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

MILFORD - Today, 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."

"Governor Meyer's appointment of retired Brig. Gen. Karen Berry as Delaware's newest Cabinet Secretary is an inspired choice," Delaware National Guard Adjutant General James Benson said. "Her proven dedication to veterans, coupled with decades of leadership as an educator and military officer-gives her unique insight into the challenges our veterans face. No one understands the service and sacrifice of a veteran better than another veteran, and Secretary Berry will ensure Delaware's veterans and their families remain a top priority."

The law provides a measured transition: for the next several years, the department will remain under the Department of State for budgetary and administrative purposes while a detailed transition plan is developed. By July 1, 2030, following legislative approval of the plan, the Department of Veterans Affairs is slated to operate as a fully independent state agency, ensuring that veterans' needs are represented at the highest levels of state government without disrupting funding or services.

"Our veterans have given this state and this country more than we can ever repay. The least we can do to honor their service and sacrifice is to make sure they feel supported here in Delaware," Rep. William Carson said, Prime Sponsor of HB 1. "That's why we created the Department of Veterans Affairs, and it's why I'm so proud to see retired Brigadier General Karen Berry sworn in as its very first Secretary. She knows what military service means, and she knows how to advocate for our veterans. I look forward to seeing all she will accomplish in this role."

"It is an incredible honor to see this vision for Delaware's veterans become a reality," Sen. Nicole Poore said, Senate Prime Sponsor of HB 1 and Chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. "The implementation of this department is a proactive approach to giving our vets a voice - and when Rep. Carson and I introduced HB 1, our main goal was to ensure our state had a strong advocate that intrinsically understood our veterans' obstacles and lived experiences. With the swearing in of Brigadier General Karen Berry, we are not only seeing that commitment executed, but also entrusting its leadership to someone whose career embodies service, sacrifice, and integrity. This is a monumental stride for the state of Delaware, and I look forward to the impact it will continue to have on our veterans and their families."

"As a veteran myself, I know how important it is to have leaders who truly understand the experiences, needs, and sacrifices of those who served. Brigadier General Karen Berry has lived that life of service for decades, and she knows what it takes to meet the needs of veterans," Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha said, Chair of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. "I'm proud to see her sworn in as our first Secretary of Veterans Affairs and confident she will serve our veterans with the dedication they deserve."

BIOGRAPHY - SECRETARY KAREN BERRY

Brigadier General (Ret.) Karen A. Berry has dedicated her life to service - as a decorated military officer, respected educator, and passionate advocate for veterans.

A University of Delaware ROTC graduate, Berry was commissioned in 1990 and went on to serve more than three decades in the Delaware and Connecticut National Guards. Over the course of her distinguished career, she commanded at multiple levels, including as Commander of the 261st Signal Brigade, and deployed to Afghanistan as Deputy Commander of the 335th Signal Command. She later served as Director of the Joint Staff in both Delaware and Connecticut before retiring in 2023 as Special Assistant to the Adjutant General in Delaware.

Her military service was recognized with some of the nation's highest honors, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the Delaware Conspicuous Service Cross.

In addition to her military career, Berry spent more than 25 years in education, teaching mathematics in the Laurel and Indian River School Districts and later serving as Mathematics Specialist at Sussex Central High School. Since 2023, she has served as a Veterans Advocate at Delaware Technical Community College's Owens Campus in Georgetown, supporting student veterans and their families.

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.

Active in professional and civic organizations, she is a member of 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.

Throughout her career, Berry has been guided by a simple principle: service before self. Her lifelong commitment to country, community, and education continues today in her work to honor and support Delaware's veterans.

For any questions or to schedule a one-on-one interview with Governor Meyer, please email [email protected].