Dayton appoints ex-Guard head to Minn. vet post

Adjutant Gen. Larry Shellito
Gov. Mark Dayton has picked former Minnesota National Guard Adjutant Gen. Larry Shellito as his veterans affairs commissioner.
MPR Photo/Art Hughes

Gov. Mark Dayton has picked former Minnesota National Guard Adjutant Gen. Larry Shellito as his veterans affairs commissioner.

In announcing the appointment, Dayton described Shellito as strong and dynamic leader who is respected for his dedication to veterans.

Shellito retired as head of the Minnesota National Guard last year after seven years. He served at a time when thousands of men and women under his command were deployed to war zones. As Veterans Affairs Commissioner, Shellito said he can finish that job.

"I just want to make sure that we bring them all the way home," Shellito said. "[That] we give them the tools to merge into a very successful life after the military."

During his term in the U.S. Senate, Dayton worked with Shellito to expand the veterans support program known as Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.