Nicholson: Appointments “Good News” for Veterans
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate confirmed appointments today of two experienced veterans’ advocates to top jobs at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) where they will serve as VA’s senior physician and chief of congressional affairs.
Dr. Michael J. Kussman was confirmed as Under Secretary for Health, and Thomas E. Harvey was confirmed as Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Legislative Affairs.
“The continued service of these two dedicated public servants will significantly advance the interests of America’s veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. “Their confirmations are good news for veterans and their families.”
Kussman, a native of Troy, N.Y., joined VA in 2000. Among his VA positions, he has served as Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Health and since August 2006 as Acting Under Secretary for Health.
A graduate of Boston University Medical School, he is a retired Army brigadier general who spent more than 25 years on active duty. He commanded the Walter Reed Health Care System and the European Regional Medical Command.
Harvey, who holds a law degree from the University of Notre Dame, commanded an airborne infantry company during the Vietnam War. He holds the Silver Star and the Purple Heart.
He was deputy administrator of VA’s predecessor organization, the Veterans Administration, from 1986 to 1989. A former chief counsel and staff director for the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, he has also been General Counsel for the U.S. Information Agency, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisitions and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Logistics.
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Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov
Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.
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