General Shinseki Leads VA Change

VA SECRETARY ERIC SHINSEKI

Vietnam Veterans have reason for hope as Retired U.S. Army General Eric K. Shinseki serves as Secretary of Veterans Affairs.  He has been changing his department to fit what veterans have needed all the while - to be a true advocate for the veteran. His nomination was confirmed by the Senate on January 20, 2009, and he was sworn in as the seventh Secretary of Veterans Affairs on January 21, 2009.

Shinseki is a decorated Vietnam Veteran, who was wounded in the war. He was was awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf Clusters), Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Purple Heart (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Air Medal, Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge.

I've read several articles about him and his busy 20 months leading the VA through sweeping changes.

I've chosen the following story as the most succinct to let you know more about him and his job. You are likely to see or hear about him every day when the Agent Orange hearing begins Thursday.

Please take some time to read and to listen to the 13 minute audio from May 14, 2010:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126832780

William A. Ricks

http://billricksofsoperton.blogspot.com 

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