FRANKFORT | Gov. Steve Beshear announced Friday that Mason County native Heather French Henry has been named commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs, replacing Ken Lucas.
“Heather is highly motivated and has vast experience assisting and creating programs for veterans throughout the Commonwealth and the nation,” Beshear said. “As the department’s new commissioner, she will continue our mission to raise awareness and offer services to our veterans.”
Henry, a longtime advocate for veterans affairs, started the Heather French Foundation for Veterans in December 1999, shortly after being crowned Miss America 2000 in September 1999. Her foundation partners with public and private organizations to assist veterans and their families.
“This is right up her alley,” said her husband, former Lt. Governor Steve Henry, on Friday.
Heather Henry starts her job July 1. As commissioner, she will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the department, as well as the coordination of 18 statewide field office locations, health care outreach and cemetery services.
“I am excited about the announcement and that I will be continuing to serve veterans of the commonwealth,” Heather Henry said on Friday. “I will be meeting with Commissioner Lucas before July 1, to get familiar with what is going on in the agency and learn the positives and negatives of the job.”
The former Miss America has received numerous awards and recognitions for her work and advocacy on behalf of veteran’s issues, including the Patriot Award from USA Cares; Americanism Award from Veterans of Foreign Wars; Humanitarian Award from AMVETS; American Patriot Award from Non-Commissioned Officers Association and the Martha Washington Spirit Award from the Military Order of the Purple Heart Ladies Auxiliary.
“We have a very good DVA,” she said. “I worked with Commissioner Lucas (and his predecessor). I have great leaders to learn from and for guidance. I also know some wonderful veterans friends.”
In 2001, the U.S. Congress passed the Heather French Henry Homeless Veterans Assistance Act, bipartisan legislation focusing on the eradication of homelessness among veterans nationwide, especially homeless female veterans.
“I greatly appreciate Gov. Beshear’s confidence in my experience as a national veterans advocate and look forward to continuing my work as the commissioner to serve the veterans of the Commonwealth and their families,” she said. “Honoring our veterans has been and will always be my life’s mission, and I am honored that I can serve them in this way.”
Lucas has been asked by the governor to oversee the completion of construction of the state’s fourth veterans nursing home in Radcliff.
“The governor made an outstanding decision in choosing Heather,” Lucas said. “Over the years, as a member of Congress, I worked with her on numerous veterans issues. I know firsthand she is passionate and committed to making the lives of our heroes better. I predict she will take our department to new heights to the benefit of our Kentucky veterans.”
The Henrys reside in Louisville, with their two daughters, Harper and Taylor.
As part of her job, Heather Henry plans to visit veteran agencies around the state, including the Maysville area, she said.
