Brown's Iraq service acknowledged at White House

Maryland Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown (D), an Iraq War veteran, was among those present Thursday as President Obama signed a bill in the East Room of the White House designed to speed up money for veterans health care -- and got a prominent mention.

"We're making real progress for our vets -- like those with us today, including Maryland Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown, the highest-ranking elected official in the nation who has served a tour of duty in Iraq," Obama said during his remarks. "Thank you, Colonel Brown."

Brown, an Army reservist, was deployed to Iraq in 2004 to serve a 10-month tour with the Multi-National Force-Iraq, where he worked with military and civilian officials to deliver humanitarian assistance to the Iraqi people. Brown was promoted to the rank of colonel in 2007.

The Veterans Health Care and Budget Reform and Transparency Act fixes a situation where money for veterans care is delayed because of budget fights in Washington. Under the new law, which makes good on an Obama campaign promise, money will be advanced by a year.