Trump taps retired 4-star general for homeland security secretary

Another Massachusetts native is on the shortlist for a cabinet position after President-elect Donald Trump tapped retired four-star Gen. John F. Kelly as his choice for secretary of homeland security.

The 66-year-old Marine retired earlier this year after a decorated 40-year career and is no stranger to the costs of war. In 2010, Kelly lost his son, Lt. Robert Michael Kelly, who was killed after stepping on a mine in Afghanistan.

The Boston Globe reported the loss played a role in Trump’s selection because he wanted people on his national security team who understand the toll of sending Americans in to combat.

As secretary, Kelly would be responsible for leading a staff of 25,000 and would be in charge of the nation’s counter-terrorism, immigration and border security efforts.

Kelly is the third retired general to be selected for Trump’s cabinet after retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, the designated national security adviser, and retired Marine Gen. James Mattis, the designated defense secretary, the New York Daily News reported.