Shameful. Thank you, dr. Head. Let me just say also that the retaliation isnt limited to employees of the v. A. But also patients who step forward. And in colorado we had a case last year where a patient gave a statement to an Investigative Reporter and called the v. A. And talked to the Public Affairs individual for that particular visit and the Public Affairs person said you dont want to talk to this person. He is a patient undergoing psychiatric care. I sent a letter to the secretary of Veterans Affairs and never gotten a response to this date. Our thanks to the witnesses. You are now excused. Today we have had a chance to hear about problems that exist within the department of Veterans Affairs. With regards to whistleblower retaliation. With the testimony provided and the questions asked today i am dismayed at the failure of the department to adequately protect conscientious employees who seek to improve Services Provided to our veterans. As such this hearing was necessary to accom