"FIRING her would be the first step in showing you are truly committed to the veterans' health and
well-being. Action speaks louder than words," Elizabeth Sanchez wrote on Facebook.Two of the country's largest veterans organizations have also criticized Paul's actions.
"It is absolutely inexcusable that a VA supervisor would make light of any issue that veterans face,"
VFW National Commander John W. Stroud said in a statement.
"The
VFW demands she be replaced as program manager."
The American
Legion also expressed their discontent, saying they take "health care for veterans very seriously."
"Veterans suffering from TBI and PTSD should not be held up to ridicule,"
their statement read.
John Crimmins was one of a few who came to
the hospital's defense.
"As a veteran who receives care
at the Rodebush VA Medical Center, I find this apology to be acceptable. We're all prone to doing stupid things. I'm
sure Ms. Paul has received a reprimand for her actions. She doesn't need to lose her job. Now, let's move on,"
he wrote on the VA's Facebook page.
Mattice, who was not available
for comment Wednesday, did not elaborate on the investigation into the incident, or why it took so long to move forward with
placing Paul on leave, but instead asked for forgiveness.
"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," he said.
This incident is the latest
in what has been a tumultuous year for the Veterans Affairs Department. CNN's months-long investigation into deaths due
to long wait times for veterans at VA hospitals led to the resignation of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki.
CNN's attempts to reach Paul were unanswered as of Wednesday afternoon.
