Peak Takes Over as Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Lt. Gen. James B. Peake (Ret.), M.D. has taken over command as Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, replacing former secretary Jim Nicholson. Nicholson stepped down after acknowledging that the VA had suffered a $1.3 billion budget shortfall that jeopardized veterans health care.

During his nomination hearings, Peake promised to be an advocate for injured veterans, who would fight for the funding needed for their care.

Dr. Peake served in Vietnam as platoon leader with the 101st Airborne Division. Wounded twice in battle, he was awarded the Silver Star, a Bronze Star with 'V' device and oak leaf cluster, and Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster.

From 2000 to 2004, Dr. Peake served as the 40th Surgeon General of the United States Army, a position in which he commanded 50,000 medical personnel and 187 army medical facilities worldwide with an operating budget of almost $5 billion.

"Dr. Jim Peake has the skills and experience to carry out this mission," stated President Bush in a White House press statement. "Throughout his long career, Dr. Peake has worked to improve the way we deliver medical care to our troops. And thanks to his efforts, many who once might have died on the battlefield have returned home to live lives of hope and promise."