Hagedorn to lead Idaho veteran services division

BOISE — Gov. Butch Otter on Tuesday announced the appointment of State Sen. Marv Hagedorn of Meridian, a retired Navy chief warrant officer, as administrator of the Idaho Division of Veterans Services.

Hagedorn will resign from the Idaho Senate to accept the appointment, which is effective July 30. He has represented western Ada County’s District 14 in the Senate for almost six years, serving on the Senate Judiciary and Rules and Transportation committees, and as vice chair of the Senate State Affairs Committee. He previously served three two-year terms in the Idaho House of Representatives, 2007-2012.

Hagedorn grew up in the Potlatch area of north-central Idaho. He served in the Navy from 1974 to 1994, rising through the enlisted ranks to become a chief warrant officer specializing in Navy intelligence and cryptology. After retiring from the military, he was a senior manager for a semiconductor manufacturing company and founded and ran an agriculture startup.

In 2010, Hagedorn co-founded the Wyakin Foundation — a nationally recognized transition program for wounded and disabled veterans. He is a member of American Legion Post 113 and a life member of the Disabled American Veterans. Hagedorn and his wife, Patty, have two grown children, both of whom work in Navy intelligence.

“Marv brings a wealth of experience, insight and passion to this new role in his public service. Idaho is fortunate to have his skill set to draw upon for this important and growing mission,” Gov. Otter said. “Our global military operations are producing a new generation of combat veterans who need and deserve our help re-entering civilian life as productive and engaged citizens. Marv is particularly well prepared to direct Idaho’s efforts toward becoming one of America’s most veteran-friendly states.”

“I care deeply about the men and women who have served in our armed forces, as well as their families. I understand the sacrifice they make and I share their desire to serve our country and our communities,” Hagedorn said. “I’m grateful for this chance to help ensure the appreciation we feel for our military veterans is manifested every day in our state policies, programs and priorities. I look forward to working in this new capacity with all the great veterans’ organizations throughout Idaho.”

The Division of Veterans Services operates three veterans homes in Boise, Lewiston and Pocatello, as well as the State Veterans Cemetery in Boise. The agency also advocates on behalf of Idaho veterans with employers, government and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, provides outreach to veterans who might not be aware of the benefits they have earned, and helps match veterans with education and employment opportunities.