Governor Walker Praises Alaskans Assuming Critical Federal Roles

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Dec. 11 -- Gov. Bill Walker, R-Alaska, issued the following news release:

Governor Bill Walker today thanked three Alaska Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs (DMVA) officials recently named to important federal positions. President Donald Trump today appointed Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) Director Mike O'Hare to serve as the new Region X Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Verdie Bowen, Director of DMVA's Office of Veterans Affairs was recently elected President of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA), and Secretary of the Army, Dr. Mark Esper, has named Major General Laurie Hummel, DMVA Commissioner and The Adjutant General of the Alaska National Guard, to the Army Reserve Forces Policy Committee.

"It doesn't surprise me at all that these three fine Alaskans have risen to national prominence," Governor Walker said. "They are each accomplished, dedicated public servants, well-deserving of federal recognition. They will surely continue to serve Alaska well with their new responsibilities."

Michael "Mike" O'Hare began service with the State of Alaska in December of 1996. In 2008, he joined DMVA, working in the department's Statewide Emergency Communications Office. During his tenure with DMVA, he held various roles of increasing responsibility, culminating with his appointment as DHSEM Director. Under Director O'Hare's leadership, the State's disaster response and recovery efforts were well-coordinated, expedient, comprehensive, and focused on the Alaskans affected by disasters. On Dec. 8, 2017, Governor Walker and Major General Laurie Hummel awarded Director O'Hare the Alaska Legion of Merit medal for his exceptional service with the State of Alaska.

NASDVA elevated Director Bowen to a national role of advocating on behalf of the nation's 22 million Veterans and their families. Long known for putting concern for others above all else, Bowen's new position is a logical extension of his dedication and outstanding performance. His responsibility will involve addressing the needs of all veterans while still caring for Alaska's veterans. NASDVA is comprised of the Directors of Veterans Affairs (or comparable positions) in each state, plus those in the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories. They work to address the needs of all Veterans and to coordinate efforts to ensure those Veterans and their families receive the VA services and benefits they earned through service to our nation.

The Army Reserve Forces Policy Committee (ARFPC) reviews and comments to the Secretary of the Army upon major policy matters affecting the reserve components - the Army National Guard & U.S. Army Reserve - and the mobilization preparedness of the Army. Major General Hummel's appointment is made in accordance with federal laws 10 U.S.C. 10302 and 10 U.S.C. 3014.