Ex-Lott advisor takes reins at VA

WASHINGTON - Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie was sworn in July 30. He takes the reins of a department undergoing extensive changes and with key positions unfilled. A longtime Washington insider, Wilkie has worked for decades at the Pentagon and in the defense contracting industry. He brings to the VA an expectation of being able to manage the second-largest department in the federal government. While awaiting confirmation, the VA was led by Peter O'Rourke, whose new role at the VA has not yet been defined. The Senate confirmed Wiklie on an 86-9 vote (Source: Wall Street Journal 07/30/18) Gulf Coast Note: Wilkie is the son of an Army artillery commander; and an officer in the Air Force Reserve assigned to the Office of the Chief of Staff. Before the AF, he served in the Naval Reserve with the Joint Forces Intelligence Command, Naval Special Warfare Group Two, and the Office of Naval Intelligence. He has more than 20 years of federal service, including as Counsel and Advisor on International Security Affairs to former Majority Leader of the United States Senate, Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.)