The Department of Veterans Affairs mourns the passing of Harry N. Walters, who led the department during the Reagan administration when it was known as the Veterans Administration.

“America lost a true patriot last week who never stopped fighting for veterans,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie.

Walters, a West Point graduate who served in the Army from 1959 to 1963, led the VA from 1983 to 1986, and once said his leadership of the VA gave him an even deeper appreciation for our nation’s heroes.

He was later able to show that appreciation as president of the Desert Storm Homecoming Foundation in 1991, which organized a parade in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the U.S. victory in the Gulf War.

“Harry liked to note that motivating spirit behind the foundation was, ‘of the troops, by the troops, for the troops,’ which showed his love for those who have worn the uniform,” Wilkie said. “His service will never be forgotten, nor will his clear-eyed view of this nation’s debt to our soldiers and veterans.”