Retired Major Stuart Bracken said he has had a long, distinguished military career spanning the Gulf War to three tours in Afghanistan, two tours in Iraq and work in seven African countries.Having returned to the United States, Bracken said a letter he received in the mail Saturday from the Albuquerque Veterans Affairs Hospital was a slap in the face."The letter let me know that my personal information was compromised by the VA," Bracken said.Officials said Bracken's name and social security number were found in a folder in one of the hospital's public bathrooms. About 2,600 veterans were on that same list.The folder was found July 30.Bracken said the VA grossly mishandled the situation."I should've received a phone call on this, two to three days (later), maximum, followed with a letter to follow up within a week, but not spanning a period of months," he said.The letter indicated no one has reported any identity theft or fraud. Bracken said his finances are in order.However, the VA is offering victims free credit monitoring services for a year."I still want to know what happened to the person or persons responsible," Bracken said.VA officials said the person who misplaced the folder has resigned.Veterans with questions about this breech can call the VA at (505) 265-1711, ext. 5723.

Retired Major Stuart Bracken said he has had a long, distinguished military career spanning the Gulf War to three tours in Afghanistan, two tours in Iraq and work in seven African countries.

Having returned to the United States, Bracken said a letter he received in the mail Saturday from the Albuquerque Veterans Affairs Hospital was a slap in the face.


"The letter let me know that my personal information was compromised by the VA," Bracken said.

Officials said Bracken's name and social security number were found in a folder in one of the hospital's public bathrooms. About 2,600 veterans were on that same list.

The folder was found July 30.

Bracken said the VA grossly mishandled the situation.

"I should've received a phone call on this, two to three days (later), maximum, followed with a letter to follow up within a week, but not spanning a period of months," he said.

The letter indicated no one has reported any identity theft or fraud. Bracken said his finances are in order.

However, the VA is offering victims free credit monitoring services for a year.

"I still want to know what happened to the person or persons responsible," Bracken said.

VA officials said the person who misplaced the folder has resigned.

Veterans with questions about this breech can call the VA at (505) 265-1711, ext. 5723.