Alex appointed to Veterans Advisory Committee

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.) Ricky Alex was recently appointed to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Advisory Committee on Tribal and Indian Affairs for a two-year term. Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben nominated Mr. Alex to be the representative for the Indian Health Service (IHS) Nashville Service Area. The Committee is composed of 15 voting members - one member from each of the 12 IHS Service Areas, one from the Native Hawaiian Veteran Community, one from an Urban Indian Organization, and an at-large member.  

“I am pleased that our nominee Ricky Alex was appointed to the VA Advisory Committee on Tribal and Indian Affairs,” said Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben. “Mr. Alex is a man of great integrity and commitment and has served his country admirably as a proud member of the U.S. Air Force. I am confident that he will be an outstanding advocate for the issues and needs facing our Native Veterans throughout the IHS Nashville Service Area.” 

The Advisory Committee on Tribal and Indian Affairs was established in accordance with section 7002 of Public Law 116-315 (H.R.7105 – Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020). In accordance with Public Law 116-315, the Committee provides advice and guidance to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on all matters relating to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations and Native American Veterans. The Committee serves in an advisory capacity and advises the Secretary on ways the Department can improve the programs and services of the Department to better serve Native American Veterans. Committee members make recommendations to the Secretary regarding such activities.