Waterford Army General Nominated For CT Vet Affairs Leadership

WATERFORD, CT — A Waterford man has been nominated to serve as commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs. Gov. Ned Lamont has named retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Ronald “Ron” P. Welch to serve in the position.

Welch has nearly 40 years of military service. Since his retirement from the military in 2017, he has been working for a nonprofit organization that connects current and former military members with programs and services.

“With nearly 40 years of military experience, Welch knows firsthand what it means to serve our nation in numerous capacities, what it’s like being away from family and loved ones for an extended period while on deployment during an armed conflict in a foreign country, and what it’s like returning to civilian life and handling the challenges that come with stepping away from service,” Lamont said in a statement.

Welch enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1978 and served on active duty with the 2nd Ranger Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Lewis Washington. During his active-duty service, he attained the rank of sergeant.

In 1981, he sustained serious injuries during a line of duty parachute accident. He left active service in October 1982.

After leaving active service, Welch joined the Connecticut National Guard, where he attended Officer Candidate School in 1983. In 1984, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the infantry.

He then served in numerous positions in the Connecticut National Guard’s Infantry units as a rifle platoon leader, company commander, and various staff positions.

Welch was promoted to colonel in 2004, and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was later promoted to brigadier general and retired from military service in 2017.

He has numerous decorations and badges recognizing his service including the Legion of Merit, Soldiers Medal, and the Bronze Star Medal.

“I am humbled and honored to be selected by Governor Lamont to serve as the next Commissioner of Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs,” Welch said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing to serve Connecticut’s military, veterans, and their families that have given so much for the freedoms we enjoy each day in our great state and nation.”

The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs is the state agency responsible for connecting veterans and their eligible dependents with information and support services regarding state and federal veterans’ benefits.

Welch will succeed Thomas J. Saadi, who resigned earlier this week following his nomination to become a judge of the Connecticut Superior Court.