Governor Fallin Monday announced that retired Maj. Gen. Myles Deering is retiring as executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, effective Jan. 31, 2018. Deering also will step down then as secretary of veterans affairs on the governor’s executive Cabinet.
When he retires, Deering will have served more than 46 years in the military and in public service. His more than 43 years of military service includes serving six years under two governors as Oklahoma’s adjutant general.
He was named executive director of the Department of Veterans Affairs in February 2015.
“I appreciate the service of General Deering and his leadership at the Oklahoma National Guard, where he served in several key top-level assignments,” said Fallin. “He was a well-respected officer, and was a distinguished commander during the time he served as Oklahoma’s adjutant general.
“He worked diligently for veterans in our state, both as secretary of veterans affairs and as director of the Department of Veterans Affairs. His passion and commitment to improving services for veterans is inspiring.”
Before being appointed as both secretary of veterans affairs and as executive director of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Deering served as Oklahoma’s adjutant general from February 2009 to February 2015. He has served on the cabinets of both Fallin and former Governor Brad Henry.
“It has been an extreme honor and pleasure for me to serve as the executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs for almost three years,” Deering said. “It is time to explore new challenges and undertakings in my life, and time that I begin to give back to my family the time that they so graciously have provided to me in order for me to serve my state and nation for more than 46 years.
“I want to express my appreciation to Governor Fallin for her exceptional support to both me and to the veterans of this state during my time as executive director,” he said. “I appreciate the support and encouragement of our employees, the Oklahoma Veterans Commission and the veterans of the state of Oklahoma during my tenure. I leave this agency with a great sense of pride and accomplishment, as together we have altered the course of this agency in providing greater support to more veterans within our state and creating tremendous efficiencies, which have allowed us to continue and enhance our capabilities to serve more veterans, even in light of recent budget challenges.”
Before being appointed adjutant general, Deering commanded the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from December 2004 to November 2008. During that time he commanded Task Force Oklahoma in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. He was subsequently appointed as Task Force Orleans commander, responsible for recovery and security efforts in New Orleans. Deering also led the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s deployment to Iraq in 2007-08, where he served as the commanding general of Joint Area Support Group – Central in Baghdad.
