January 16, 2015 | Erin Bluvas, bluvase@sc.edu 

he Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has appointed Ronnie Horner, professor of health services policy and management at the Arnold School of Public Health, as one of four new members to join the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses.

As a member of the Committee, Horner will advise VA on proposed research studies, plans or strategies relating to the health consequences of military service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the 1990-1991 Gulf War (Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm). The Committee also releases reports that summarize and make recommendations regarding research on the health of Gulf War Veterans.

Professor Horner, who also serves as director of the Institute for the Advancement of Healthcare, brings 30 years of research and administrative experience to the role. He has expertise in healthcare practices and policies, especially those relating to neurological disorders and stroke that improve health outcomes. Findings from Horner’s epidemiologic research into the cause of the outbreak of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis among Gulf War Veterans resulted in a change in VA benefits policy. He was selected because of his expertise in veteran health issues, especially health issues relating to veterans of the first Gulf War.

“VA is incredibly excited about the fresh perspective these new members will bring to the RAC, and we will continue to invest in research to understand and treat Gulf War Veterans’ illnesses,” said Secretary McDonald. Along with the other new members, Horner will serve on the Committee through September 2017.

Visit the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses website to learn more.