WASHINGTON – Gordon H. Mansfield was sworn in today as deputy secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). He previously served as VA's assistant secretary for congressional affairs.
"He has played a key role in our accomplishments for veterans, helping secure record budget gains and shepherding a legislative agenda to improve services and benefits for veterans," Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi said. "We have challenges ahead, and veterans have an advocate in Gordon Mansfield who will ensure their needs are a priority."
The deputy secretary, VA’s second-highest post, oversees the day-to-day operations of the department, which has a budget of nearly $60 billion and 224,000 employees.
Mansfield has served as VA’s assistant secretary for congressional and legislative affairs since August 2001.
Before coming to VA, Mansfield served as executive director of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) since April 1993. In that position, he oversaw the daily operation of PVA's national office in Washington, D.C. and 37 field offices. He held a number of positions at PVA from 1981 to 1989, and served as the organization's first associate executive director of government relations.
He was an assistant secretary for fair housing and equal opportunity at the Department of Housing and Urban Development from 1989 to 1993. He also practiced law in Ocala, Fla.
Mansfield received his undergraduate degree from VillanovaUniversity and law degree from the University of Miami. Following his 1964 enlistment in the Army, he served two tours of duty in Vietnam.
While serving as company commander with the 101st Airborne Division during his second tour of duty, he was wounded during the Tet Offensive of 1968, sustaining a spinal cord injury. His combat decorations include the Distinguished Service Cross, the Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, the Combat Infantryman's Badge and the Presidential Unit Citation.
Mansfield is a recipient of the Presidential Distinguished Service Award and the Villanova University Alumni Human Relations Medal. He was inducted into the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame in 1997.
