PHOENIX (AP) -- The head of the state Department of Veterans' Services resigned Tuesday in the wake of an inspection that found shortcomings in care provided by the state's nursing home for military veterans.

Patrick F. Chorpenning said in his resignation letter that he was honored to have served the state but felt that "in light of what has taken place in the press," it was in Gov. Janet Napolitano's best interest that he resign effective Tuesday.

Several veterans' advocates said Chorpenning's resignation was a loss, and legislative leaders announced that lawmakers will investigate conditions at the Arizona State Veterans home in Phoenix and submit a report by July 31.

Chorpenning, 60, stepped down from his $124,000-a-year post one day after Napolitano ordered a 30-day review of management of the home and removed Chorpenning from direct responsibility over the facility.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services penalized the state $10,000 on March 16 for substandard care conditions at the veterans home. State inspectors were critical during an inspection in February.

The nursing home provides long-term care to as many as 200 veterans. Most are World War II and Korean War veterans.

Napolitano on Monday also asked the Arizona Attorney General's Office to investigate allegations of nepotism in the home's hiring. The allegations involve several relatives of Chorpenning, including his wife and his son.

Chorpenning said in his resignation letter that he was certain that completion of the investigation will result in a "complete exoneration of charges."

"I believe that the personnel issues that have been raised by the Department of Health Services have served as a distraction to the primary purpose; to help our state's veterans," Chorpenning's letter concluded.

He did not immediately return a call for comment to the department. There is no home phone listed in the Phoenix area under his name.

Napolitano spokeswoman Jeanine L'Ecuyer said the governor did not request the resignation, and that Chorpenning submitted it during a previously scheduled meeting with a top Napolitano aide.

Napolitano said in a statement Tuesday that she accepted the resignation of Chorpenning, whom she thanked for "his long history of service to his country and to this state."

According to a 94-page report submitted by state inspectors, they found conditions that included patients going without necessary bed care for long periods and staff ignoring patients' activated call buttons. Inspectors reported finding a patient left in soiled bedclothes and at least one whose cigarettes had burned her clothes.

A Vietnam veteran, Chorpenning was appointed by then-Gov. Jane Hull in 1999 to head the Arizona Veterans Services Commission. The commission, which had been plagued by understaffing and financial mismanagement, later was elevated to department status, and Napolitano kept Chorpenning as the department's head when she took office in 2003.

A state leader of a national veterans advocacy group said Chorpenning was a tireless champion for veterans and that he'll be missed.

"Patrick's been there" for veterans, said Bob DiGorolamo, Disabled American Veterans state commander and a former U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs homeless project coordinator. "He was always someone you could turn to and ask for help."

The chairman of the state advisory commission on veterans services said he was distressed by Chorpenning's resignation because of his work on behalf of veterans.

"It's such a disastrous loss," said Web Ellis, stressing he was speaking as an individual and not on behalf of the commission.

But Ellis also said Chorpenning realistically didn't have any choice but to resign because of critical media coverage. "This has started to affect his family now," Ellis said.

Napolitano on Monday said Dr. Leonard Kirschner, a retired Air Force colonel and former director of the state's Medicaid program, agreed to lead a team that will review the home's management and leadership practices.

On Tuesday, Napolitano appointed a senior National Guard officer, Brig. Gen. Richard G. Maxon, to serve as interim director of the Department of Veterans' Services until a permanent replacement is hired.

Napolitano said she expects to announce a search committee within a week.

House Speaker Jim Weiers and Senate President Tim Bee said the 14-member House-Senate committee they appointed will investigate the reported lack of care and review oversight provided by the Department of Veterans' Services.

"These veterans defended us, and now it's time for us to defend them," said Weiers, R-Phoenix.

Bee said the reported conditions were "nothing short of deplorable."

House Minority Leader Phil Lopes, D-Tucson, said he hoped the legislative investigation would compliment efforts already taken or planned by Napolitano to fix conditions at the home.