Ohio First To Bust Aurora VA Hospital Scandal
The State of Ohio is the first state outside Colorado to start hammering away at the Aurora VA hospital construction scandal — over 1,000 miles west.
For the past two years, lawmakers and VA leadership have fought over cost overruns now in the billions for failures to develop the Colorado facility within budget. Now, Ohio is the first state to take a real crack at the unlawful scandal that resulted in the cost overruns.
The Denver Post gave a rundown of the scandal:
Chris Kyrgos, the VA’s former national acquisition director, has been subpoenaed to testify in the trial of Mark Farmer, an architect accused by federal prosecutors of paying a former high-ranking VA official in Cleveland for the sensitive construction information.
Farmer, 55, of Arlington, Va., is on trial in Akron, Ohio, on charges of conspiracy, racketeering, embezzlement, theft of public money, mail fraud and wire fraud.
He is accused of conspiring with former VA official William Montague from 2010 through 2013. Montague was head of the Cleveland VA Medical Center from 1995 through 2010 and acting director of the Dayton VA Medical Center from March 2011 though December 2011.
Prosecutors say Montague had a side consulting business he named the “House of Montague.”
Two VA employees, including Krygos, were identified in confidential documents passed to Farmer. One of the documents passed on in the scandal identified Montague.
So in light of recent tough talk from Donald Trump recently, do you think he would be able to clean up the government contractor problems VA has had over the past 80 years?
Source: https://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_28629549/supervisor-veterans-affairs-hospital-aurora-subpoenaed
Post 9/11 most federal building plans are not released to anyone that doesn’t have the clearance and need for them.
But…you all have it so wrong. Baghdad Bob McDonald has it all fixed. As he told the DAV this past weekend in Colorado he is an engineer and the problem WAS too many architects. See…he just bit one.
An engineer by training, McDonald said he was stunned when he toured the construction site for the medical center last weekend.
“I looked and I said, ‘Oh my goodness, the architects went nuts, there were no engineers on this project,’” McDonald said. “The design is over the top, but nevertheless that is the design. And we’re now value-engineering it as we go to try to make sure we save as much money for the American people.
“The mistakes that occurred in the construction of this building were terrible mistakes,” he added. “We all own it. We apologize for it. And there’s no excuse. They shouldn’t have happened.”
Ok Robin, you sound like you’re defending a known liar. You say “…he bit one!” True. YET, there’s a major problem with you hypothesis. That is, “…he just bit one” lowly architect. Question, how many others were involved in that “crisis”? Why aren’t Construction Leaders, Directors of the Constructions and many more “higher ups” being prosecuted?
As far as “Security Clearances”, you may be partly correct. But not really. But if that be the case, every single person on every single crew would have to have some level of a clearance. That in itself is, and can not be done.
Now for my final word on this subject, the DAV is not a group I would use for any kind of “expertise in anything!” Their reputation is extremely tarnished. There are many news articles out there which confirms my statement. There are many on here which can tell you of their many misdeeds. There are also many on Facebook, Twitter and other websites that will and can inform you of the corruption within their organization. Don’t take my word for it. Check them out! One place to start is—-
“The Honorably Discharged Veterans of Sarasota County”
Another is
“DAV REFORM”.
If you truly want the truth, and have the guts, look at all the “comments” on DAV REFORM. Then check out the websites that are given by individuals who lived the lies and theft by State and National representatives.
P.S. Robin, Ol McDonald said “there were no engineers on this project”. Well you might want to check federal court records. Because late last year, and settled in court early this year, is proof positive of where a group of “project engineers” sued, and won their case!!!!! So, I would strongly advise you to stop defending one who has no defense available…
I say again, McDonald IS AND HAS BEEN CAUGHT NUMEROUS TIMES OF LYING not only to veterans, but to taxpayers many many times…
You took it the wrong way. I meant he bit off more than he could chew. He isn’t anymore an engineer than he was in Special Forces. The last paragraph is from the newspaper article but this site wouldn’t let me post the link.
And, yes, after 9/11 I did estimates where I only had my portion of a job. Try to walk into the super’s trailer and ask to see the entire job.
I started a F B page with all of McDonald’s lies I can find on it….Baghdad Bob McDonald
Akron
Hey Bruce, Google the following;
“VA Secretary visits Wasilla, Alaska VA”
There’s a bunch of sites that talk about Ol McD’s visit there. He really wasn’t welcomed. There was lots of anger towards him. He deserved every bit of it too!
When you look at his picture, he has a blank stare. As though he didn’t expect the greeting he got.
