FILE - In this Jan. 31, 2013 file photo, former Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington before the Senate Armed Services Committee´s confirmation hearing. Countering the Republican-led opposition to President Barack Obama´s nominee for defense secretary is a less flashy but powerful constituency _ military veterans. Longstanding veterans´ organizations have praised Hagel, a twice-wounded combat veteran of Vietnam and deputy administrator in President Ronald Reagan´s Veterans Administration. (AP Photo / J. Scott Applewhite, File)