Next week the Senate Veteran Affairs Committee will hold a nomination hearing for Robert Wilkie, President Trump's pick to lead the VA.
Robert Wilkie is President Trump's New Pick to Lead the VA
The hearing is set for June 27. Peter O'Rourke, previously the VA chief of staff, is serving as the acting secretary of the Veterans Affairs Department as Wilkie goes through the confirmation process.
Wilkie's nomination was a surprise announcement Trump made during a press conference in mid-May. Trump did not even tell Wilkie before making the announcement to reporters.
Wilkie, a native of Fayetteville, N.C., had served as the acting secretary since late March when David Shulkin was forced out of the position. Wilkie previously served as undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness for the Department of Defense.
Wilkie has more than 20 years of experience at the national and international level.
He is lieutenant colonel in the Air Force Reserve, assigned to the Office of the Chief of Staff.
Amanda Dolasinski is MOAA's staff writer. She can be reached at amandad@moaa.org. Follow her on Twitter @AmandaMOAA.