[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today thanked Commissioner Larry Herke for his years of service at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) as he announced his retirement. Commissioner Herke was appointed by Governor Walz in January 2019.

“As a veteran of the U.S. Army and Minnesota National Guard, Commissioner Larry Herke dedicated his career to serving our state and country,” said Governor Walz. “As commissioner, he worked tirelessly to make progress toward ending veterans homelessness, strengthen our veterans homes and cemeteries, and helping Minnesota’s veterans and their families receive the best care and benefits. I am deeply grateful for his service and wish him well in his retirement.”

“Commissioner Herke is a dedicated public servant who fought to ensure that those who’ve raised their hand to serve receive the best care and services our state can provide,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “Minnesota’s veterans and their families were well served by Commissioner Herke, and we will miss his dedication and selfless service to our state. We are forever grateful for his service to the people of Minnesota. ”

“I am saddened to announce my retirement from my position as Commissioner for Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs due to my ALS diagnosis,” said Commissioner Herke. “It was an honor to serve veterans and their family members in my role as commissioner and I am grateful to Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan to have had the opportunity. I will continue to serve veterans in retirement as I partner with veteran organizations to advocate for advances in medical research toward a cure for ALS, a disease veterans receive a diagnosis of twice as often as the general population.”

About Larry Herke

Larry Herke is the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs. Commissioner Herke is responsible for serving the state's 294,232 veterans and their families. He also represents MDVA at hearings before the Minnesota Legislature and United States Congress and maintains close working relationships with the Veterans' Service Organizations of Minnesota. For over 30 years, Commissioner Herke served the nation and state as a member of the U.S. Army and Minnesota National Guard. After retiring from the National Guard in 2016, Herke served as the State of Minnesota Director of the Office of Enterprise Sustainability, assisting state agencies to develop sustainability plans. Commissioner Herke grew up in Mankato, attending Mankato East High School and Minnesota State University – Mankato.

About MDVA

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is dedicated to serving Minnesota veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the eight state veterans homes and four state veterans cemeteries, MDVA helps eligible veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, and outreach.

Herke’s last day as commissioner will be September 22, 2023. Deputy Commissioner Brad Lindsay will serve as temporary commissioner until a permanent successor is appointed by the Governor.

Individuals wishing to apply to be Minnesota’s next Commissioner of Veterans Affairs can contact gov.appointments@state.mn.us to request an application. Application materials are due by 4:00 pm on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, and should be addressed to Governor Tim Walz. Applicants may contact gov.appointments@state.mn.us or (651) 201-3400 with questions about the application process or to request reasonable accommodations.