VA’s Really Bad ‘Patton’ Conference Video
By
Bob Brewin
Department spent $52,000 on the motivational movie.
The Veterans Affairs Department spent $52,000 last year on a video-take off of the movie “Patton” designed to inspire and motivate department human resources folks attending conferences in Florida.
The unnamed actor portraying Patton is definitely no George C. Scott (who played Patton in the movie), and I would say based on his performance he may have been worth about $500 out of the $52,000 cost.
The rest of the 14 minute video, released by the House Veterans Affairs Committee, consists of stock combat footage, shots of patients and docs in VA hospitals and unbelievably syrupy comments from VA HR folks on the importance of caring for those who care for veterans.
The committee and the VA inspector general are investigating a series of conferences last year that cost VA $9 million -- including taxpayer dollars spent on booze, concert tickets and spa treatments.
I don’t think many veterans are receiving VA-funded spa treatments.