Posted on March 11, 2013 at 9:57 am by James M. Odato in Andrew Cuomo, Military
U.S. Army Col. Eric J. Hesse is headed to a new assignment: the new director of the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo is announcing on Monday the appointment.
“Colonel Hesse has a long and distinguished record as an Army leader dedicated to improving the readiness of our military and serving our nation both overseas and here in New York State,” Cuomo said. “As director of New York State’s Division of Veterans’ Affairs, he will continue his distinguished career of service by helping lead our state’s efforts to ensure New York’s veterans are receiving the support that they need.”
Hesse said: “I am honored to join Governor Cuomo’s administration and help guide the state’s efforts to ensure that New York takes care of veterans and provides our returning military service members with the support and benefits that they deserve. Since taking office, the Governor has worked to make New York State friendlier for veterans, including returning service members as they transition into civilian life and seek employment opportunities here in our state. I look forward to working in this administration on behalf of all our veterans.”
Colonel Hesse retired from the Army last week after more than 26 years of service that included deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo.
Since July 2009, Colonel Hesse served as Command Inspector General of the New York Army and Air National Guard in Latham, New York where he was responsible for ensuring the readiness of an 18,000-member organization dispersed across New York State. His efforts focused on professional development and education programs as well as implementing a statewide inspection oversight effort aimed at improving military readiness.
Colonel Hesse previously served as Command Inspector General of the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum (New York) where his duties included the readiness of 10,000 soldiers at Fort Drum and Fort Polk (Louisiana) and providing support to a community of retired military personnel and their families.
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