WHEREAS, on January 15, 2024, after two years of outstanding service to the Commonwealth, Daniel M. Gade completed his term as commissioner of the Department of Veterans Services; and

WHEREAS, under Daniel Gade's direction, the Department of Veterans Services successfully provided numerous critical programs and support services to the Commonwealth's 700,000 veterans and their families; and

WHEREAS, during Daniel Gade's tenure as commissioner, the influence of the Department of Veterans Services with the Virginia congressional delegation has grown significantly, and the Commonwealth has become a prominent national leader in addressing the needs of veterans and their families; and

WHEREAS, at Daniel Gade's insistence, the Department of Veterans Services has conducted unprecedented outreach to state officials and state agencies to assist them in understanding, reaching, and serving veterans and their families; and

WHEREAS, under Daniel Gade's visionary leadership, the Department of Veterans Services completed its first ever Strategic Plan, plotting a course to continued excellence in care for veterans, active duty service members, and their families; and

WHEREAS, prior to becoming the commissioner of the Department of Veterans Services, Daniel Gade served in the United States Army for more than 25 years and retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel; over the course of his distinguished military career, he was an exemplar of courage, selflessness, and sacrifice and was wounded in combat twice; and

WHEREAS, Daniel Gade's contributions to the Commonwealth have been numerous and significant, and his dedication to veterans and their families has never wavered; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Daniel M. Gade for his exceptional leadership of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Daniel M. Gade as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his years of service on behalf of the veterans of the Commonwealth.