Gov. Matt Bevin has appointed Retired Brigadier General Norman E. Arflack as the new Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA).
“General Arflack is a true servant leader,” said Bevin. “I know Kentucky’s veterans will benefit greatly from his four decades of service in the military, the Kentucky National Guard, and our state government. I am also delighted that Heather French Henry has agreed to serve as deputy commissioner. We value her insight and expertise on veteran issues and appreciate her continued service to the Commonwealth.”
“One of our initial priorities will be to work with veteran organizations to help place qualified candidates in unclassified appointments across our administration,” continued Bevin. “We value the character, commitment and competence of our veterans and welcome their ongoing willingness to serve.”
“I am honored and humbled by this appointment,” Arflack said. “Commissioner of KDVA is a once in a life time opportunity that will allow me to extend my service to this great nation while insuring that out veterans are adequately cared for. KDVA is already a national leader in providing benefits and services to our veterans, and I look forward to continuing and exceeding those achievements.”
“I am humbled to be asked to continue to serve our veterans in this role at KDVA,” Henry said. “I greatly appreciate Governor Bevin recognizing the accomplishments of our leadership team. We are all honored to continue to serve.”
Arflack has a long and distinguished military career. He served as an enlisted soldier from 1970 prior to completing OCS in 1975. He is a graduate of Armor Officer Course (Basic and Advanced), Command and General Staff Officer Course, and the US Army War College and served in staff and command positions commensurate with his rank. His most notable awards and decorations include Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement, the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Army Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal.
Arflack rose to the rank of Brigadier General after four decades in the Kentucky National Guard. During a distinguished civilian career he has served as executive director of the National Guard Association of Kentucky and as member and vice chair of the Board of Directors of the National Guard Association of the United States. He is a life member of both organizations.
At the pinnacle of his military career he served as Deputy Adjutant General in the administration of Kentucky Governors Paul Patton and Ernie Fletcher prior to his appointment as Secretary of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. Subsequent to his tenure on the Governor’s Executive Cabinet, he was appointed as Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
Prior to his retirement in August 2013, GArflack was Executive Director of the Interstate Commissioner on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. Concurrent with his service in the Kentucky National Guard, General Arflack completed 23 years’ service with the Kentucky State Police.
Arflack is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University and Southern Police Institute, and earned a Masters of Public Administration from Shippensburg University. He and his wife Cindy have three sons: Aaron, Landon and William.
From Governor’s Office Communications