Mission and vision | veterans affairs

OUR MISSION Our mission statement was updated March 2023 by VA Secretary Denis McDonough.  The new mission statement is: “To fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have

served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.” The new mission statement is inclusive of all those who have served in our nation’s military — including

women Veterans — as well as Veteran families, caregivers, and survivors. VA currently serves more than 600,000 women Veterans, the fastest growing cohort of Veterans. VA also serves more

than 50,000 Veteran caregivers, more than 600,000 Veteran survivors, and millions of Veterans who did not serve in combat. OUR VISION VA’s five core values underscore the obligations

inherent in VA’s mission: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. The core values define “who we are,” our culture, and how we care for Veterans and eligible beneficiaries.

Our values are more than just words – they affect outcomes in our daily interactions with Veterans and eligible beneficiaries and with each other. Taking the first letter of each

word—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, Excellence—creates a powerful acronym, “I CARE,” that reminds each VA employee of the importance of their role in this Department. These core

values come together as five promises we make as individuals and as an organization to those we serve. INTEGRITY: Act with high moral principle. Adhere to the highest professional standards.

Maintain the trust and confidence of all with whom I engage. COMMITMENT: Work diligently to serve Veterans and other beneficiaries. Be driven by an earnest belief in VA’s mission. Fulfill

my individual responsibilities and organizational responsibilities. ADVOCACY: Be truly Veteran-centric by identifying, fully considering, and appropriately advancing the interests of

Veterans and other beneficiaries. RESPECT: Treat all those I serve and with whom I work with dignity and respect. Show respect to earn it. EXCELLENCE: Strive for the highest quality and

continuous improvement. Be thoughtful and decisive in leadership, accountable for my actions, willing to admit mistakes, and rigorous in correcting them. WHO WE SERVE VA New Mexico Health

Care System offers a variety of health services to meet the needs of our nation's Veterans, their families and caregivers throughout New Mexico and Southern Colorado.