A former 10th Mountain Division colonel was named Monday as director of the state Division of Veterans Affairs, effective immediately.

Retired Army Col. Eric J. Hesse served for 26 years before retiring last week.

At Fort Drum, Col. Hesse served in the Division Logistics section, Division Support Command and 10th Sustainment Brigade, culminating as command inspector general.

Since July 2009, Col. Hesse served as command inspector general of the New York Army and Air National Guard in Latham.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said in a statement that Col. Hesse “will continue his distinguished career of service by helping lead our state’s efforts to ensure New York’s veterans are receiving the support that they need.”

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