Governor Martin O'Malley Appoints Edward Chow to Lead Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs
First Asian-American to lead Veterans Affairs in Maryland
ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 1, 2009) – Governor Martin O’Malley today announced the appointment of Edward Chow, Jr. to head the Department of Veterans Affairs, and swore him in at a ceremony held in the Governor’s Reception Room at the State House. U.S. Army Captain Edward Chow, Jr. joins Maryland’s Department of Veterans Affairs from the Maryland State Council for the Vietnam Veterans of America where he has served as President since 2006. Chow served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1967 and was awarded the Bronze Star in 1967. Secretary Chow’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate.
“I am proud to appoint Captain Chow for this vital position to serve Maryland’s veterans,” said Governor O’Malley. “After serving our nation in uniform in the US Army, Captain Chow has dedicated his life to serving our nation’s veterans. Captain Chow’s knowledge and expertise will help guide our Department of Veterans in their mission to support Maryland’s returning veterans and their families.”
“I thank General Adkins for his dedicated leadership of the Department of Veterans Affairs. He's left big shoes for Secretary Chow,” said Lt. Governor Anthony Brown. “I know Secretary Chow will continue the work that has been started and enhance our shared efforts to serve those who have served on our behalf.”
“It is truly an honor to be given the opportunity to serve Maryland’s over 476,000 veterans,” said Mr. Chow. “I want to thank Governor O’Malley and Lt. Governor Brown for their support and confidence in selecting me for the important work of Maryland’s Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Under Brigadier General Adkins’ leadership, Maryland has been a leader in supporting our returning veterans, and I would like to thank you, Governor, for your support to Maryland’s veterans. I look forward to serving Maryland as part of your team.”
Edward Chow, Jr. joins Maryland’s Department of Veterans Affairs from Maryland State Council for the Vietnam Veterans of America where he has served as President since 2006. As President, he oversaw the 10 Maryland chapters, and served as a representative to state and federal elected officials and state and federal agencies for this congressionally chartered veteran service organization. From 2008 to 2009, he also served as the Director of Programs for the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies, a non-profit, non-partisan education organization that serves as an informational resource to Congress about the Asian Pacific American community. From 2001 to 2005, he served as the National Vice President for the Vietnam Veterans of America, a 55,000 member volunteer organization serving communities, veterans and their families. Prior to that, he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary/Senior Advisor for the Office of Policy and Planning for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, from 1993 to 2001, and acted as liaison to all Department of Veterans Affairs congressionally-mandated committees, represented the Department to constituency groups, managed and coordinated department policies and priorities set forth by the Administration and coordinated National Policy Reviews for policy issues.
Mr. Chow also served as the City Administrator for the City of Kent in Washington, and prior to that served as an Adjudicator and Loan Service Representative for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Seattle, Washington. From 1979 to 1981, he served as the Director of Emergency Services for the State of Washington. Mr. Chow enlisted in the United States Army as a Reserve and served from 1956 to 1960. From 1962 to 1967, he served as a Lieutenant and Captain for the United States Army, where he coordinated transportation of personnel, supplies and equipment to and from the Continental U.S. and Vietnam. He also served as a liaison with Allied forces in operational activities; developed and implemented plans for evacuation, response, outreach, and recovery operations; and served as executive officer for 200+ person trucking company operating throughout Europe.
Mr. Chow received the Bronze Star, a medal that is awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement or service, in 1967, for his service in Vietnam. In 2000, he received the Legion of Honor from the Chapel of Four Chaplains, and, in1992, he received the President’s Executive Award from the Washington State Council of Vietnam Veterans of America.
Mr. Chow is a life member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Disabled American Veterans, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. From 1998 to 2001, he served as a member of the National Japanese-American Memorial Foundation, Regional Board of Governors for the Greater Capital Area. He served on the Vietnam Veterans of America’s National Board of Directors from 1991 to 1993, served as Washington State President from 1986 to 1990 for the same organization, and served as Chairman of the Council of Presidents from 1987 to 1989. He also is a member of the Organization of Chinese Americans, the Hispanic War Veterans Association, and the Japanese American Veterans Association.
He received his Bachelor of Commercial Science from Seattle University in 1967, and received his Masters of Public Administration from the University of Puget Sound in 1976. He received his Certificate of Planning for Nuclear Emergencies from Harvard University in 1980, and received a Certificate from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs from the University of Texas Public Executive Institute in 1991.