He probably still thought he was sipping margaritas in Honolulu, HI. Wonder if that was an outdoor adventure vacation and just happened to visit the VA there for a PR shot and found out that in person it’s much harder to ignore than the phone calls and emails that likely have been left ignored from Alaska Veterans and VA Employees. Interesting, it’s actually sad you have to search for this shit when it should be on the news. It’s almost like in the newer Battle Star Galactica where the war machine is indeed driving every bit of the industry with the Politicians and Appointees both ON the puppeteer strings, and pulling them…it’s as if today, people are a bit oblivious of the HORRORS of WAR and that we are actively still in the USA’s longest war ever. Just think if these funds were put into the infrastructure and make the USA all it can be….maybe I am dreaming of the Utopian USA but it seems nobody has an attention span longer than a few fleeting moments.
Now, get off my damn lawn! LOL!
He probably still thought he was sipping margaritas in Honolulu, HI. Wonder if that was an outdoor adventure vacation and just happened to visit the VA there for a PR shot and found out that in person it’s much harder to ignore than the phone calls and emails that likely have been left ignored from Alaska Veterans and VA Employees. Interesting, it’s actually sad you have to search for this shit when it should be on the news. It’s almost like in the newer Battle Star Galactica where the war machine is indeed driving every bit of the industry with the Politicians and Appointees both ON the puppeteer strings, and pulling them…it’s as if today, people are a bit oblivious of the HORRORS of WAR and that we are actively still in the USA’s longest war ever. Just think if these funds were put into the infrastructure and make the USA all it can be….maybe I am dreaming of the Utopian USA but it seems nobody has an attention span longer than a few fleeting moments.
Now, get off my damn lawn! LOL!
Elf, you are so right, and greatly appreciated. Oswald cleaned McD’s clock, but now he faces retaliation from the Disruptive Behavior Committee no doubt.
Bruce, As I’m sure all who spoke against VA and Ol McD last week. That “disruptive list” is going to bulge until it bursts. If VA doesn’t start treating veterans with respect. And doing the job they are being paid very handsomely for.
I just had to explain to my wife the “definition” or differences between security clearance vs. GS levels of the what and where a secured area would be in a medical facility. In reality, the only secured area would be the computers that hold the patients records. Even then, it only goes by the “GS Level” of the employee. There is no “security clearance” needed in reality. That would only come from the “hippa” rules and regs. Therefore VA needs to back off and just do the jobs they were hired to perform!
Next time y’all go to VA, ask any person this question, “what security clearance level” do you hold?”
I will bet every person y’all speak to will say, “none” or my favorite answer is, “what’s that?” Or they might say, “I don’t have a high enough GS level to do that!”
See what I mean about “security clearance level” vs. “GS level”….”Even if there were a clearance needed, it would only be at the lowest or “confidential” level. And the person who would have that, would be at a GS 10 or higher. That way they could get into a person’s complete file. Not just bits and pieces.
I hope I explained it correctly!!!
The best way to handle that Disruptive behavioral committee crap is to go to your local courthouse and file a protective order against those who are claiming you are a threat Your statement would include that you are fearful of these people because of false allegations against you go unchecked and that you do not want to be wrongfully accused.
Then instead of waiting for the VSOS and some of these organizations to call for the Secretary to resign, you can start either a recall election or the impeachment process of the Secretary for mismanagement. I does not necessarily have to be a criminal offense, but failure to act on criminal offenses that have already occurred should be your basis.
In my case of the DBC, I have direct evidence that the VAOIG lied.
I also am filing a recall election against OSC and MSPB for covering up this direct evidence I have to obfuscate and circumvent the law.
The DC Bar will get a long letter about these attorneys.
Google the following;
“VA Secretary visits Wasilla, Alaska VA”
Great articles by different writers.
Google;
“Cleveland Newswire // topics”
It should lead y’all to three articles over this issue.
1.) “Trial begins for architect accused of bribing former head of Cleveland Medical Center”. Aug 10 | Cleveland.com
2.) “Former head of Cleveland VA Medical Center testifies in bribery trial”. Aug 11 | Cleveland.com
3.) “Supervisor of VA hospital in Aurora subpoenaed in Ohio Case”. Denver Post. Aug 12
These are on the web. Send them to your news medias please….
namnibor, besides the Koch Brothers, let’s not forget that American hater jew multi-billionaire called Soros. He was the one who backed Obama. Or should I say “paid” to get Obama elected??
To, namnibor, DONE!
Not only that, my wife has an “investigative reporter” following her on “Twitter”! He has 1,634 followers. He only follows about 46 people. His name is Mr. Kyle Bailey, out of New York City Metro.
