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A Sacred Duty: How a Whistleblower took on the VA and won
A SACRED DUTY is the true story of Paula Pedene, a visually impaired, decorated Navy veteran who was instrumental in exposing the corrupt leadership at the Veterans Administration hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. Hoping for a return to integrity, instead the new administration retaliated by stripping her of her position in public affairs and consigning her to the basement to work as a librarian.
The reprisal included a "30-day investigation" into bogus misconduct charges that stretched into more than eighteen months. Psychologically crippled by the attacks - and battling financial ruin, ruthless superiors, a skeptical media, and her two sons' emotional crises - Pedene fought back, refusing to surrender to a system that was stacked against her.
Working alongside a bulldog congressional investigator, an ornery VA doctor, and a husband who believed in her, Pedene became a central figure in exposing a conspiracy that rocked the nation, killed hundreds of veterans, provoked nationwide outrage, and ultimately brought down the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Pedene's memoir is a classic David vs. Goliath tale - one woman who loves her country and the veterans she serves against the government bureaucrats determined to silence her at any cost.
The reprisal included a "30-day investigation" into bogus misconduct charges that stretched into more than eighteen months. Psychologically crippled by the attacks - and battling financial ruin, ruthless superiors, a skeptical media, and her two sons' emotional crises - Pedene fought back, refusing to surrender to a system that was stacked against her.
Working alongside a bulldog congressional investigator, an ornery VA doctor, and a husband who believed in her, Pedene became a central figure in exposing a conspiracy that rocked the nation, killed hundreds of veterans, provoked nationwide outrage, and ultimately brought down the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Pedene's memoir is a classic David vs. Goliath tale - one woman who loves her country and the veterans she serves against the government bureaucrats determined to silence her at any cost.
- GenresNonfiction
244 pages, Hardcover
Published November 11, 2021
8 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Paula Pedene
2 books5 followersPaula Pedene, APR, Fellow of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), has a well-earned reputation as a public relations strategist and counselor in both government and nonprofit realms.
She serves as Executive Director of the nonprofit Honoring America’s Veterans and as Owner/Principal of her public relations firm, Paula Pedene & Associates. In these roles, she provides strategic counsel and builds trusted relationships.
Pedene is a five-time PRSA Silver Anvil award recipient for Institutional Programs (2004), Reputation Management (2007), Community Outreach (2010, 2020), and Public Service (2020).
She is Chair of the PRSA Military and Veterans Task Force, a member of the PRSA College of Fellows Strategic Planning Committee, and a member of the PRSA Board of Ethics and Professional Standards.
She earned distinction as a PRSA PR Pro of the Year (2015) for her ethical stand as a Phoenix VA Whistleblower, where she was able to help expose the VA Wait Time Scandal and call for change to legislation and accountability within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
In August of 2022, she earned distinction as an inductee into the Defense Information School (DINFOS) Hall of Fame for her broadcasting and public relations expertise. Her numerous talents as a broadcast Journalist in the Navy were unique, and she was the first female sailor assigned to serve as co-anchor for the nationally televised show Navy News This Week. After leaving the Navy, she became a freelance broadcaster with PBS on the TV Show For Veterans Only. She became a correspondent and anchor for the internationally broadcast show America Today, presented by the US Information Agency. After a decade in broadcasting, she turned her sights to public relations, quickly earning acclaim for her work. She served as a public relations practitioner for the Department of Veterans Affairs in several areas, including the field, the Veterans Integrated Service Network, the Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs, and the Veterans Health Administration Office of Communication. She retired with 40 years of federal service in May 2021.
Her new book, A Sacred Duty, How a Whistleblower Took on the VA and Won, is now available on Amazon and through a request from other bookstore retailers.
She serves as Executive Director of the nonprofit Honoring America’s Veterans and as Owner/Principal of her public relations firm, Paula Pedene & Associates. In these roles, she provides strategic counsel and builds trusted relationships.
Pedene is a five-time PRSA Silver Anvil award recipient for Institutional Programs (2004), Reputation Management (2007), Community Outreach (2010, 2020), and Public Service (2020).
She is Chair of the PRSA Military and Veterans Task Force, a member of the PRSA College of Fellows Strategic Planning Committee, and a member of the PRSA Board of Ethics and Professional Standards.
She earned distinction as a PRSA PR Pro of the Year (2015) for her ethical stand as a Phoenix VA Whistleblower, where she was able to help expose the VA Wait Time Scandal and call for change to legislation and accountability within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
In August of 2022, she earned distinction as an inductee into the Defense Information School (DINFOS) Hall of Fame for her broadcasting and public relations expertise. Her numerous talents as a broadcast Journalist in the Navy were unique, and she was the first female sailor assigned to serve as co-anchor for the nationally televised show Navy News This Week. After leaving the Navy, she became a freelance broadcaster with PBS on the TV Show For Veterans Only. She became a correspondent and anchor for the internationally broadcast show America Today, presented by the US Information Agency. After a decade in broadcasting, she turned her sights to public relations, quickly earning acclaim for her work. She served as a public relations practitioner for the Department of Veterans Affairs in several areas, including the field, the Veterans Integrated Service Network, the Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs, and the Veterans Health Administration Office of Communication. She retired with 40 years of federal service in May 2021.
