Brigadier General (Ret.) Karen Berry made history today as she was sworn in as Delaware’s first Cabinet-level Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The State Senate confirmed her nomination on September 22 following the passage of House Bill 1, which created the new department.
“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.”
Berry, sworn in at the Delaware Veterans Home in Milford, pledged to make sure veterans’ voices are heard. “It is the honor of my lifetime to serve as Delaware’s first Secretary of Veterans Affairs,” she said. “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.”
A University of Delaware ROTC graduate, Berry served more than 30 years in the Delaware and Connecticut National Guards, including a deployment to Afghanistan as Deputy Commander of the 335th Signal Command. She retired in 2023 as Special Assistant to the Adjutant General of Delaware. Her awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Delaware Conspicuous Service Cross.
Beyond her military career, Berry spent over 25 years teaching mathematics in Delaware schools and recently worked as a Veterans Advocate at Delaware Technical Community College.
Delaware officials praised the appointment. “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,” said Delaware National Guard Adjutant General James Benson.
Rep. William Carson, sponsor of HB 1, said the creation of the department ensures veterans have a strong advocate. “The least we can do to honor their service and sacrifice is to make sure they feel supported here in Delaware.”
Under the law, the Department of Veterans Affairs will remain under the Department of State during a transition period before becoming a fully independent agency by 2030.
“This is a monumental stride for the state of Delaware,” said Sen. Nicole Poore, who sponsored the bill in the Senate. “With the swearing in of Brigadier General Karen Berry, we are entrusting leadership to someone whose career embodies service, sacrifice, and integrity.”
