WASHINGTON – Decades of dedicated service to veterans with spinal cord injuries by Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon H. Mansfield were recognized recently when he was inducted into the “Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Hall of Fame” during ceremonies here.
“Gordon Mansfield’s advocacy, strong leadership and boundless compassion have contributed to VA’s status as a world-class leader in SCI treatment and rehabilitation,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. “This latest honor highlights the impact he has had upon all Americans with SCI.”
Mansfield, who also serves as the chief operating officer for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), joined 10 other SCI advocates at the second annual induction of the SCI Hall of Fame, sponsored by the National Spinal Cord Injury Association.
The association selects inductees for making “significant contributions to the quality of life and advancements toward a better future for all individuals with spinal cord injury.”
“Perhaps the greatest honor is being able to work with men and women who have sacrificed so much for their country,” Mansfield said. “They have earned the best care this nation can offer. I am proud to be part of VA, which is committed to providing world-class health care for SCI patients and all veterans.”
Mansfield was a company commander with the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War when he sustained a spinal cord injury during the Tet Offensive of 1968. After receiving a law degree from the University of Miami, he served in the Department of Housing and Urban Development from 1989 to 1993 as Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.
He has held a number of positions with Paralyzed Veterans of America, including executive director.
Coming to VA in August 2001, he served as Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Legislative Affairs until January 2004, when he became VA’s Deputy Secretary, responsible for day-to-day operation of the federal government’s second largest department, with an annual budget of more than $70 billion and a workforce of 235,000.
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