Governor Jay Inslee has appointed Lourdes E. Alvarado-Ramos as the first woman to serve as director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs.
“Words cannot describe how honored I am to serve you as Director of this great agency,” Alvarado-Ramos said. “Together we have worked to improve the lives of veterans and their families and my goal is to continue empowering you to make a difference for veterans each and every day.”
Alvarado-Ramos joined WDVA in 1993 and was appointed Deputy Director in 2005. She has a unique understanding of the agency, having led the Veterans Services Division and each of the State Veterans Homes as Superintendent.
Alvarado-Ramos served 22 years on active duty, retiring in August 1993 as Command Sergeant Major and Troop Command Sergeant Major of Madigan Army Medical Center in Fort Lewis.
During her military career, she was the recipient of numerous awards and decorations including the Legion of Merit, Order of Military Medical Merit, Expert Field Medical Badge and Meritorious Service Medals.
“Today is a great day for veterans and their families in Washington State,” said retiring WDVA Director John Lee. “Alfie is clearly the right person to provide a new vision and focus leading this agency into its next chapter of Serving Those Who Served.”
The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs serves as an advocate for our state’s military veterans and their families, in recognition of their service and sacrifice to our country. WDVA operates three State Veterans Homes which provide long-term nursing care and offers a number of programs ranging from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Counseling to services for homeless veterans.