Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin appointed ND Veteran Affairs Commissioner Lonnie Wangen to the VA’s Veterans Rural Health Advisory Committee effective October 19, 2017.
Secretary Shulkin stated “The Committee is an important body that advises me on health care issues affecting enrolled Veterans residing in rural areas. It will examine ways to improve and enhance VA services for enrolled Veterans residing in rural areas by evaluating current program activities and identifying barriers to providing services”.
North Dakota Department of Veteran Affairs Commissioner Lonnie Wangen has served the state in this capacity since 2008, fostering a culture of profound veteran service through state, federal, and non-profit programming. Commissioner Wangen graduated high school from Harvey, North Dakota, later pursuing his Bachelors of Science in Business from North Dakota State University. After completion of his undergraduate degree, he attended University of Mary earning two Masters Degrees in Management and Business Administration.
Commissioner Wangen also served North Dakota as an Army Guardsmen, dedicated 27 years to the North Dakota Army National Guard, serving in numerous roles such as deploying with the 142nd ECB to Iraq (2004-2004), numerous overseas training missions in countries such as Honduras, Korea, Germany, etc., accepted a direct commission and served as the State Construction Supervisor for Joint Force Head Quarters, and instructed engineering courses at Camp Grafton Regional Training Institute. He continues this legacy of service in many veteran organizations such as the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, VFW, VVA and others.
The Commissioner is the son of Floyd Wangen of Harvey ND and now calls Horace, North Dakota home where he lives with his wife of 19 years, Michele, and their two young sons.