Home » Gov. Bevin appoints commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs

Gov. Bevin appoints commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs

Enlisted in 1970

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 15, 2016) — Gov. Matt Bevin has appointed retired Brig. Gen. Norman E. Arflack as commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA). Heather French Henry, former commissioner of KDVA, also has agreed to serve as deputy commissioner.

Norman E. Arflack
Norman E. Arflack

“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.”

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.

“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.”

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.