Gov. Evers appoints gay Marine vet to lead Wisconsin veterans agency

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers introduced Monday he promoted the deputy secretary of the Division of Veterans Affairs to steer the company, which has been troubled by frequent allegations of abuse and poor care.

James Bond, a disabled U.S. Marine Corps veteran who has labored on the division for years, is the primary brazenly LGBTQ particular person in state historical past to go a Cupboard company, in line with the Legislative Audit Bureau.

“James has been a devoted chief at DVA for over a decade and has served the division and Wisconsin veterans nicely as deputy secretary,” Evers stated in a press release. “As a veteran himself, alongside along with his many years of state service, I’ve little question he’ll deliver a wealth of expertise, data, and experience to this position as secretary.”

As an enlisted Marine, Bond served primarily as an administrative provide clerk, leaving on the rank of sergeant after serving from 1983 to 1988. He advised The Related Press he qualifies as a disabled veteran resulting from a service-connected damage to his proper eye.

Bond inherits an company that has been stricken by points in its assisted dwelling services and nursing properties. A latest Milwaukee Journal Sentinel investigation discovered that the Union Grove veterans dwelling ranked among the many worst within the nation for violations and fines.

His appointment fills the hole left by former Secretary Mary Kolar, who retired earlier this month.