for homeless veterans, in keeping the leadership focus on program and actual execution, it was pete dougherty. it was a real pleasure to work with him. now, pete, for that, as i was parked in front of a library there, i found this on my car. i figured i would give it to you to -- that was easy. so i thank you for that introduction. i want to acknowledge some folks who are here. especially chick. we worked together in years past. he's been not only a tremendous advocate but also for veterans at large across the country. and i thank individuals like chick are represented here, who i don't know most of you but i do know of the reputation that your organization has in the community. i do have some prepared remarks. i'm going to deviate from him. this is going to be my last public event as the deputy secretary. i've announced my retirement on the 15th of june. it is only my retirement from the v.a. i do plan on staying very active in the world of homeless veterans. it is a pleasure to be here and i can think of no better way. the, departing from my prepared remarks, one of the things i would like