Combat hero Sam Brown confirmed to honor America’s veterans

By Brittany Sheehan  

Nevada News and Views

The U.S. Senate has confirmed retired Army Capt. Sam Brown as Under Secretary of Memorial Affairs at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), where he will lead the National Cemetery Administration. This puts a true American hero in charge of honoring our nation’s fallen warriors. For conservatives who believe in limited government that actually works, this is exactly the kind of appointment we need.

Why This Matters to Conservatives

This story hits at the heart of what limited government should do well. We don’t need government running every part of our lives. But we do need it to take care of our veterans who sacrificed everything for freedom.

The memorial affairs post is one of five highest confirmed positions within VA, overseeing maintenance and operations at 155 national cemeteries in 42 states as well as commemorative sites in other locations.

Think about that. Over 150 sacred places where our heroes rest. About 4 million Veterans are interred at national cemeteries dating to the Revolutionary War, according to the VA. The cemetery administration provides burial services for more than 100,000 military Veterans and eligible family members each year.

This isn’t about big government overreach. This is about keeping our promises to the men and women who kept us free.

Sam Brown’s Incredible Story

Sam Brown isn’t some politician looking for a cushy job. Army veteran Sam Brown nearly gave his life for his country in 2008, when a roadside bomb detonated under the fuel tank of his military vehicle in Afghanistan.

Brown wrote about his experience: “On Sept. 4, 2008, a bomb set by the Taliban detonated under my armored vehicle. I found myself burning alive for nearly a minute. It should have been the end of my life. Instead, it was the beginning,”

Thirty percent of Brown’s body was burned in the attack. Brown had a long recovery that required more than 30 surgeries. He was medically retired from the military in 2011 after five years of service. He earned both the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service.

But here’s what makes Brown special. After his injuries, he didn’t just sit around feeling sorry for himself. In 2012, Brown founded Palisade Strategies, a firm that provided critical medications to veterans when Veterans Affairs hospitals and clinics could not.

When government failed our vets, Brown stepped up to help them himself. That’s the kind of person we want running things.

What This Job Really Means

As Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, Brown will run the National Cemetery Administration. His responsibilities include overseeing design and construction activities related to the establishment of new VA national cemeteries; managing memorial programs including the provision of headstones, markers, medallions and Presidential Memorial Certificates; and administering federal grants to states and territories including tribal trust lands, Guam, and Saipan.

This isn’t just about mowing grass and digging graves. It’s about making sure every veteran gets buried with the honor they deserve. It’s about maintaining sacred ground where families can visit their heroes. It’s about making sure the headstones are right and the flags are flying.

433 Medal of Honor recipients are interred at VA national cemeteries including 6 double recipients. These are hallowed grounds that deserve someone who understands what service and sacrifice really mean.

The Political Fight

Brown’s confirmation was approved by a 54—44 vote, reflecting a largely partisan divide. While most Republicans supported the nomination, many Democrats opposed it, citing broader concerns about the VA’s leadership and communication under Secretary Doug Collins.

It’s pretty telling that Democrats would oppose a Purple Heart recipient who literally bled for our country. Nevada’s two Democratic senators joined Republicans in supporting Brown, who resides in their state. At least some Democrats still have sense when it comes to honoring our veterans.

What Conservatives Should Do

This appointment shows what good government looks like. We need more people like Sam Brown in leadership roles. People who have actually served. People who understand sacrifice. People who know the difference between essential government functions and wasteful spending.

Contact your senators and let them know you support putting veterans in charge of veteran affairs. When President Trump makes appointments like this, back him up. This is how we drain the swamp — by putting real Americans with real experience in charge of important jobs.

We should also support legislation that makes sure our national cemeteries get proper funding. This isn’t wasteful government spending. This is keeping our sacred promise to those who gave everything for freedom.

Looking Ahead

Brown is expected to be sworn in later this week. He’ll inherit a system that serves over 100,000 veterans and families each year. That’s a massive responsibility, but Brown has already shown he can handle tough situations.

“To my fellow veterans: I’ve got you!,” Brown posted after his nomination. That’s exactly what we need to hear from someone taking this job.

The real test will be whether Brown can make the VA’s cemetery operations run efficiently while maintaining the dignity our veterans deserve. Given his background of starting a company to help veterans when the government failed them, he seems like the right person for the job.

This appointment represents something bigger than just one job. It shows that merit still matters. That service still counts. That we can still put the right people in the right places when we focus on what really matters.

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Brittany Sheehan is a Las Vegas-based mother, policy advocate and grassroots leader. She is active in local politics, successful in campaign work and passionate about liberty.