duckworth appointed va assistant secretary

Saw this over on the APA for Progress blog... Iraq War veteran Tammy Duckworth, director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, has been appointed by President Barack Obama to be the Assistant Secretary of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Here's the press release: Duckworth Tapped for VA Assistant Secretary.

As a member of the Illinois National Guard, she was previously deployed to Iraq, where she served as helicopter pilot flying combat missions. In 204, she suffered grave injuries when her helicopter was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade, losing both legs and partial use of one arm.

As assistant secretary, Duckworth will direct VA's public affairs, internal communications and intergovernmental relations. She'll also oversee programs for homeless Veterans, consumer affairs and special rehabilitative events. I knew that woman was going places.

UPDATE: Speaking of veterans affairs, here's a Wall Street Journal article on Gen. Eric Shinseki, who is launching a top-down review of his department, saying major change is needed soon to ensure the "highest levels of integrity, transparency and performance": Shinseki Pledges Review, Changes at VA. There's a new sheriff in town.