VA Testimony of William A. Moorman before Congress on September 30, 2004

United States Department of Veterans Affairs

STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD BEFORE
THE SENATE VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
WILLIAM A. MOORMAN

September 30, 2004

Mr. Chairman, members of the Committee, I am honored to have been nominated for a seat on the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Thank you for the opportunity to appear here today.

My thanks also go to my Mother and Father, Mary and Jim Moorman, who taught me to treat others as I wanted to be treated, to always act with integrity, and to believe that hard work is always worth the effort. I thank my Mother-in-Law, Junice Zook, for her always positive outlook, no matter how dire the situation and my late Father-in-Law, Roy Zook, for his service in World War II and his loving example of a life well-led. I thank our daughter, Kelly, just for being the terrific person she is, for marrying a great guy, and raising two marvelous grandchildren who are a constant source of joy in our lives. Finally, I want to thank my wife, Bobbie, who is here today, for her constant, loving support. Without her by my side, I could not continue in public service.

Thirty-three years ago this month, I entered active duty in the Air Force with the expectation that I would complete my four year tour of duty and return home to Chicago to practice law. More than thirty years later, I retired from the Air Force in the spring of 2002. During that thirty plus years, I learned first hand about the extraordinary men and women who serve our Country. I saw the endless demands they faced. I saw them put duty above all else. And, I saw their families willingly shoulder the burden of service as well.

Shortly after my retirement, I was offered a position at the Department of Veterans Affairs. In the last two years, I have learned still more about the lasting sacrifices of those who have served our Country. I have visited with wounded soldiers at Walter Reed and I have met veterans from every conflict since World War II. I have heard their stories of service, and I have seen the toll their service has taken on their health.

If confirmed, I pledge that I will bring all that I have learned over these last thirty-three years to my new position where I might assure that every veteran and every veteran’s family member gets the full and fair hearing concerning their claims that our Nation has promised to each.

Thank you Mr. Chairman. I’ll be happy to respond to any questions you and the Committee may have for me.