From: "Bruce K. Melson" <doc32751@cookeville.com>

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Anthony Principi, Veterans Affairs Secretary Nominee

A combat-decorated Vietnam War veteran, Anthony Principi served as deputy secretary of veterans affairs in former President Bush's administration. He also served as chairman of the Commission of Service members and Veterans Transition Assistance, which was established by Congress in 1996. In his role as chairman, Principi has been responsible for reviewing benefits and services to veterans and service members. He is also president and chairman of the board of The Federal Network, a wireless telecommunications company with headquarters in San Diego, California. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1967 and in Vietnam was assigned as unit commander of a River Patrol Force in the Mekong Delta. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat ``V'' for valor, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, the Navy Combat Action medal and several other decorations.

Press Release

SOURCE: Paralyzed Veterans of America

Paralyzed Veterans of America Applauds Selection Of Principi as Secretary of Veterans Affairs

WASHINGTON, Dec. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- The Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) announced today that it is extremely pleased with President-elect George W. Bush's selection of Anthony J. Principi to be the next Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Principi's announcement was made earlier today in Washington.

``Mr. Principi has a keen understanding of the needs of veterans and the operation of the Department of Veterans Affairs. His career has been one of dedicated service to his country, both in the military and in government,'' said Joseph L. Fox, Sr., National President of PVA. ``Most importantly,'' Fox continues, ``Mr. Principi is a veterans advocate. He has demonstrated throughout his career a deep concern for the needs of his fellow veterans and has marshaled his talents to address those needs.''

For PVA's members, Mr. Principi's commitment to ensuring that the VA provides quality health care is particularly significant. The VA's system of specialized services, which includes its unique spinal cord injury service, is the cornerstone of the nation's largest health care system.

``PVA looks forward to working with Mr. Principi and applauds President- elect Bush for his nomination of this outstanding individual to head the VA,'' Fox concluded.

Paralyzed Veterans of America, a veterans service organization chartered by Congress, has for more than 50 years served the needs of its members, all of whom have catastrophic paralysis caused by spinal cord injury or disease. To learn more about PVA, visit its Web site at http://www.pva.org.

SOURCE: Paralyzed Veterans of America

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Bruce K. Melson

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