Jesse Brown dies

VFW Magazine, Oct, 2002

Former VA Secretary Jesse Brown died Aug. 15 of lower motor neuron syndrome. He was 58.

"Jesse Brown was an icon among veterans," said VFW Commander-in-Chief James Goldsmith. "Although he often visited the White House as a member of the President's cabinet, he never forgot where he came from or where he had been. His combat experience forged in him the tenacity necessary to accomplish the many things he did on behalf of veterans."

Brown served as VA secretary in the Clinton Administration from January 1993 until July 1997. Popular with VFW members, Brown was fond of saying he was the secretary "for" veterans affairs. He is credited with improving services for homeless, women, PTSD- and Agent Orange-afflicted veterans.

From 1989 to 1993, Brown served as executive director of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Washington office.

Brown served in Vietnam from August to December 1965 with the 2nd Bn., 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Div. He was wounded in a firefight near Da Nang, which left his right arm partially paralyzed for the rest of his life.

Brown leaves a wife and two children.