Ex-Navy man long shot for VA

Slidell, La., lawyer John Wells, a retired Navy surface warfare commander, is being trumpeted as a candidate for Secretary of Veterans Affairs in President-elect Donald Trump's administration. Local Republicans admit he’s considered a long shot for the post. On Nov. 22, the St. Tammany Republican Parish Executive Committee unanimously passed a resolution suggesting Trump appoint the 66-year-old Wells. He is executive director of the non-profit Military-Veterans Advocacy based in Louisiana. The organization provides comprehensive legal advocacy and assistance in obtaining benefits for current and former military members around the nation. Wells retired from the Navy in 1994. (Source: Times-Picayune 11/28/16)