Governor Snyder appoints Jeff Barnes as director of Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
March 21, 2013
LANSING, Mich. - Marking the 10th anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Governor Rick Snyder appointed a decorated veteran of that conflict, Jeff Barnes, to head the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA). Snyder announced the new agency during his January 2013 State of the State address and signed Executive Order 2013-2 creating the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency within the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, with an effective start date of March 20, 2013.
The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency serves as a centralized, coordinating unit for state government that will provide a ‘no wrong door' access to veterans services and benefits. The agency will modernize the delivery of services to veterans, identify efficiencies and remove redundancies in coordination with all other departments and agencies that currently are responsible for programs related to services for veterans. Because Michigan was recently accredited by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the agency will also be able to provide VA claims support and advocacy. The MVAA will continue to support the operations of Michigan's State Veterans Homes and the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund.
"Michigan's veterans have unique needs and they deserve our support," Snyder said. "This new agency will make it easier for them to recognize and access the benefits and services that they have earned. Our veterans are vital to Michigan's future. We'll continue to focus on ways in which we can assist them as they return to civilian life. I know that the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency will help lead the way and I look forward to great results on behalf of our men and women who have served."
Barnes served nearly 10 years as an Armored Cavalry Officer in the United States Army including tours in Korea and the Balkans, and two tours in Iraq. In 2003, his squadron was the lead unit of the US Armed Forces from Kuwait to Baghdad. As commander of B Troop, 3rd Squadron, 7th United States Cavalry, he conducted operations in Baghdad, Balad, and Fallujah, where his unit was credited with capturing over 25 Al Qaeda and Fedayeen operatives. As part of that mission, his unit was responsible for establishing a Forward Operating Base in Ad Dujayl and establishing humanitarian relief initiatives for local school systems and vital infrastructure. Chosen for a second command in 2005, Barnes led over 300 soldiers of HHT, 3rd Squadron,7th United States Cavalry in Baghdad. His unit engaged in a wide range of combat and combat support operations, planned and conducted over 350 operations to interdict insurgents, and identified and destroyed countless enemy weapons caches while providing support to sustain outposts and Forward Operating Bases throughout central Iraq. Additionally his unit provided humanitarian relief and medical support to over 2500 Iraqi children and adults in an effort to build community relations. His awards include 2 Bronze Stars with Valor Device, a Meritorious Service Medal, a Combat Action Badge, and was inducted into the Honorary Order of St. George for Outstanding Leadership in Combat.
"We are proud to have Jeff lead our efforts to serve veterans," said The Adjutant General and Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Department Director, Major General Gregory Vadnais. "His command leadership and post-combat experiences provide him with a strong foundation to realign the delivery of veteran's services in Michigan. His vision of a ‘no wrong door' customer service model and a Veteran "One Stop" portal through which veterans can easily connect to benefits and service providers will dramatically improve the lives of Michigan's veterans."
Following his combat service, Barnes served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Snyder, moving to Deputy Director of Strategy and Executive Director of Public Safety, where his efforts included supporting the "Secure Cities Initiative," and developing Michigan's Cyber Security strategy. He also served as a member of the Governor's Council on Law Enforcement and Reinvention (CLEAR) and led efforts to improve public safety with "Next Generation" public safety communications and enhanced forensic science services statewide.
"We thank the Governor for his leadership and steadfast commitment to identifying Veterans as a key component to Michigan's Talent Strategy and for creating the Agency to champion Michigan's Veterans,' Barnes said. "The agency will be focused on improving customer service and I look forward to working with our state, federal and local partners to make it easier for veterans to make the transition to the next chapter of their lives."
Jeff holds a Bachelors of Arts Degree from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio and a Masters of Public Policy from the University of Michigan's Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy where he concentrated on National Security and State and Local Government issues. He is also a graduate of the United States Army Airborne School (Fort Benning, GA), Armor Captain's Career Course (Fort Knox, KY) and the Combined Arms Services Staff School (Fort Leavenworth, KS).
