Robert Wilkie, former U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Assistant Secretary of Defense formally Endorses Republican Candidate for Congress Erik Aadland
April 28, 2022
Today, Republican candidate for Congress Erik Aadland, announced formal endorsement from Robert Wilkie, former U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Assistant Secretary of Defense.
Secretary Wilkie, son of an Army artillery commander, has more than 20 years of experience at the national and international level. He has served as Assistant Secretary of Defense, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and as a senior director of the National Security Council under Dr. Condoleezza Rice.
His Congressional experience includes service as Senior Advisor to Sen. Thom Tillis, and as Counsel & Advisor on International Security Affairs to the Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate.
Most recently, he served as U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs and, before that, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. Mr. Wilkie is a reserve officer in the United States Air Force Reserve, assigned to the Office of the Chief of Staff.
In a statement sent to Erik Aadland’s campaign, Secretary Wilkie said:
“Erik Aadland is an American leader who loves his state and country and he already has the record to demonstrate this fact,” said former U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Robert Wilkie. “As a proven combat leader in Iraq and Afghanistan, and an accomplished businessman of international repute, he brings a deep understanding about our place in the world, and he can recognize problems and solve them. This separates him from the usual Washington politician intent on the next office or winning the next election. He’s a champion of the people and veterans, firmly grounded in right and wrong. Without hesitation, I wholeheartedly endorse Erik Aadland for Congress.”
Erik’s Remarks:
“I am deeply appreciative to receive Secretary Wilkie’s endorsement. As a combat veteran, it’s meaningful to be endorsed by a man whose service to veterans as the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs speaks for itself. Under Secretary Wilkie, we saw a vast improvement in the VA’s quality of care for veterans (who are always at the forefront of my mind). This is the third Trump administration cabinet member who has endorsed me, it’s an honor to be in such good stead with President Trump’s administration.”“I’m deeply honored to have Governor Perry’s endorsement,”