WASHINGTON - In a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing today, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill introduced and recommended Missouri native Tommy Sowers to serve as Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

"The VA needs someone in the highest level that understands today's veteran and that's Tommy," McCaskill said. "I can't recommend him to this committee, the United States Senate, or the American people more highly."

Sowers, who like McCaskill was born in Rolla, Missouri, is a highly qualified and skilled veteran. He served in both Kosovo and Iraq, first as a platoon leader and later as part of the Army's special forces. He has received multiple military awards, including being a two-time recipient of the Bronze Star. Sowers subsequently taught at the United States Military Academy at West Point, and the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla before becoming an advisor for the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

Sowers thanked McCaskill for her support, telling the Committee that she had been a good friend to him and a "good friend to veterans."

Sower's nomination will now be considered by the Veterans Affairs Committee before heading to the full Senate for a final confirmation vote.

Video of McCaskill's introduction of Sowers is available HERE, and photos are available HERE.

McCaskill, the daughter of a World War II veteran, has been a champion for military veterans since coming to the Senate in 2006, and was a founding member of the Senate Veterans Jobs Caucus. McCaskill was also a leading advocate for the VOW to Hire Heroes Act. Read more about McCaskill's work for veterans by clicking HERE.

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