Hagel Salutes Dempsey, Winnefeld, Praises AF Secretary Nominee

You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Hagel Salutes Dempsey, Winnefeld, Praises AF Secretary Nominee 08/02/2013 09:36 AM CDT Hagel Salutes Dempsey, Winnefeld, Praises AF Secretary Nominee American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2013 - In a statement issued yesterday, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel congratulated Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey and Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld Jr. for their confirmation by the U.S. Senate for second terms as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and vice chairman, respectively. Hagel added that he strongly supports President Barack Obama's nomination of Deborah Lee James to become the next Secretary of the Air Force. Hagel's statement reads as follows: "I would like to congratulate Gen. Martin Dempsey and Adm. Sandy Winnefeld on their Senate confirmation to second terms as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Both of these proven leaders are tireless advocates for our men and women in uniform and innovative thinkers who are helping to shape the military of the future. I strongly value their counsel, as does President Obama. Their continued service and wise advice will be essential as we continue to draw down from the war in Afghanistan and confront other national security challenges. "I also strongly support President Obama's nomination of Deborah James to serve as the 23rd Secretary of the Air Force. Deborah is an outstanding leader with deep experience in the Department of Defense, the private sector, and non-profit organizations that support the men and women of our armed services. If confirmed, Deborah will lead the Air Force during a time of great consequence for our airmen and their families. I appreciate her willingness to serve her country once again." From 1993 to 1998, James served as the assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs at the Department of Defense. She began her career in national security as a professional staff member in the U.S. House of Representatives on the House Armed Services Committee from 1983 to 1993. James is currently a committee member of the Defense Department Advisory Committee on Women in the Services, an Advisory Board Member of the Women in Military Service Memorial Foundation's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Campaign, and an advisory board member of The Citadel School of Engineering. James received a B.A. from Duke University and an M.A. from Columbia University.   Biographies: Chuck Hagel Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld Jr. Related Articles: Obama Nominates James to Become Air Force Secretary Obama to Nominate Dempsey, Winnefeld for Second Terms   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense