“After nearly two decades of overseas deployments and combat for U.S. service members, the Department of Veterans Affairs could be poised to get its first leader with experience serving overseas in the recent wars.”
“The early frontrunners to be the next VA secretary under President-elect Joe Biden include several veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, according to sources connected to transition work for the incoming administration.”
“Advocates say such a pick would not only have first-hand knowledge of emerging veterans issues such as burn pits and expanded roles of women in the military, but also potentially provide VA leadership with its youngest top administrator ever…”
“Among the candidates being considered is former Pennsylvania Rep. Patrick Murphy, former acting Army Secretary and the first Iraq War veteran ever elected to Congress (in 2006) …”
“Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., has also been rumored for the job, although convincing her to leave a safe Democratic Senate seat may prove difficult for the new administration.”
“Duckworth, a former Illinois National Guard soldier, lost both of her legs in 2004 when insurgents shot down her helicopter in Iraq. She worked in VA leadership as an assistant secretary from 2009 to 2011, before being elected to Congress…”
“Two Afghanistan War veterans — former Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg and former Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander — have also been rumored to be under consideration for the post…” Read the full article here.
Source: Biden’s pick for VA Secretary may be a post-9/11 veteran – By Leo Shane III, November 17, 2020. Military Times.
