General Karen Berry Sworn in as Delaware’s First Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Governor Matt Meyer | Newsroom | Office of the Governor | Date Posted: Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Brigadier General (Ret.) Karen Berry

Brigadier General (Ret.) Karen Berry was sworn in as Delaware’s first Cabinet-level Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The Delaware State Senate confirmed Berry’s nomination on September 22.

“Delaware is putting veterans’ services where they belong—at the highest level of state government—led by a secretary who knows what it means to serve,” Governor Matt Meyer said. “General Berry’s swearing in today is the beginning of building a department that reflects the respect and gratitude we owe to every Delaware veteran. With her experience and commitment, I’m confident this transition will be guided with care and purpose, ensuring veterans’ needs are front and center every step of the way.”

Governor Meyer signed House Bill 1 earlier this month, establishing the Department of Veterans Affairs and elevating veterans’ services to a cabinet-level agency for the first time in Delaware’s history. The new department will centralize and expand services for more than 70,000 veterans across the First State, including benefits assistance, housing support, healthcare coordination, and mental health support services.

General Berry was sworn in at the Delaware Veterans Home in Milford, surrounded by family, friends, elected officials, state agency leaders, and dozens of veterans whom she now represents.

“It is the honor of my lifetime to serve as Delaware’s first Secretary of Veterans Affairs,” Secretary Karen Berry said. “Too often, veterans feel like their voices go unheard or they don’t know where to turn for the benefits and services they have earned. My commitment is to change that. This department will be built on listening to veterans, understanding their needs, and making sure every veteran in our state knows that Delaware is here to support them and their families.”

Brigadier General Berry retired from the Delaware National Guard in 2023 following more than three decades of distinguished service. She most recently served as Director of the Joint Staff for both the Delaware and Connecticut National Guards and previously deployed to Afghanistan as Deputy Commander of the 335th Signal Command. Her awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the Delaware Conspicuous Service Cross.

Delaware has long delivered veterans’ services through the Department of State, where the Commission of Veterans Affairs, the Office of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Home, and the state’s two veterans cemeteries are housed. House Bill 1, signed into law in August 2025, elevates these programs into a new, cabinet-level Department of Veterans Affairs.

“On behalf of the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs, I congratulate BG Berry on her appointment to serve as Delaware’s first Secretary of Veterans Affairs,” Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs Chairman Douglas Hudson said. “She brings with her a vast amount of knowledge and leadership skills. Madam Secretary, as you begin tackling critical issues facing veterans and their families, the DCVA will be there to assist and help you with whatever support you need. Once again, welcome aboard and congratulations.”

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