President Bush plans to nominate Robert Howard to be the new chief information officer at Veterans Affairs. Howard, who has been working as a special advisor to VA Secretary James Nicholson, served as acting CIO during the veterans data theft scandal—facing down lawmakers on numerous occasions. His confirmation could be swift.
Air Force F-16 pilot Lt. Col. Eric R. Emerson, who commanded a small quick reaction force of fighters responding to Iranian-backed militia groups in 2024, became the first Air National Guardsman presented with the Anthony C. Shine Award on Feb. 10.

