PDA

View Full Version : Mansfield Sworn In As Deputy Secretary of VA



CAS3
02-02-04, 10:48 AM
Mansfield Sworn In As Deputy Secretary of VA

WASHINGTON (Jan. 30, 2004) - Gordon H. Mansfield was sworn in today as
deputy secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). He previously
served as VA's assistant secretary for congressional affairs.

"He has played a key role in our accomplishments for veterans, helping
secure record budget gains and shepherding a legislative agenda to improve
services and benefits for veterans," Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony
J. Principi said. "We have challenges ahead, and veterans have an advocate
in Gordon Mansfield who will ensure their needs are a priority."

The deputy secretary, VA's second-highest post, oversees the day-to-day
operations of the department, which has a budget of about $64 billion and
224,000 employees.

Mansfield has served as VA's assistant secretary for congressional and
legislative affairs since August 2001.

Before coming to VA, Mansfield served as executive director of the Paralyzed
Veterans of America (PVA) since April 1993. In that position, he oversaw
the daily operation of PVA's national office in Washington, D.C. and 37
field offices. He held a number of positions at PVA from 1981 to 1989, and
served as the organization's first associate executive director of
government relations.

He was an assistant secretary for fair housing and equal opportunity at the
Department of Housing and Urban Development from 1989 to 1993. He also
practiced law in Ocala, Fla.

Mansfield received his undergraduate degree from Villanova University and
law degree from the University of Miami. Following his 1964 enlistment in
the Army, he served two tours of duty in Vietnam.

While serving as company commander with the 101st Airborne Division during
his second tour of duty, he was wounded during the Tet Offensive of 1968,
sustaining a spinal cord injury. His combat decorations include the
Distinguished Service Cross, the Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, the Combat
Infantryman's Badge and the Presidential Unit Citation.

Mansfield is a recipient of the Presidential Distinguished Service Award and
the Villanova University Alumni Human Relations Medal. He was inducted into
the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame in 1997.