VA Deputy Secretary Mansfield Honored by DAV

July 3, 2006

“Disabled Vet of the Year” Honor Goes to VA’s Second-in-Command

WASHINGTON -- Citing a quarter-century’s advocacy for all veterans and his dedication to improving the lives of those injured during military service, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) have named Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon H. Mansfield as DAV’s “Disabled Veteran of the Year.”

“Gordon Mansfield has had a profound impact upon all veterans, but especially disabled veterans,” said the Honorable R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. “His knowledge, tenacity and skillful advocacy have improved the lives not just of disabled veterans, but all Americans with disabilities.”

Mansfield, the chief operating officer and second in command at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is scheduled to receive DAV’s top honor August 12 at the group’s national convention in Chicago.  DAV has 1.3 million members.

Mansfield was shot and suffered a spinal injury during the Tet Offensive of February 1968.  His decorations include the Distinguished Service Cross, Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.

During his recovery, he earned a law degree from the University of Miami and began legal practice in Ocala, Fla., where he helped found a DAV chapter in Marion County, Fla.

In 1981, he accepted the first of several positions with the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), culminating as the group’s executive director from 1993 to 2001.  His time with PVA was interrupted by a four-year tour as assistant secretary for fair housing and equal opportunity at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Mansfield was instrumental in elevating VA to a cabinet-level department, creating the U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals and passing the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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