(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad today announced that retired Col. Robert King will serve as head of the Department of Veterans Affairs in the Branstad-Reynolds administration. Col. King replaces Gen. Jodi Tymeson, who was recently named the new Chief Operating Officer at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown.
Col. King, 64, served in the Iowa National Guard for nearly 36 years prior to his Sept. 2004 retirement. During his last fifteen years of service he handled media relations, command information and community relations for the Iowa National Guard.
"I want to thank Gen. Tymeson for her outstanding work in this position and I wish her well at the Iowa Veterans Home," said Branstad. "We are excited to welcome Col. Robert King as the new head of this important department. I have known Col. King for a number of years, and appreciate and understand how much passion and enthusiasm he will bring to this job. Veterans will have no bigger advocate than Col. Robert King."
Col. King's military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (4th Award), Army Commendation Medal (4th Award), Army Achievement Medal, Outstanding Volunteer Service Award, Humanitarian Service Medal, and brevet promotion to brigadier general. For a number of years, Col. King has played a major role in coordinating the Veteran's Day Parade at the Iowa State Fair. Colonel King was inducted into the Iowa Broadcaster's Association Hall of Fame in 2004.
"I'd like to thank Governor Branstad for this opportunity to serve veterans and their families, and I'd like to thank Jodi Tymeson for her dedicated service to Iowa's veterans," said King. "There are a number of state, county and local veterans organizations throughout the state, and I look forward to working with all of them to support Iowa's veterans and their families. Throughout my many years working on behalf of veterans, I know first-hand how Iowans appreciate the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families, and we will do our best to serve them."
"Our administration will work closely with Col. King to ensure we understand and are able to address the needs of those who served our state," said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. "We respect our veterans and their families, and it was important for us to have someone who will be available and responsive to their needs. Col. King will be a hard worker on behalf of Iowa's veterans."
King currently resides in Urbandale with his wife, Joy. He has two sons and four grandsons.
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