News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 11, 1997
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

John King appointed to head Veterans Affairs

OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke today appointed John M. King, an experienced state administrator and Vietnam War veteran, to direct the Department of Veterans Affairs.

King has been acting director since May.

"John King is a strong administrator who took over an important state agency at a time of turmoil," the governor said. "The Department of Veterans Affairs now is providing the dignified and efficient service that these selfless ex-military men and women who gave so much to their state and country deserve."

"As a former combat infantryman, John also has much in common with our state's 670,000 veterans," Locke added.

The appointment was praised by leaders of veterans organizations.

"Mr. King was our number one choice," said Oria Berndt, legislative director of the state Non-Commissioned Officers' Association and a member of the Governor's Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee. "He comes highly qualified. We are very comfortable with him."

Retired Army Brig. Gen. Robert Westphal, Washington's representative on the American Legion's National Executive Committee, praised King for his government experience working with budgets and the Legislature. "He is a very solid guy who has the capability to do a wonderful job. I think he is going to make a heck of a good choice."

In accepting the Veterans Affairs directorship, King commented, "It is a privilege and honor to work for Gary Locke and an even greater privilege to work with such well-deserving people as these veterans."

Prior to his acting appointment at the Department of Veterans Affairs, King served as deputy director of administration at the state Attorney General's office. He also has served as acting director and deputy director of the state Department of Agriculture.

Before the agricultural positions, King directed the Department of Corrections' Division of Management & Budget and served as a senior budget analyst for the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

He received the Governor's Distinguished Management Leadership Award in 1990.

King served as a weapons platoon staff sergeant in the U.S. Army's First Cavalry Division in Vietnam from 1967 to 1969 where he fought in several major actions including the Tet Offensive. He was awarded a bronze star and other decorations.

The Veterans Affairs Department has 12 field offices which assist veterans with employment, health, benefits and other issues. It also operates the Washington Veterans Home in Retsil and the Washington Soldiers Home and Colony in Orting. The department has a biennial operating budget of $57.8 million and has 492 employees.

King's salary will be $72,351 per year.

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