WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi met today with Argentina's new ambassador to the United States, Jose O. Bordon.
"Like many Americans, my family has roots in Argentina," Principi said. "I'm pleased to foster ties to this important South American ally and its wonderful people."
Principi, whose grandparents spent most of their lives in Argentina after emigrating from Italy, noted that Argentina contributed peacekeeping forces to operations in Haiti and the former Yugoslavia, and that Argentine President Nester Kirchner is also considering the deployment of peacekeeping forces to Iraq.
Among many topics, Principi discussed the Department of Veterans Affairs' role in providing a wide range of benefits to former U.S. service members, from disability pay and world-class health care to educational benefits, home loans and national cemeteries.
"We are proud of America's history of care for its military veterans," Principi said. "I'm pleased to share our experiences with our friends from other countries."
