The first time was from July 1 , 1997 until January 2 , 1998 between the resignation of Secretary Jesse Brown and the appointment of Togo D. West , Jr. as Acting Secretary . The first occasion to serve as Acting Secretary was from July 1 , 1997 until January 2 , 1998 between the resignation of Secretary Jesse Brown and the appointment of Togo D. West , Jr. as Acting Secretary .