March 24, 2011

GOV. MALLOY ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF JOSEPH PERKINS AS DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced today that Joseph T. Perkins of Niantic has been appointed to be the Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs. Most recently, Perkins worked as the Manager of Security Services at Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford. He is a 22-year veteran of the Connecticut State Police Department and was a member of both the United States Marine Corps, during which time he served in Vietnam in 1965-1966, and the Connecticut Army National Guard.

"I am so pleased to have someone with Joe's experience helping to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs," said Governor Malloy. "With more than forty years working in the public safety field - both in the public and corporate sectors - I know Joe will help advocate for our state's veterans and the services they so rightly deserve."

"I look forward to working with Joe in these challenging times," said Commissioner Linda Schwartz. "His service to the nation as a Marine and member of the Connecticut National Guard are especially important to the mission of this department. His rich background is a valuable asset that will serve the veterans of our state well."

"It's an honor and privilege to serve in Governor Malloy's administration, working on behalf of our state's veterans," said Perkins. "As a veteran myself, I know some of the challenges that men and women face as they transition to civilian life, and I'm eager to help them access the benefits and services to which they are entitled."

From 1990-2009, Perkins was the Manager of Security Services at Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford. In this position he was responsible for the handling of classified material, overseeing Uniformed Security, Fire Department functions and the Government Security Compliance Group at all division facilities located around the world. In addition, Perkins was the Homeland Security Coordinator for Sikorsky to all state and federal agencies.

From 1968-1990, Perkins was a member of the Connecticut State Police, retiring with the rank of Master/Sergeant. In his time with the State Police, Perkins supervised the Eastern District Major Crime Squad, and supervised the investigation of approximately 30 homicides and over 200 suspicious death cases.

From 1962-1966, Perkins was an active duty member of the United States Marine Corps, serving in Vietnam from 1965-1966. From 1975-2003, Perkins was a member of the Connecticut Army National Guard, where he was the leader of the 85th troop command, the 169th leadership regiment and the 143rd Aera support group. He retired from the Connecticut Army National Guard in 2003 as a Brigadier General.

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For Immediate Release: March 24, 2011

Contact: Colleen Flanagan

Colleen.Flanagan@ct.gov

860-524-7308 (office)
860-770-8090 (cell)

Twitter: @GovMalloyOffice

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy