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Brig. Gen. Karen Berry sworn in as Delaware’s first cabinet-level secretary of Veterans Affairs
Summary
Brigadier General Karen Berry was sworn in as Delaware’s first secretary of the newly created Department of Veterans Affairs at a ceremony at the Delaware Veterans Home, where state leaders said the move gives veterans a dedicated cabinet advocate and organizers announced upcoming Veterans Day events.
Brigadier General Karen Berry was sworn in as Delaware’s first cabinet-level secretary of the newly created Delaware Department of Veterans Affairs at a ceremony at the Delaware Veterans Home, where elected officials and veterans’ advocates praised the appointment and urged quick action on benefits, housing and mental-health services.
Governor Matthew Meyer, who signed the legislation establishing the department, called creation of the cabinet post “a bold and necessary step” and said Delaware aims to be “the first state for veterans” in providing services and support. Representative Carson, a sponsor of the measure, said the bill passed both chambers unanimously and was signed by the governor on Aug. 13.
Retired U.S. Senator Tom Carper and Lt. Gov. Kyle Evans Gay joined senior military and state leaders in urging broad, bipartisan backing for the office. Adjutant General James Benson praised Berry’s mix of military and civilian service, and veteran advocates credited sustained organizing by local groups for the new department.
Judge William Witham administered the oath. After repeating the oath, Berry told the audience she was “eager to begin the crucial work of setting up the Delaware Department of Veterans Affairs,” and pledged to “reach out to the many organizations that are here today and be your voice to make improvements in our processes.”
Speakers at the ceremony repeatedly emphasized immediate and practical priorities. Governor Meyer noted recent personnel disruptions in the National Guard and warned the work ahead will be challenging; Senator Dave Lawson and other speakers pressed for attention to family benefits and suicide-prevention efforts. Tony Bardell, introduced as executive director of the Office of Veteran Services, outlined near-term activities and announced a Nov. 11 ribbon-cutting and Veterans Day ceremony at the Delaware Memorial Bridge starting at 10:00 a.m.
The event closed with a benediction and musical piece performed by Sergeant First Class Mary Kate Hall. No formal board votes or regulatory actions were taken at the ceremony; the gathering was the installation of the department’s first secretary and a public pledge by state leaders to coordinate benefits and services for Delaware veterans.
