( CNN ) A manager at an Indiana Veterans Hospital has been placed on paid administrative leave after sending a `` completely and totally unacceptable '' email apparently mocking mental illness . The email , sent by Robin Paul , `` in no way reflects the attitudes of our staff toward our patients , '' Roudebush VA Medical Center Director Tom Mattice said in a statement posted on the hospital 's Facebook page . Paul , a licensed clinical social worker , had been managing the Seamless Transition Integrated Care Clinic , which is responsible for assisting new veterans with their VA benefits , services and programs , to include mental health , according to the Veterans of Foreign Wars . Her email , first published by the Indy Star this week , was sent December 18 to members of her team and shows four photos of an elf in different scenarios . Two of the photos have struck a nerve with the veterans and mental illness communities . In one photograph , the elf appears leaning over what looks like a straw and coffee grounds on a paper plate , with a post-it note that says , `` Out of XANAX - Please help ! '' The caption reads , `` Self-medicating for mental health issues when a CNS would not give him his requested script . '' In another , the elf is hanging from a string of Christmas lights . `` Caught in the act of suicidal behavior ( trying to hang himself from an electrical cord ) , '' the caption says . John Thomas is a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars and serves as a leader at an Indianapolis American Legion post . He said the email makes him sick and angry . `` I ca n't understand anybody who would do anything like this to us , '' Thomas told CNN affiliate WISH . Hospital leadership was allegedly made aware of the email a couple of months ago , according to the Indy Star , and had `` administratively addressed '' the incident with Paul . But since the story went viral , the Roudebush VA Facebook page has been inundated with commenters calling for Paul to be fired . Matthew Conrad on Facebook said , `` Robin Paul 's continued employment is an insult to every Veteran who has served this country . '' Mattice announced Paul 's leave , and a pending investigation , Tuesday evening . But many say it 's not enough . `` 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 does n'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 .
Robin Paul on sick leave after email ##ing mental health surfaces . email ##age showed elf stabbing himself , begging for Xanax . Medical director apologizes , saying he 's committed to Veterans ' health .