AUGUSTA (AP) – Members of Maine’s congressional delegation are saluting the appointment of the state’s National Guard leader to a national committee looking into rural health issues affecting veterans.

Maj. Gen. John Libby, adjutant general of the Maine National Guard, is being appointed to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Rural Health Advisory Committee. The 14-member panel will advise Veterans Affairs Secretary James Peake.

Rep. Mike Michaud, chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs subcommittee on health, says Libby understands the challenges veterans face in rural America and will be a staunch advocate for them.

Fellow Democratic Rep. Tom Allen says Libby has a long and distinguished record in service – most recently in the response to Aroostook County floods.

AP-ES-06-05-08 1251EDT