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May 21, 2014: President Obama speaks at the White House in Washington.AP

President Obama, breaking his silence on the Veterans Affairs scandal, outlined steps Wednesday to "fix whatever is wrong" at the agency -- while stopping short of heeding calls to sack VA Secretary Eric Shinseki.

The president described Shinseki as a "great soldier" who has "put his heart and soul into this thing."

At the same time, Obama is bringing in the White House deputy chief of staff, Rob Nabors, to oversee a broader review. He dispatched Nabors on Wednesday to Phoenix, where allegations of patient deaths tied to delayed care first surfaced.

"We've got to do better," Obama conceded, while indicating he wants to wait for the conclusion of internal probes before addressing whether any more top officials should resign.

"When I hear allegations of misconduct ... I will not stand for it," Obama said. "None of us should."

He added: "If these allegations prove to be true, it is dishonorable, it is disgraceful and I will not tolerate it -- period."

Obama then followed up with a list of what he claimed are his administration's accomplishments in taking care of vets and their families.

Leading Republicans swiftly criticized the president's long-awaited remarks as missing the mark.

Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell said "it's time for serious action and accountability."

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Obama vows to tackle VA problems, voices support for Shinseki