The Indiana VA clinic manager who
sent out a holiday email mocking veteran suicides has been put on paid administrative leave while an investigation looks into the heartless Dec. 14 post.
Clinic director Tom Mattice apologized for the email in a statement Tuesday and announced the removal of Robin Paul, the
Indianapolis Star reports.
"The email message that was sent out by Ms. Paul is completely and totally unacceptable. It in no way reflects the attitudes of our staff toward our patients," Mattice said, the newspaper reports. "I ask veterans to accept my apology for this failure, and to allow us to continue to demonstrate to you our commitment to your health and well-being."
The shocking email includes photographs of a toy Christmas elf posing as one of the hospital's patients, pleading for anti-anxiety medication and hanging itself with an electrical cord. Paul sent the email to workers at the clinic she manages, which provides mental health and other services for returning vets.
The decision comes after pressure from members of Congress and some of the nation's largest veterans groups, including the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Indianapolis Star reports.
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