Washington, D.C. - On November 8, the U.S. Senate confirmed Randy Reeves to the post of Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Memorial Affairs. President Trump nominated Reeves to the post on September 1.

Y’all Politics reported in October that Reeves testified that, if confirmed, he will “work tirelessly to ensure our Veterans and their families receive the honor, service and compassion they deserve and have earned.”

“I am acutely aware that, if confirmed, I will be ultimately responsible for the care and service provided to Veterans and families during what is, arguably, the most difficult time in their lives; a responsibility I take very seriously,” Reeves said.

A press release from the Office of U.S. Senator Roger Wicker reads, "The Senate confirmed Reeves on Wednesday by unanimous consent. With this action, Reeves will now lead the National Cemetery Administration, which maintains 131 national cemeteries and provides burial services for veterans and eligible family members."

Wicker said, "“Randy Reeves is ready to get to work for our nation’s veterans and their families.”

“I am confident that Mr. Reeves will bring the same spirit of service to this new role as he has demonstrated during his eight years of work with the Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board and over 20 years with our nation’s military."

Senator Thad Cochran said, “Randy Reeves will be able to put his considerable experience to good use serving our nation’s veterans and their families.  It is a role for which he is well-prepared."

Cochran adds, “I commend him for his previous service, and I am confident that Randy will serve the Department of Veterans Affairs with distinction.”

Wicker and Cochran were Reeves' sponsors through the confirmation process.  Both senators represent the state of Mississippi.

The WhiteHouse.gov press release announcing his nomination says, “Mr. Reeves currently serves as Executive Director of the Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board and serves as President of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs.”

“A native of rural Mississippi, Mr. Reeves served in the United States Air Force from 1980 to 1988 as an enlisted airman before being commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy where he served from 1988 to 2008,” according to the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA).

“Commander (Retired), Reeves is a Gulf War Veteran with service during Operation Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. He retired in 2008 with 27 years of service.”

Randy Reeves. Photo courtesy of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs.

Randy Reeves. Photo courtesy of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs.

After his nomination in September, Governor Phil Bryant of Mississippi wrote on Facebook, “ has done an outstanding job advocating for our state’s war fighters, and I am proud to have Randy serving in this important position for veterans in Mississippi and around the U.S.”

Reeves received Mississippi’s 2013 Excellence in State Government Award. Governor Phil Bryant presented the award for Reeves' work as Executive Director of the Mississippi State Directors of Veterans Affairs.

“Reeves was recognized for stabilizing agency funding by creating methods to provide consistent funding streams and improving efficiencies; increasing partnerships with state and national agencies, including working with the Department of Employment Security on a veterans job program and with the Military Department on legislative issues; increasing the educational institutions approved for veterans benefits from 84 to 91; and implementing a recognition program and increasing training options for agency employees in order to improve delivery of services to veterans,” according to the Mississippi Business Journal.

“He also worked to provide a burial option for veterans and spouses by opening the first State Veterans Cemetery and was instrumental in the implementation of the “Vet” designation for veterans on drivers licenses.”

His work with the NASDVA was recognized by a concurrent resolution adopted by the Mississippi State House and Senate. The resolution recognizes his ongoing work with veterans in Mississippi, but highlights key accomplishments of his tenure with NASDVA.

For example, the concurrent resolution reads that Reeves, “served as point person for work on Public Law 112-154.”

personally worked with congressional members and staff to amend original legislative language to allow veterans' homes to use provider agreements.  Many state veterans homes would have otherwise been unable to operate.”
 

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