Who was the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs?

The Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs serves as the principal advisor to the President on the administration of veterans' affairs and oversees the operation of the VA. Eric Shinseki held the position from 2009 to 2014, becoming notable for his emphasis on improving health care for veterans and addressing issues related to veterans' mental health and homelessness. His tenure was marked by efforts to reform the VA system amid challenges, including the long wait times for veterans seeking care.

In comparison, David Shulkin also served as Secretary from 2017 to 2018 and was focused on similar issues but was not the first appointment for this position when discussing its history. Robert Wilkie succeeded Shulkin and served under the Trump administration, while Michael Mansfield served as a Senate Majority Leader but never held the role of Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Understanding these roles and timelines is key to identifying Shinseki’s significant leadership in veterans' issues within the context of the Department of Veterans Affairs.