Gov. Walz Begins Looking for MDVA Commissioner Replacement

(KNSI) – Governor Tim Walz is officially looking to enlist a new cabinet member.

Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Herke is stepping down on September 22nd. Herke has ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It affects the nervous system and eventually weakens muscles as the nerve cells that interact with them break down. There is no cure. It is a progressive disease that can be slowed with medicine but not stopped.

In a press release, Walz said Herke worked tirelessly to address veteran homelessness and improve care. Herke has been in the position since 2019.

Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan says, “Minnesota’s veterans and their families were well served by Commissioner Herke, and we will miss his dedication and selfless service to our state. We are forever grateful for his service to the people of Minnesota.”

Herke is a U.S. Army veteran himself and says the job was a privilege. “It was an honor to serve veterans and their family members in my role as commissioner and I am grateful to Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan to have had the opportunity. I will continue to serve veterans in retirement as I partner with veteran organizations to advocate for advances in medical research toward a cure for ALS, a disease veterans receive a diagnosis of twice as often as the general population.”

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