Statements
FDP Statement on President Biden nominating Dr. Lester Martinez-Lopez as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs in the Department of Defense
President Joe Biden announced yesterday additional appointments to his administration including Puerto Rican physician Dr. Lester Martinez-Lopez as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs in the Department of Defense. Dr. Martinez-Lopez recently served as the Chief Medical Officer at the Brandon Regional Hospital in Central Florida. Dr. Martinez-Lopez retired from the U.S. Army with the permanent rank of Major General and is the first Latino to head the Army Medical Research and Materiel Command at Fort Detrick, Maryland. He is the highest level Puerto Rican appointment from Florida ever.
In reaction to this appointment, Democratic Party Chair Manny Diaz issued the following statement:
“Dr. Martinez-Lopez is a testament of hard work and determination and a role model for many of us. He is an example of leadership, as his various appointments attest, often breaking new ground for the community. His service to Florida and the country are an example of what a public servant should be and the definition of a keeper of the Hippocratic Oath. Dr. Martinez-Lopez credentials and dedication speak for themselves. He is an inspiration to millions of Americans. I encourage the U.S. Senate to do what is right for the country and confirm him as expeditiously as possible.”