I must question the character of a man who wears a Ranger rocker but not a CIB or even an EIB, who arbitrarily declares the well-deserved headgear tradition/distinction null and void. I would LOVE to know the historical and psychological events that caused him to do this. I simply cannot believe that he was ever a truly a Ranger in his spirit.
I surely hope that whatever drove him to do it will not manifest itself against Veterans in general if he takes the helm at the VA. We’ve had some dandies in the past, and don’t need another.
I have to agree with your observation; when i looked at the picture i had the same exact thought. He went to the ranger course, but his lack of EIB at the very least indicates he may have had a non-combat arms branch assignment or as you say, a lack of commitment to the Ranger spirit.
He wasn't an infantry officer so he couldn't be awarded either one. His combat tours were as an artillery FO and with the 5th Cavalry.