WASHINGTON -- Secretary of Veterans Affairs has named William M. Bishop of Alaska and Jay R. Vargas of California to the newly created post of regional veterans service organization liaison.
The latest appointments bring to six the number of people charged with maintaining contact between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and state and local levels of veterans service organizations, plus state and county veterans service providers. No additional appointments are planned.
"Veterans service organizations and states and counties are our partners in developing solutions, as well as in identifying problems," Principi said. "By strengthening our ties to these veterans advocates, we can improve VA’s service to America’s veterans."
Bishop, a resident of Kodiak, Alaska, is a retired Marine and Vietnam veteran. He has served as national chairman of the Foreign Relations Commission for the American Legion.
Vargas, a retired Marine colonel and resident of San Diego, has served as secretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs. He is a recipient of the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Vietnam War.
More than 25 million living Americans served in the U.S. armed forces. About 5 million are enrolled in VA's health care system, and 2.7 million receive pensions or disability pay from VA.
