Former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel Issues Statement on VA Secretary Nominee Withdrawal

Former Republican Senator: Veterans know who their champions are, and Jon Tester is one of them

Following the withdrawal of VA Secretary nominee Ronny Jackson, former Secretary of Defense and former U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) issued the following statement:

“Fifty years ago today I was in Vietnam with my brother, and for fifty years I’ve been involved with veterans. I know who the real leaders are in the veterans world and who are looking out for the interests of veterans and their families. There is no one who cares more about veterans and looks out for their interests than my former colleague, Jon Tester. As a veteran who has had the privilege of serving my country in many capacities, I’ve always admired Jon Tester’s commitment to helping veterans – not using veterans for political purposes. Veterans know who their champions are, and Jon Tester is one of them.”

Hagel is an Army Combat Vietnam Veteran, former Deputy Administrator of the Veterans Administration, former President of the World USO and life member of numerous veterans’ service organizations.