Governor-elect Ron DeSantis has made it clear that he will work diligently with President Trump in order to continue and build on what Governor Rick Scott has accomplished with the sunshine state, and one of the issues that President Trump has stressed since taking office is rebuilding the VA.

In his recent announcement to his transition team, Governor-elect DeSantis is optioning state Representative Danny Burgess to serve as the next executive direct of Florida’s Department of Veterans Affairs.

In a written statement, DeSantis praised Burgess for his “commitment to our nation and especially to Florida’s veteran community make him the perfect fit to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. His relentless advocacy for veterans in the Florida Legislature is proof of his commitment to the wellbeing of our veterans and addressing the important issues they face. I know he will work tirelessly to continue to improve our ability to serve Florida’s veterans and I look forward to discussing his exemplary record with members of the Cabinet when we convene.”

In response to being the Governor-elect’s choice for the job, Burgess commented that “When Gov.-elect DeSantis first asked me to consider (this position), I viewed it as an extension of my duty to serve those who have served us. I want to thank my constituents and the community I have the honor to serve, for the faith and trust they have placed in me over the years and ask for their prayers and support as I work on behalf of our new governor to serve those who have given so much to our nation. I am grateful to the governor-elect for his confidence in me and I look forward to making great progress for our veterans.”

Burgess was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2014, and he just won his reelection bid in the 2018 midterm elections. Burgess is also a captain and judge advocate in the United States Army Reserve.