and like sergeant major kenneth ericson. they are our neighbors, our friends. they're teachers, zivic leaders, coaches. loved ones. they're continuing to serve america, to defend and to strengthen our democracy long after they take off the uniform. and all our work at v.a. adds up to the single statistic that matters most. veterans' lives improved. veteran's lives saved. by the work that we do together. now that's what we've done. i want to talk a minute about how we've done it and who, importantly, does it. the v.a. work force has been delivering for vets during a period of rapid change. teaching us vivid lessons that have forever altered the way v.a. does business. first, while the covid-19 public health emergency came to an end six months ago, let's not forget that v.a.'s frontline staff provided world class care through what has been a devastating once in a century pandemic. from the moment that pandemic hit, v.a.'s public servants mobilized around one core mission. saving and improving the lives of veterans, their family, caregivers, and senior vivers. the