US Under Secretary of Defence visits the Royal Hospital

15th September 2014

The US Under Secretary of Defence for Personnel and Readiness Jessica L Wright has visited the Royal Hospital Chelsea as part of an official visit to the UK.

Secretary Wright was given a tour of the Long Wards and Margaret Thatcher Infirmary by the Governor of the Royal Hospital General Sir Redmond Watt and Chief Executive Officer Major General David McDowall.  

During her visit Secretary Wright spoke with Chelsea Pensioners and staff.  She said: “It was my distinct honour to visit the historical Royal Hospital Chelsea. The most enjoyable part was sharing conversation and camaraderie with your outstanding Chelsea Pensioners."

Secretary Wright was previously responsible for six state-owned veterans’ home and programmes for one million veterans in Pennsylvania.

Governor General Sir Redmond Watt said: “We were delighted to show Secretary Wright around the Royal Hospital Chelsea, which for over 300 years has been providing retired soldiers with a home, comradeship and the very highest standards of care during their advanced years.

“We are very grateful to Secretary Wright for spending time with our Pensioners who were honoured to have the chance to meet her and hear about veteran care on the other side of the Atlantic.” 

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