In this week’s article we are proud to spotlight Valerie Klitzke, the MDVA Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. Valerie is a Veteran; she served for seven years in the Minnesota Army National Guard (MNARNG) and obtained the rank of Captain. She is a combat Veteran and served a 12-month deployment in support of Operation New Dawn. She was the first female officer to be fully integrated into two combat arms units for the MNARNG: 1-194 Combined Arms Battalion (CAB) and 1-94 Cavalry (CAV.)

Valerie started her deployment as the highest-ranking female in the 1-194 CAB and the only female officer in the 1-194 CAB. She served as the 1-194 Battalion Maintenance Officer where she led Soldiers that maintained a 98 percent Operational Readiness rate, the highest in the Brigade, for the 180 vehicles they were maintaining.

Upon the 34th Infantry Division completing the downgrade out of Iraq, Valerie switched to a new role and moved to Ali Al Salem, Kuwait. There she served as the Force Protection Officer for Ali Al Salem, Kuwait. In this role, she collaborated with a variety of stakeholders to include the Kuwaiti Military, Canadian Military, U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force.

Returning stateside, Valerie served in various roles for the MNARNG. She served as the 134th Brigade Support Battalion (BSB) S4 Officer in Charge (OIC) and then served as the 1-94 CAV S4 OIC. Her final role was Company Command of Delta Company of the 134th BSB which is a Forward Support Company.

Valerie now works as MDVA’s Director of DEI to help promote the many different viewpoints of those we employ, ensuring that they are recognized within an equitable space. She also works to maintain MDVA’s commitment to the critical values of diversity, equity and inclusion. With help, we can continue to make MDVA a better place for our staff and make sure our Veterans receive the same treatment.