Tester: Hagel ‘smart choice to lead America’s military’

(BIG SANDY, Mont.) – Senator Jon Tester today released the following statement in support of U.S. Defense Secretary nominee Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.):

“As a decorated war hero and an experienced military strategist, Chuck Hagel is a smart choice to lead America’s military and to guide our defense strategy in the critical years ahead. Senator Hagel is a strong, independent voice that I respected greatly when we served together in the Senate. I look forward to his leadership at the Pentagon.”

Hagel, who served in the U.S. Senate from 1997 to 2009, earned two Purple Hearts and numerous other decorations for his service in the Vietnam War.