VA announces Sam Brown as new Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs

VA, and the National Cemetery Administration, welcome the Honorable Samuel B. Brown as the eighth Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on July 29, and sworn in by Secretary Collins on July 31.

Born in Arkansas and a member of the Cherokee Nation, Brown graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, earned a Master of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University and retired as a Captain from the Army. He served in the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, as an Airborne Ranger-qualified infantry officer.

In 2008, Brown deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, where he was wounded by a road-side bomb, resulting in burns to 30% of his body. He retired in 2011 and, in 2012, returned to Afghanistan to provide inspiration to U.S. troops.

During his Senate confirmation hearing, Brown said of his experience being wounded, “I was re-born when I heard the voice of my gunner scream out, ‘Sir, I’ve got you.’”

“His words gave me the miracle of hope,” Brown continued. “The message of hope that I received on the battlefield is one that the National Cemetery Administration delivers every day to the families and loved ones who are left wondering if they can go on with their lives after losing a cherished person who served this country. When that day arrives, NCA is there to tell these family members and loved ones, ‘We’ve got you.’”

Brown is married to former Army Captain Amy Brown, a critical care dietitian whom he met while in recovery at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. The couple have three children.

Please read Under Secretary Brown’s compelling Senate testimony to learn more about his amazing story.