Principi served as Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs , VA 's second-highest executive position , from March 17 , 1989 , to September 26 , 1992 , when he was picked Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs by President George H. W. Bush . Principi served as Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs , VA 's second-highest executive position , from March 17 , 1989 , to September 26 , 1992 , when he was named Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs by President George H. W. Bush .