My wife sent him, and Mr. Trump, the Denver Post article and just informed both of Ben’s website.
Never know, he just may bring this information to the taxpayers and veterans across the nation!? Let’s hope and pray ok!?
This is another ‘wait and see’ situation. Funnily enough, I live in the State of Ohio and I have *YET* to hear/view *anything* about this in my local and definitely not the National News…nadda! If it’s being kept out of the news this week within the very State where this “architect” is coming under fire, am thinking that the REAL perps are not being addressed in this Colorado VAMC money pit. How about the very people that overlook the BUILDING CONTRACT…I mean, isn’t the VERY reason for a construction contract is to KEEP THE COSTS CONTAINED within the signed contract??? There HAS to be MUCH MORE to this story because why would the VA continue to throw money into a horridly over-budget facility time and time again?
As far as Trump–he is the ONLY Presidential Candidate that is talking in-depth about Veteran Issues, Cleaning-up a corrupt VA, and taking care of our Vets. You may not like his over-the-top personality and no-holes-barred not worrying about being Politically Correct, but I think we NEED a President at this time that will not be the *passive twit* Obama has proven to be and this latest Iran *DEAL* simply pisses me off because we are actively engaged in full-out-war and history has proven over and over that Iran cannot be trusted and they will simply funnel money to the very terrorists we are fighting so they can buy the weapons that Iran is supposedly not allowed to “DIRECTLY SUPPLY THEM”…it’s a bad deal.
Even if Trump does not get the official nomination, we can HOPE that his talking freely about the problems with the VA and Veteran Issues will carry-over to the other candidates and future debates and we veterans need to help ensure these things remain steadily in the news and remain relevant.
namnibor, it seems to me, you’re right on target.
There has to be a great deal more to this Aurora, (and other VA hospital fiascos), than meets the eye.
For Mark Farmer, architect, to take the fall is, IMO, ludicrous. And for Kyrgos, to say he’s going on vacation, is also ludicrous (maybe that’s why Ohio has a warrant out for his arrest)! Let the a-hole sit in jail until his trial comes up.
Trump, again IMO, has let it be known what he’s going to do for veterans. I think McDonald will be one of the first to hear “Your Fired”! Of course, what will take his place?
Lastly, Except for the Denver Post newspaper, how come there’s been no mention of this “criminal trial” in or on any of the news medias? Seems to me, this IS NEWS!
As a matter of fact, there are NO “posts” on the web concerning this issue. I’ve tried many ways of googling this, but to no avail. Only the one from the Denver Post.
Did anyone look up the many sites I gave on Ben’s previous Blog he put on friday? There’s a lot of info for y’all to read.
Maybe these things SHOULD be Tweeted by you and your wife to Mr. Trump. Provide him with rather than a barrage of messages, just take the time over a week and use a Microsoft word, wordpad, whatever, and take time to compile in with links, but most importantly, Keep It Short and Simple (KISS), and to point.
I think this is the approach we are going to have to use social media to INFORM those that are in positions to make change even more plausible in the now, rather than another 8 decades of kicking the can as the VA and our Govt has done. We are at war. Trump has even addressed the stupidity of not taking hints from history in which even these same terrorist in the big sandy cat box called the middle east, the Russions, then-USSR Soviet Union, had their backs broken by the many years, expense, loss of life, they even high tailed and left all their expensive equipment in the sand, some even being used against us….some of our own arms are being used against us as well. It’s still early on, but these are ALL issues I have personally thought no such candidate would want to spend the time highlighting the ugly truths and correcting and improving and yes, firing, as Trump. It’s a wait and see, and I do not subscribe to any political party wholeheartedly these days, mostly by issues, and Veteran issues are always at top of list.
Trump does need to follow the status quo, Koch Brother’s run USA Gov’t…no, he’s not even invited to this additional group meeting inn Ohio this week…been disinvited. I hope he actually shows-up.
Trump has spoken of how Citizen’s United Supreme Court Ruling making Corporations considered as same as people and have no limits in what they can contribute to politics, has highly accelerated this mess, and Trump wants to overturn a lot of Obama’s decisions.
It’s circus music now.
Who knows, maybe this Denver VAMC also is a 50 levels deep underground bioweapons lab to test on vets….or worse? Sorry, my dark humor, not enough coffee yet.
CrazyElf-hope you sent that link directly to ben about that Disabled Veteran getting carjacked and robbed. That still burns my ass.
As far as Iran is concerned. It came out last week, only not confirmed, that the Shaw has said there is no deal with the U.S.! We all know he IS the TRUE LEADER of that country. He has the final say in everything.
