Veterans Service Building
20 West 12th Street
St. Paul, MN 55155
Steven McCarthy, Assistant Communications Director
952-237-4618
Steven.McCarthy@state.mn.us
Anne Sonnee, Communications Director
(651) 263-2640 (Cell)
Anne.Sonnee@state.mn.us
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2/9/2023 2:30:00 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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St. Paul, Minn. – Larry Herke has been confirmed by the Minnesota Senate as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA). Herke was first appointed as Commissioner in January 2019 as Gov. Tim Walz began his first term. Herke has served as MDVA Commissioner since that time.
Walz announced the reappointment of Herke in November 2022. Last month, the Senate State and Local Government and Veterans committee unanimously recommended Herke for confirmation.
"Larry Herke is a proven leader and tireless public servant who remains committed to honoring the Veterans who answered the call to serve," said Governor Walz. "As a 24-year veteran of the National Guard, I am proud to have another Veteran continue to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs as we fight for the housing, mental health support, and services our nation’s heroes deserve.”
“Our Veterans – our warriors – deserve the best care our state can provide. Larry Herke is a dedicated public servant who understands this better than anyone else,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “I’m grateful Larry will continue leading our state’s work to ensure Minnesota is the best state in the country for Veterans and their families to get the benefits they have earned.”
“I am honored to continue serving Minnesota’s 300,000 Veterans as MDVA Commissioner,” Herke said. “I am dedicated to ensuring that our Veterans and their families receive the benefits they have earned and services and support they deserve.”
During Herke’s first four years as MDVA Commissioner, he championed dramatic growth of facilities across the state and an expansion of services to address Veterans’ current issues. MDVA accomplishments under his leadership include:
Before joining MDVA, Herke was the first Director of Sustainability for the State of Minnesota. He is a Veteran himself, having served 30 years in the Army and Army National Guard, retiring as a Colonel in July 2016. A native of Mankato, Herke received both his bachelor’s degree in Accounting and master’s degree in Public Administration from Minnesota State University - Mankato.
Herke is a member of several Veteran Service Organizations including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS and Jewish War Veterans. He also serves on the Minnesota Military Museum Board as the Vice President of Facilities.
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About MDVA
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a cabinet-level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans employment. Veterans and their families are encouraged to visit www.MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet for more information about benefits.