Robert Wilkie Sworn in as VA Secretary

Monday, July 30, President Donald Trump swore in Robert Wilkie as the next Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“I am humbled by the prospect of serving those who have borne the battle,” said the new Secretary, “those American men and women who have sacrificed so much.”

Prior to becoming Secretary, Mr. Wilkie has previously served his country in several capacities, most recently as the Acting Secretary of the VA, to which he was appointed to by the President in March of this year.

Mr. Wilkie has been an officer in the Air Force Reserve since 1997, previously worked on Capitol Hill, and has served at the Pentagon under two previous presidents. From 2005 to 2009, he served in President George W. Bush’s administration as an Assistant Secretary of Defense.

Military service is in Mr. Wilkie’s family, as his father was a combat veteran wounded in action.

ASA congratulates Secretary Wilkie on his confirmation and looks forward to working with him and the Department on issues vital to the practice of anesthesiology and patient safety.