary of Veterans Affairs in 1989, I 
knew that you were the right person to represent the more than 25 
million men and women who have served in our Nation's Armed Forces, as 
well as some 53 million of their dependents and survivors. As one who 
began his career as an enlisted member of the United States Army, you 
have a long and distinguished record of compassion and support for those 
who have so ably defended our Nation. You can be proud of your role in 
strengthening a Department of nearly 250,000 employees, the second 
largest civilian work force in the United States Government, and I am 
grateful to you for helping to lead the Administration's efforts to 
protect veterans benefits while promoting more effective management of 
existing veterans programs.
    While Operation Desert Storm constituted a resounding victory for 
freedom and the rule of law, it also brought new challenges to the 
Department of Veterans Affairs. However, you proved your determination 
to meet them, and I salute you for that. At a time when our Nation 
proudly celebrates the expansion of democracy around the globe and the 
potential for increased international cooperation in this post-Cold War 
era, you have rightly reminded all Americans of our tremendous debt to 
our veterans.
    From your service in the Army to your many achievements in the 
United States House of Representatives, the Department of State, and 
now, the Department of Veterans Affairs, your contributions to our 
Nation have been substantial; your loyalty and concern for others, 
inspiring. I am grateful for your friendship and support, and Barbara 
joins me in sending best wishes to you and Bonnie for the future.
    Sincerely,

                                                             George Bush

                    
Dear Mr. President:
    It is an honor for me to accept your request to serve as your 
campaign's Deputy Chairman for Ethnic Coalitions. I hereby tender my 
resignation as Secretary of Veterans Affairs so that I may devote my 
full energies to this vital role and uphold your determination to keep 
VA free of any political label.
    As I leave the position you appointed me to 3\1/2\ years ago as the 
first Secretary of the new cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs, 
I do so with deep appreciation for your support in bringing effective 
and compassionate health-care and benefits services to the Nation's 
veterans. Your personal concern for their well-being has been 
consistently demonstrated with record levels of resources committed to 
VA programs.
    I welcome the opportunity that I will now have to bring your solid 
record of achievement in furthering the ideals of democracy and liberty 
abroad to this important bloc of American voters.
    Thank you for your confidence in my ability to be of service to you 
in the homestretch of the re-election campaign.
    Respectfully,

                                                     Edward J. Derwinski

                    Note: These letters were made available by the 
                        Office of the Press Secretary but were not 
                        issued as White House press releases.