FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 2, 2018) – Gov. Matt Bevin has appointed Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Adams III as the new commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs. He will replace retired Brig. Gen. Norman E. Arflack who has been confirmed to serve as a U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Kentucky.
“Brig. Gen. Adams’ military service and exemplary record make him an ideal fit to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs,” said Gov. Bevin. “As a forty-year member of the military, Adams understands the needs of Kentucky’s veterans and will work tirelessly on behalf of those who willingly and valiantly serve our state and country.”
Adams has served in the military for four decades. He received his commission in 1978, and after completing flight school he spent 15 years on active duty. Adams then served as a defense contractor before joining the Kentucky National Guard in 1999. He was pinned brigadier general in 2012 and has been deployed numerous times throughout his career commanding at the company, battalion and brigade levels and has most recently worked as the director of the joint staff.
“The opportunity to become the commissioner of KDVA is such a privilege,” said Adams. “I look forward to continuing the work for veterans. The Governor’s goal is to make Kentucky the most veteran-friendly state in the nation, and that’s my goal as well. I want to assure every veteran is taken care of during my watch.”
Adams replaces former Commissioner Brig. Gen. Norman E. Arflack who was confirmed in mid-February by the U.S. Senate as a U.S. Marshal.
“I am grateful for Commissioner Arflack’s unwavering dedication to the Department of Veterans Affairs, and I congratulate him on his new appointment,” said Gov. Bevin. “His exemplary leadership of the Department has benefitted Kentucky’s veterans and set the commonwealth on a path to becoming the best state in the nation for veterans and their families. We will miss him, but are thankful for his continued willingness to serve our state and nation.”
“I would like to congratulate retired Brig. Gen. Norman Arflack on his confirmation to serve as the U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Kentucky,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. “His impressive record of service to the Commonwealth and the nation, both in the Kentucky National Guard and the Kentucky State Police, have prepared him well for this important position. I would like to once again commend President Trump for this nomination, and I was proud to support General Arflack in the Senate.”
Arflack served 38 years in the Kentucky National Guard, retiring as a brigadier general, and was deputy adjutant general of the Kentucky National Guard under former Governors Paul Patton and Ernie Fletcher. He was also Justice and Public Safety Cabinet secretary for Gov. Fletcher and spent a year as Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Concurrent with his National Guard service, Arflack spent 23 years with Kentucky State Police.
“I am honored to be nominated and confirmed as the U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Kentucky,” said Arflack. “It has been my privilege to serve our country and this state and I am happy to be afforded the opportunity to continue my service as a member of the federal law enforcement team.”
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