California VA Secretary and Under Secretary Appointments

This is to let you know that General Brautigan was appointed as the Secretary of the CA Dept. of Veterans Affairs  (CDVA)  by Governor Schwarzenegger.  General Brautigan is a very well-respected Veteran that will continue to do a tremendous job for California Veterans.

Col. Rocky Chavez was also appointed this week by Governor Schwarzenegger to the position of VA Under Secretary.

Col. Chavez (Ret) is a member of the AGIF/CA Oceanside Chapter and was recommended for the position by Chapter Commander Pete Magaña.  Col. Chavez will also serve Veterans and families well in his position as CDVA Under Secretary.

"Chavez, 58, of Oceanside, has served on the Oceanside City Council since 2002.  He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1974 to 2001, most recently asssistant chief of staff for logistics, Camp Pendelton from 1999 to 2001
and previously as chief of staff, 4th Marine Division in 1998 and assistant chief of staff for logistics for 2nd Marine Division from 1996 to 1997.  He currently serves on the North County Transit District Board of Directors. Chavez is a graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, Armed Forces Staff College and Air War College.  This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $122,424.  Chavez is a Republican.

We wish both General Brautigan and Col. Chavez the best and offer them our AGIF/CA assistance to help them in any way we can.

Thanks.

Willie Galvan, State Commander
American GI Forum of California
805-714-6015