Statement by Secretary Shinseki on the Passing of Former Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon H. Mansfield

Statement

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki released the following statement on the passing of Former Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon H. Mansfield:

"Secretary Gordon H. Mansfield dedicated his life to advocating on behalf of Veterans. He leaves behind a towering legacy of service to Veterans, VA, and the Nation.

"Combat commander, recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross, and role model to disabled Veterans young and old, especially those who served in the Republic of Vietnam, Secretary Mansfield triumphed over debilitating combat wounds to earn the respect and admiration of Veterans of every generation through his years of devotion to Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Wounded Warrior Project, and to VA.

"As VA's Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer from January 22, 2004 to January 20, 2009, and as Acting Secretary from October 1, 2007 to December 20, 2007, Secretary Mansfield was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Nation's second-largest federal agency. He was instrumental in establishing VA's nursing academy and personally oversaw the largest IT reorganization within the federal government and VA's multi-billion-dollar construction program, including the initial planning for VA's state-of-the art medical center in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

"On behalf of America's 22 million Veterans, I salute the memory of a brave man, a great patriot, a devoted public servant, and a tireless advocate for all Veterans. I extend my deepest personal condolences to the entire Mansfield family."

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