Her new book, A Sacred Duty, How a Whistleblower Took on the VA and Won, is now available on Amazon and through a request from other bookstore retailers.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 18, 2021
Author Paula Pedene is a hero. From serving our country in the Navy to exposing the Veterans Health Administration wait list scandal , which saved lives and led to whistleblower reform, to being so honest about how her faith was tested/how she persevered because of that faith and her family's love. This book was riveting and I finished it less than a day. It is a modern-day story of persecution and how leaders of organizations/colleagues can be so discriminating and unethical. Paula spares no small detail and is very candid about what veterans, fellow whistleblowers and herself were experiencing. It's a story of how the VA was incredibly corrupt and veterans/family's lives were affected as a result. It's a story about speaking up being the right and only thing to do. It's a story of faith being tested, but in the end being victorious. It's also a love story as you feel Paula's love for her family and in the mission of helping veterans throughout the book. Well done, Paula, on your debut novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2021
JUSTICE DELAYED,SERVED,AND FRAGILE
I am a veteran who lives in Phoenix and watched this drama unfold. I utilize the VA for combat injuries and PTSD symptoms. All veterans should read and digest this story to prevent a repeat. All citizens and especially bureaucrats should study and learn the ethics demonstrated in this work. In all enterprises there is a danger that PROCESS ENDANGERS MISSION--- especially if there are financial rewards for cooking the books and poor supervision. The VA has always excelled in talking the talk and miserably fails at walking the walk by intelligent supervision. Medical personnel have been generally excellent but stymied by a monolithic bureaucracy that stresses numbers over treatment.
I am a veteran who lives in Phoenix and watched this drama unfold. I utilize the VA for combat injuries and PTSD symptoms. All veterans should read and digest this story to prevent a repeat. All citizens and especially bureaucrats should study and learn the ethics demonstrated in this work. In all enterprises there is a danger that PROCESS ENDANGERS MISSION--- especially if there are financial rewards for cooking the books and poor supervision. The VA has always excelled in talking the talk and miserably fails at walking the walk by intelligent supervision. Medical personnel have been generally excellent but stymied by a monolithic bureaucracy that stresses numbers over treatment.
January 3, 2022
Paula’s story is one of inspiration, courage and persistence against a system that was determined to wear her down. During a 30 day investigation that dragged out for months, she was treated with disrespect by her leadership and ostracized by colleagues. But despite her psychological and financial challenges, it was her indefatigable commitment to veterans and
support from her husband and a handful of others who helped her overcome the odds. While many may romanticize the actions of a whistleblower, Paula shows the harsh reality and is a true hero and inspiration to us all.
support from her husband and a handful of others who helped her overcome the odds. While many may romanticize the actions of a whistleblower, Paula shows the harsh reality and is a true hero and inspiration to us all.
February 1, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book so much, when I started it I couldn't put it down. I had to keep reminding myself this was true and actually happened. Paula with God at the helm made it through this sequence of events that is so unimaginable, yet so true. This is a must read for everyone!
November 1, 2021
What would you do if your world unraveled overnight and you found yourself trapped, a prisoner. The cell is dark. The bars are invisible. Your first amendment rights are gone due to an unlawful gag order. Your newest side-kick depression clings to your side. Spies are everywhere. Friends are not friends. Strangers-allies. This realm is now your home. And one misstep can decimate everything you’ve built over the last 20 years.
This book is a firsthand account of my VA Whistleblower journey. It’s frightening, enraging, and yet inspiring.
This book is a firsthand account of my VA Whistleblower journey. It’s frightening, enraging, and yet inspiring.
November 8, 2021
Paula Pedene, a Navy veteran, did the right thing when she blew the whistle on corrupt leadership at the Phoenix VA Hospital. The last thing she expected was for the new leadership to retaliate against her, but that is what happened. They stripped her of her position and did everything in their power to humiliate and intimidate her. But Pedene fought back.
Pedene's personal story of triumph over bureaucratic despots is a must-read for everyone who loves America, appreciates our veterans, and who respect honor, courage, and integrity.
Pedene's personal story of triumph over bureaucratic despots is a must-read for everyone who loves America, appreciates our veterans, and who respect honor, courage, and integrity.
April 14, 2024
Paula Pedene fortitude and determination has saved the lives of countless veterans in the Phoenix VA Medical System. She recognized the corruption in the system and was driven to expose it, regardless of what might happen to her.
I can verify some of what transpired in her account. I was one of those veterans whose name was on the "list" of veterans who would not be treated by the Phoenix VA. I also worked as the Military Liaison of a local Phoenix hospice and witnessed the deaths of three veterans who's illnesses were not treated.
A Sacred Duty is a must read for anyone who is a veteran, who has a veteran in their family, or knows a veteran. Paula stepped into the lion's den and didn't flinch. She is an American hero!
I can verify some of what transpired in her account. I was one of those veterans whose name was on the "list" of veterans who would not be treated by the Phoenix VA. I also worked as the Military Liaison of a local Phoenix hospice and witnessed the deaths of three veterans who's illnesses were not treated.
A Sacred Duty is a must read for anyone who is a veteran, who has a veteran in their family, or knows a veteran. Paula stepped into the lion's den and didn't flinch. She is an American hero!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews