WHEREAS, for nearly seven years, Claudia Flores provided exceptional service to the Commonwealth's veterans and helped state officials stay better informed about military issues as a member of the Department of Veterans Services; and

WHEREAS, Claudia Flores served the nation from 1988 to 2017 as a member of the United States Navy; she began her decorated career as an enlisted cryptologist and served as a linguist before earning her commission as an intelligence officer; and

WHEREAS, Claudia Flores directed intelligence support operations in combat zones and held many different leadership positions, including special aide to the assistant chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and

WHEREAS, Claudia Flores joined the Department of Veterans Services on June 10, 2017, and was an invaluable resource to veterans, active duty service members, and military families during her tenure with the agency; and

WHEREAS, Claudia Flores worked as an outreach coordinator and veterans service representative for the North Region, then was promoted to benefits director for the North Region; she later served as the deputy director of benefits statewide before becoming the director of policy and planning; and

WHEREAS, Claudia Flores tracked all legislation related to active duty soldiers, veterans, military installations, and partner communities and worked closely with the General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus by preparing regular reports and offering her knowledge and expertise on these issues to state legislators; and

WHEREAS, having served the Commonwealth with the utmost integrity and professionalism, Claudia Flores began a new chapter of her career in 2024, when she accepted a fellowship to complete her doctoral degree at Liberty University; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Claudia Flores for her years of service as a member of the Department of Veterans Services; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Claudia Flores as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for her outstanding contributions to veterans in the Commonwealth.