VVF Statement on the Confirmation of Charles F. Sams as Director of the National Park Service, Department of the Interior
Washington, D.C.– Last night Charles F. Sams was confirmed as Director of the National Park Service. In reaction to the confirmation, Vet Voice Foundation’s Mary Kaszynski released the following statement:
“A U.S. Navy veteran and former Deputy Executive Director of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Sams has spent more than 25 years in state and Tribal governments and non-profit natural resource and conservation management. And as the first-ever Native American to serve in the role, his confirmation is historic.
“It’s been four years since there’s been a Senate-confirmed director of the National Park Service. Director Sams’ wealth of knowledge and experience makes clear that he’s unquestionably the right person for the job.
"We look forward to continuing to work with President Biden, Secretary Haaland, and Director Sams to amplify the voices of veterans and military families in policy debates, particularly those related to environmental conservation and stewardship."