Maryland Lt. Gov. 'Serious' Contender for VA Slot
Not only is Maryland Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown co-chairing the Obama transition team at the Veterans Affairs Department, he is a leading candidate to serve as VA secretary.
A source close to the Obama transition effort confirms that Brown is being given "serious consideration" for the VA slot, and is currently undergoing the vetting process.
A member of the Army Reserves since 1984, Brown, who holds the rank of colonel, commands the 153rd Legal Support Organization in Pennsylvania. He is the highest-ranking elected official in the country who has served a tour of duty in Iraq, having spent 10 months in the country in 2004.
According to his official biography, the handful of issues Brown has been asked by Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley to focus on in his current position includes the military base realignment and closure process, veterans affairs and health care.
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Government Executive Staff Correspondent Alyssa Rosenberg takes a look at news affecting the management and operations of the massive federal bureaucracy.
It is reassuring to see OEF/OIF Veterans receiving consideration to lead the VA at a time of great need and change in the VA. The VA deserves "first class" leadership with "understanding" of both our newest Veterans and oldest Veterans. Whomever is selected, there is much to do to provide for Veterans, PTSD, TBI, Access to Timely Care, Fair and Timely Disability Ratings, and a return to competent leadership and management throughout the system. The 2 year Budget Appropriations Cycle is a great start to estabilishing better fiscal management in VA. Also, this is the first year of no CR for VA in the Bush Administration! A good start for "change!"
Russ Posted Saturday, November 22, 2008 11:38 AMI am so glad to hear that the new President elect has a view to do the right thing for the VA.
We need to know that our benefits will stop the eroading of money to operate the VA.
It is now terrible to wait 3monts or longer to get an appointment even though ,veterans like me who are service connected disibility.
Funding to the VA should be a critical issue for the President Elect to correct
David L. Anderson Posted Tuesday, November 25, 2008 1:28 PMIt doesn't matter what you are a vet from, we all need the same thing.
Good, timely, caring care for what ever ails you.
I saw on the news where a young man came back from Iraq without a leg or arm and 8 months after he had gotten out of the hospital they were still trying to confirm his status. I believe that in those conditions, when anyone walks out of the hospital, all paperwork should be done and all his benefits should be in place that day.
Garry Woodall Posted Saturday, November 29, 2008 7:59 AM