OFFICE of Veterans Affairs Executive Officer Stanley T. Iakopo on Monday submitted his letter of resignation to Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, saying “I cannot in good conscience align myself with a governor who does not support veterans.”
Iakopo, who served in the U.S. Air Force for 21 years, was appointed to head Veterans Affairs in 2018.
He said it has been a privilege and honor to serve and advocate for the CNMI veterans and their families.
Iakopo said he has enjoyed working with the Veterans Health Administration, the Veterans Benefits Administration and the National Cemetery Administration to ensure that CNMI veterans and their families receive what they deserve.
“Unfortunately, Governor Torres, it has become apparent to me that you no longer share the same values and principles with respect to good order and discipline,” Iakopo said.
He said he had attempted to meet with the governor over the past few years, but to no avail.
“In fact, I recently tried to meet with you to advise you about upcoming visits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, but you refused to meet with me. Recently, I submitted a request for advance military leave and once again, you denied it. Governor Torres I took an oath to protect our freedom and defend our constitution. But when you denied my…military leave request, it showed me that you do not support the veterans, especially those called to duty,” Iakopo said.
He thanked the CNMI veterans for their support and consideration, saying he is forever grateful to them for allowing him the opportunity to serve them.
Administration supports veterans
In response, the governor issued the following statement on Monday:
“My Administration has always supported our Veterans through direct and indirect services.
“We have advocated for equality and inclusion where there were gaps, and we’ve worked to build foundations upon which our Veterans may prosper as civilians.
“Aside from benefits that Veterans have earned, it has been a duty of the Torres Administration to provide adequate healthcare services. I have taken this responsibility seriously. In fact, issues specific to physical, mental, and emotional health were brought up in a meeting with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary Donald Remy and other USVA officials.
“USVA Deputy Secretary Remy commended my Administration’s outreach efforts, which included town hall meetings on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
“Our commitment to Veterans is unwavering. I thank Mr. Iakopo for his service to our country and Commonwealth.”
Stanley T. Iakokpo
