Duckworth to be VA Assistant Secretary

[ColbertWatcher]

Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009 at 12:00 am
Duckworth Tapped for VA Assistant Secretary
THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary
_________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release

February 3, 2009

Duckworth Tapped for VA Assistant Secretary

WASHINGTON (Feb. 3, 2009) – President Barack Obama has announced his intent to nominate L. Tammy Duckworth, director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, to be the Assistant Secretary of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

"Effective communications with Veterans and VA’s stakeholders is key to improving our services and ensuring Veterans receive the benefits they deserve," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "Tammy Duckworth brings significant talent, leadership and personal experience to this important work."

As assistant secretary, Duckworth will direct VA’s public affairs, internal communications and intergovernmental relations. She also will oversee programs for homeless Veterans, consumer affairs and special rehabilitative events.

Duckworth was appointed director of the state Veterans office in Illinois in 2006. In previous testimony before Congress, she expressed her commitment to Veterans and the need for transformation of the Department. "The VA system faces new challenges as a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan." She also noted "the patient profile is changing. More wounded soldiers are surviving very serious injuries."

(more)

--White House

[spanone]

1. good!!!

[ColbertWatcher]

3. My sentiments exactly. n/t

[Coexist]

2. ....

[Historic NY]

4. A true American Hero..........

:patriot:

[ColbertWatcher]

7. Yes, and I'm glad she's working for all Veterans, not just Illinois' vets. n/t

[madrchsod]

5. i figured he`d bring her to washington

she`ll do a good job....

[ColbertWatcher]

8. I'm glad she's going too. n/t

[MadMaddie]

6. Fantastic choice!

Shinseki and Duckworth will be powers to be reckoned with.

[ColbertWatcher]

9. I'd like to know what the Vets think about the picks.

Maybe we'll know in a few months.

[EC]

10. This was one appointment Rod got right and I'm glad

Obama is bringing her on board in Washington...

[ColbertWatcher]

11. Blago appointed her?

Well, at least he's good at appointing people!