SAN ANGELO, TX-- Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. and San Angelo native Ronnie Hawkins could be asked to direct the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Hawkins made the short list of candidates for the vacant secretary position. That list will be passed on to President Donald Trump to determine who will head the VA.
"If asked to serve my country, and veterans in particular, [I] would consider it a tremendous honor and blessings," Hawkins said while heading to speak at the University of Virginia;s Air Force Commissioning Ceremony.
Hawkins visited the White House almost three weeks ago to meet with White House officials about the vacancy.
Hawkins comes from a long line of veterans that dates back to his grandfather, who served as a Buffalo Soldier. Hawkins represents the third generation in his family to serve their country. His father served in the Vietnam War and his sons currently serve.
"Being a veteran myself, and coming from a family of veterans...I am honored to be considered," Hawkins said.
If selected, Hawkins would lead the second-largest agency behind the Pentagon.
The post has been vacant since March when President Trump fired David Shulkin after controversy swirled around a trip to Europe Dr. Shulkin took in 2017. A report showed that Shulkin misused taxpayer money and used a department employee as "a personal travel concierge."
Also being considered for the post are retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Ferriter and Ron Nicol, a senior adviser at The Boston Consulting Group.
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