Montclair Tribune from Montclair, California • Page 14

February 24, 1972 VA Leader- -A Life of Public Service WASHINGTON, D.C.-World War II combat veteran Donald E. Johnson, longtime leader in veterans affairs and a successful farm supply business executive in Iowa, became the youngest man in history to head the U. S. Veterans Administration when he was named to that post on his 45th birthday by President Nixon. was confirmed by the Senate June 19, 1969 and took the oath of office June 23, 1969.

As Administrator of Veterans Affairs, Johnson directs the nation's largest independent Federal agency. The VA, with more than 183,000 employes and annual expenditures of some $12 billion, serves America's more than 28.5 million veterans who, together with their families and survivors of deceased veterans, comprise nearly one-half of the national population. Born in Cedar Falls, Iowa, June 5, 1924, Johnson moved in his early childhood to West Branch, Iowa, the birthplace of the late President Herbert Clark Hoover. He was a student at Iowa State University immediately before and after World War II service, and also attended the Eastern Oregon College of Education in La Grande. He enlisted in the Army in 1942, served in combat with the 89th Infantry Division in the European Theater of Operations and was discharged in 1946.

His war decorations include the Bronze Star. The Croix de Guerre was awarded him by the Belgium government as National Commander of the American Legion. Long active in The A m- erican Legion, Johnson was elected National Commander for 1964-65 by acclamation after turning down a proposal to run 11 years earlier when he was only 29. Even at that youthful age, however, he had already (in 1952) held the post of Commander of the Iowa Department. As Iowa American Legion State Commander, Johnson initiated a program to present returning Korean Conflict veterans honor certificates signed by the Iowa governor, the mayor of the veterans' home town, and Legion officials.

The Freedom Foundation of Valley Forge, recognized this effort as "an outstanding achievement in helping to bring about a better understanding of the American Way Of Life" in an Honor Certificate awarded to the Iowa Legion. Johnson had pointed up the need to recognize the Korean veteran in a memorable speech, "The Forgotten Man." In September 1970, Johnson was named "Man of the Year" by the Past Department Commanders Club of The American Legion. Johnson still serves on the Legion's National Advisory Committee on Education and Scholarships. In May of 1971, an honorary doctor of laws degree was conferred upon Johnson during commencement exercises at Iowa Wesleyan University in his home state in recognition of his many years devoted to the causes of veterans and their families. Since May 1971, Johnson has been a member of the National Capital Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, in Washington, D.C.

Two months later he received a Gold Plate Award by the American Academy of Achievement "as 'representative (s) of the many who excel' in the great walks of In May 1971, an award "in recognition of his vigorous and forthright policies in the field of labor management relations" was presented to Johnson by the American Federation of Government Employees. The VA Chief was president 1961-69 of West Branch Farm Supply, and also of D.J. Services, Inc. He was an advisory member of President Eisenhower's U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

In 1954, and again in 1957, he headed the Iowa fund drive for Crusade for Freedom. In his hometown he has served two terms on the i council, and was twice president of the West Branch Chamber of Upland Cucomonjo Muitldoi Commerce. He headed the West Branch Heritage Foundation from 1965 tp 1966, and has been active in the PTA. Administrator Johnson was a member for years of the Hawkeye Boy Scouts Advisory Council for Iowa. Johnson and his wife, the former Mary Jean Suchomel, were married October 13, 1947.

They are the parents of 10 children, four girls -Julie Jean, Joan Marie, Beth Ann and Susan Carol --and six boys --Alan Donald (who served with the "Green Berets" in Vietnam), David James, Brian Edward. Kevin Laird, Kurt Arthur and Robert Con way. As administrator of Veterans Affairs, Johnson's executive responsibilities include administration of: --The largest medical program in the nation, including a vast network of 165 hospitals and more than 200 clinics served by 5,500 full-time physicians and more than 17,000 nurses. --One of the largest life insurance operations in the world, servicing nearly 5.4 million G.I. insurance policies with a face value of $37 billion.

The VA also supervises an additional $46 billion worth of Servicemen's Group Life Insurance policies for 3.9 million i --GJ. loan programs which so far have provided home, farm and business loans totaling over $84 billion for nearly eight million veterans. --Education and training programs under which more than vet- erana have a a March, 1970. trained. --A compensation and pension program providing payments totaling about $6.4 i i per year to nearly disabled veterans and dependents of deceased veterans.

Johnson was named by Mr. Nixon as Chairman of the President's Committee on the Vietnam Veteran. The Committee's report, calling for increased veterans' benefits was published in He was named as Associate Member of The President's Committe on Employment of the Handicapped, and was also designated by Chairman Harold Russell as a member of the Committee's Advisory Board. Johnson is a member of the President's National Committee on Jobs for chairman of the President's Veteran Day National Committee, and is a member of the President's Committee on Consumer Interests. Ask About Our Double Depth Burial Plan at Considerable Savings to You POMONA CEMETERY 502 E.

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