OCA COMMENDS APPOINTMENT OF GENERAL SHINSEKI TO LEAD THE VETERANS AFFAIRSWashington, DC – On December 7, 2008, President-elect Barack Obama announced that retired General Eric Shinseki will be his appointee for Secretary of Veterans Affairs. OCA, a national Asian Pacific American social justice organization, applauds the selection of Shinseki, who, if confirmed, will become the first Asian Pacific American to hold this post.
OCA is pleased that President-elect Barack Obama has added General Shinseki to his talented and diverse Cabinet,” said OCA National President Ginny Gong. "Upon his confirmation, we look forward to working with General Shinseki to acknowledge and serve all our veterans." In 2003, OCA honored General Shinseki in his home state of Hawaii for his public service and dedication to the country and to the Asian Pacific American community with the OCA Spirit of America Award during OCA’s 30th Annual National Convention. Shinseki is a former Army Chief of Staff and 38-year Army veteran who served two combat tours in Vietnam. He is the highest ranked Asian Pacific American military official in the history of the United States. OCA has a long-standing commitment to serving and honoring our veterans, including the countless Asian Pacific American soldiers who served the United States from the Civil War to World War II to the Iraq War,” said Michael Lin, OCA executive director. “OCA strongly believes General Shinseki’s appointment affirms not only his personal sacrifices for the United States, but the contributions of Asian Pacific American veterans throughout history.” About OCA Founded in 1973 as the Organization of Chinese Americans, OCA is a national organization dedicated to the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States. Through its 81 chapters and college affiliates, OCA aims to embrace the hopes and aspirations of APAs in the United States. |
