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27,100 out of 865,877 Veterans
27,100 out of 865,877 Veterans
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William B. Ashton was named the first permanent Military Veteran Liaison for the United States Department of Agriculture in January 2018. In his role as liaison, Ashton will guide USDA efforts to support veterans learn and succeed through agriculture, agribusiness, in rural communities, and beyond.
Prior to joining the USDA’s Office of Public Policy and Engagement, Ashton served as the Security Director for the Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command Headquarters. Additionally, Ashton was a Virginia Governor’s appointee as the Fleet Reserve Association’s representative to the Joint Leadership Council. The council facilitates collaborations between veteran service organizations and the Department of Veterans Services to meet the needs of Virginia veterans. In 2004, Ashton was selected to serve on the Secretary of the Navy’s Retiree Council for three years.
A New York City native, Ashton joined the U.S. Navy after graduating from St. Francis Prep in 1976. Throughout his 23-year career in the United States Navy, Ashton advanced from Seaman Recruit to Lieutenant Commander. Ashton has served aboard USS L. Mendel Rivers (SSN-686), a Sturgeon-class attack submarine, as an officer onboard the USS MCKEE (AS 41), a submarine tender, and at Submarine Squadron SIX, Norfolk, VA. He has also served as Administrative Secretary to the Chief of Naval Personnel, and the Administrative Assistant/Aide to the Deputy for Naval Training and as the Military Assistant to the Director of Defense Reform in the office of the Secretary of Defense in Washington, D.C.
Ashton is married to the former Debbie Lucas of Hagerstown, Maryland and has twin boys, Christopher and Brandon.