Their “President” is, and has been, a “figurehead”! With no authority to enter into any contract.
Of course, we have a truly uninformed citizenry that, for some reason, refuses to believe this fact….
Sorry, I meant that ‘Trump DOES NOT NEED to follow the status quo” (he’s self-funded)
Let’s see, there are many involved in the Aurora VA hospital scandal. Which Ol McD has now considered it a “crisis”. Only just the lowly architect is going to take the fall for it. Because “sensitive information” was passed between him and at least one or more other people!? I will bet there are many more involved in this “scam” we don’t know about.
Question, Since when does building a hospital, become or has “Classified Information” attached to it? Can anyone explain, where are the “areas” in that unfinished hospital that would hold any form of classified materials at this time? Is there more to this “project” that we don’t know about?
As far as some idiot (Kyrgos) not wanting to “appear in court”, it seems we see this happening more and more in our government.
Last but not least, YES, I do see Trump taking steps to possibly rid our government of corruption. I think some of his first acts will be to “Fire” many of the people in “appointed positions”! That will be his “right” as President! We got some real loosers in many positions, that are as useless as that “teet on a boar hog”, making some very bad business deals!
That’s my opinion!!!
Post 9/11 most federal building plans are not released to anyone that doesn’t have the clearance and need for them.
But…you all have it so wrong. Baghdad Bob McDonald has it all fixed. As he told the DAV this past weekend in Colorado he is an engineer and the problem WAS too many architects. See…he just bit one.
An engineer by training, McDonald said he was stunned when he toured the construction site for the medical center last weekend.
“I looked and I said, ‘Oh my goodness, the architects went nuts, there were no engineers on this project,’” McDonald said. “The design is over the top, but nevertheless that is the design. And we’re now value-engineering it as we go to try to make sure we save as much money for the American people.
“The mistakes that occurred in the construction of this building were terrible mistakes,” he added. “We all own it. We apologize for it. And there’s no excuse. They shouldn’t have happened.”
https://www.coloradostatesman.com/content/996006-va-secretary-house-va-committee-chair-speak-denver-aurora-hospital-crisis
Post 9/11 most federal building plans are not released to anyone that doesn’t have the clearance and need for them.
But…you all have it so wrong. Baghdad Bob McDonald has it all fixed. As he told the DAV this past weekend in Colorado he is an engineer and the problem WAS too many architects. See…he just bit one.
An engineer by training, McDonald said he was stunned when he toured the construction site for the medical center last weekend.
“I looked and I said, ‘Oh my goodness, the architects went nuts, there were no engineers on this project,’” McDonald said. “The design is over the top, but nevertheless that is the design. And we’re now value-engineering it as we go to try to make sure we save as much money for the American people.
“The mistakes that occurred in the construction of this building were terrible mistakes,” he added. “We all own it. We apologize for it. And there’s no excuse. They shouldn’t have happened.”
https://www.coloradostatesman.com/content/996006-va-secretary-house-va-committee-chair-speak-denver-aurora-hospital-crisis
Elf, you raise an excellent question, when you ask why would a hospital contract contain classified information, or “confidential” info as it may have been reported. This goes beyond sealed bids or experimental medical programs using next generation technology, so rule anything like that out.
Explanation: Two people are talking at lunch, discussing classified matters. One uses a code name, project name, or says something that is a give away, that is heard by persons who were not supposed to hear it; they do not have a need to know and are risks.
So, it’s like a sensitive conversation that spills the beans, prompting the person who did so to use a simple tactic like someone cheating or stealing, or planning to do so, might do. They pretend that they made a slip of the tongue, or say they were talking about something innocent that sounded like the controversial subject they are immediately trying to cover back up.
In this case, since this crap is really all about black funding for the Aurora hyper-sonic fighter/bomber/recon aircraft development program, they play stupid and say they were talking about Aurora, Colorado, not some TS plane or flying black triangle.
There are black holes used in projects like this, the real one, namely Aurora aeronautic development and deployment. These BH’s suck funding in from any source that happens to come near its event horizon.
Recall a fitting famous quote: “Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.” Arthur Conan Doyle
Old McD will bail with his golden parachute, soon, because all roads lead back to him, and in spite of the saying “Shit rolls downhill”, sometimes even the top dog gets nailed when “The shit hits the fan.”
You, like me, held “High Security Clearances”! I got it! Too bad Ol McD doesn’t! Your correct. I believe he will bail. He has no choice now. I hope this trial puts an end to his bull shit! That architect better spill his guts. I see him going to prison for a long time, if he doesn’t!!!