Peake: Cooper Prepared VA for Newest Combat Veterans
WASHINGTON – Retired Vice Adm. Daniel L. Cooper, who for nearly six years managed the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operation that provides disability pay, educational assistance and other financial benefits to veterans and their survivors, has announced plans to leave the Department on April 1.
“Dan Cooper’s leadership, management savvy and personable touch were indispensable in guiding VA benefits programs into the Internet era and adapting the Department to the needs of service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.
Under federal law, a search commission will be put together to present recommendations for Cooper’s successor to the Secretary to propose to the President for appointment. The office of Under Secretary for Benefits is a non political appointment, subject to Senate confirmation and serving at the pleasure of the President.
Cooper, who has filled the top spot in VA’s Veterans Benefits Administration longer than anyone in its history, was sworn in April 2, 2002.
He revitalized the agency by strengthening its outreach efforts and increasing the use of the Internet for such diverse tasks as processing home loan applications and giving veterans round-the-clock access to their VA-administered insurance accounts.
Cooper also championed the use of special teams of VA employees to tackle some of the Department’s high-priority issues, such as disability claims from elderly veterans.
“What was happening was that everybody had to know such a wide range of things they couldn’t understand some of the specifics,” said Cooper, who has been a major advocate of face-to-face meetings with the leaders and employees of the 57 regional offices under his control.
A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Cooper spent 33 years on active duty. He served as the commander of Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, and as the Navy’s budget officer. He retired in 1991 as Assistant Chief of Naval Operations for Undersea Warfare.
In 2001, then-Secretary Anthony J. Principi selected Cooper to chair the VA Claims Processing Task Force, which examined a wide range of issues affecting the timely processing of claims. The commission’s final report in October 2001 was instrumental in preparing VA to adjust to the needs of veterans from the Global War on Terrorism.
“Members of our armed forces are putting their lives on the line right now in Afghanistan and Iraq,” Cooper said in a 2003 interview. “We’re going to make sure they receive the best possible service when they come home.”
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