Governor Matt Meyer Nominates First Secretary for Delaware Department of Veterans Affairs
State of DE - Governor Matt Meyer announced the nomination of Brigadier General Karen A. Berry to lead the newly established Delaware Department of Veterans Affairs. The appointment represents a significant milestone in Delaware's commitment to veteran services.
The nomination follows Governor Meyer's signing of House Bill 1 earlier this month. The legislation created the Department of Veterans Affairs and elevated veterans' services to cabinet-level status for the first time in Delaware history.
"General Berry is the leader Delaware veterans deserve," said Governor Meyer. "She has worn the uniform, commanded with distinction at home and abroad, and dedicated her civilian career to education and service. Her lived experience, her leadership, and her lifelong commitment to veterans make her the ideal person to launch this new department. Delaware veterans will now have one of their own advocating for them at the cabinet table, and I look forward to her confirmation by the Delaware State Senate."
The new department will centralize and expand services for more than 70,000 veterans across Delaware. Services will include benefits assistance, housing support, healthcare coordination, and mental health support programs.
Brigadier General Berry retired from the Delaware National Guard in 2023 after more than three decades of service. She served as Director of the Joint Staff for both the Delaware and Connecticut National Guards. Her military deployments included Afghanistan, where she served as Deputy Commander of the 335th Signal Command.
Her military honors include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the Delaware Conspicuous Service Cross.
Beyond her military service, Berry worked as an educator for 25 years in Delaware schools. She taught mathematics in the Laurel and Indian River School Districts and served as a Mathematics Specialist at Sussex Central High School. Since 2023, she has worked as a Veterans Advocate at Delaware Technical Community College's Owens Campus in Georgetown.
"I am humbled and honored by this nomination," said Brigadier General Karen Berry. "Delaware's veterans have given so much to our state and our nation. As Secretary of Veterans Affairs, I will work every day to ensure they receive the care, respect, and opportunities they have earned. This department is a promise kept - and I look forward to serving those who served us."
The nomination requires confirmation by the Delaware State Senate. Upon confirmation, Berry will oversee the department's transition from the Department of State. The department will achieve full independence by July 1, 2030, as mandated by House Bill 1.
Brigadier General Karen A. Berry graduated from the University of Delaware ROTC program and received her commission in 1990. She commanded multiple units throughout her career, including the 261st Signal Brigade.
Berry holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering Technology from the University of Delaware, a Master of Education in Mathematics from Salisbury State University, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
She maintains active membership in the National Guard Associations of the United States, Delaware, and Connecticut, as well as the Signal Corps Regimental Association and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
