WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi has applauded the nomination of Idaho Attorney General Alan G. Lance, a former national commander of the American Legion, to a judgeship on the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
"President Bush's choice for this important position recognizes Al's longstanding commitment to veterans and his record as their tireless advocate," Principi said.
President Bush nominated Lance on Sept. 24 to serve on the seven-judge Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. His appointment must be confirmed by the Senate. Lance was nominated for a 13-year term.
The court reviews final decisions of the Board of Veterans Appeals, most frequently dealing with questions about disability or survivor benefits. It sometimes takes up cases involving education benefits, life insurance, home loan foreclosure, or waiver of indebtedness.
Lance was elected attorney general in Idaho in 1994 and re-elected to a second term in 1998. He served as national commander of the American Legion for one year, beginning in September 1999.
He has been an active member of the American Legion for 23 years and most recently has been serving as vice chairman of the Commander's National Advisory Committee and vice chair of its National Legislative Council for the Department of Idaho.
An Army veteran, he served in the Judge Advocate General Corps from 1974 until 1978. He established a private practice in Meridian, Idaho, after leaving the military.
A native of McComb, Ohio, he is a 1973 graduate of the University of Toledo College of Law, which honored Lance as the "Distinguished Alumnus for 2002." He and his wife Sherry have three children.
