South Raleigh News

Governor Roy Cooper has announced the appointment of Grier Martin as the new Secretary for the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, succeeding Lt. Gen. Walter E. Gaskin. The change in leadership is set to take place on April 1, 2024.

In a statement, Governor Cooper expressed gratitude for Secretary Gaskin's service, stating, "Secretary Walter Gaskin has served North Carolina with distinction and we have leaned upon his remarkable military experience to strengthen our support networks and services for veterans and their families. I am grateful for his service to the people of our state."

Governor Cooper also expressed confidence in Secretary Martin, highlighting his advocacy for veterans and military communities, saying, "As a soldier, state representative and leader at the Pentagon, Grier Martin has been a fierce advocate for our veterans and military communities and I am confident he will continue our efforts to make North Carolina the most military and veteran friendly state in the nation."

Secretary Gaskin, reflecting on his tenure, shared his appreciation for the opportunity to serve North Carolina and its veterans, stating, "I have been privileged to serve our country at the highest levels in national and international military affairs and to serve as the third secretary of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veteran Affairs."

In response to his appointment, Secretary Grier Martin expressed his honor and enthusiasm, saying, "I am honored to serve the people of North Carolina as the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Secretary and look forward to building on the strong work done by Secretary Gaskin and his team. I am grateful and excited for this opportunity to support North Carolina's veterans and military families."

Secretary Martin brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served as the U.S. Department of Defense Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower & Reserve Affairs. His diverse portfolio includes advising on civilian and military personnel policies, reserve integration, military community and family policy, and total force manpower and resources.

With his extensive background in military and veterans affairs, Secretary Martin is poised to continue the mission of enhancing support for North Carolina's veterans and military communities as he assumes his new position on April 1, 2024.