Thomas Saadi's Confirmation as Commissioner of the State Department of Veterans Affairs

February 21, 2019

I was proud to see the Connecticut General Assembly confirm Thomas J. Saadi’s appointment as Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs Wednesday morning.

Saadi is a dedicated public servant who has demonstrated strong commitment to the residents and veterans of Danbury and Connecticut through his service at the state and local levels. He has served on numerous Danbury boards and commissions, including the Danbury City Council, which he recently retired from after 20 years representing the 4th Ward.

During his tenure on the Council, he voted against tax increases for Danbury residents, and supported policies and legislation to facilitate small business development. He also worked to protect neighborhoods from irresponsible development that threatened the safety, property values and quality of life for Danbury residents.

At the state level, Saadi served as an Assistant Attorney General and Special Prosecutor for the State of Connecticut before moving to the Department of Veterans Affairs where he served as Acting Commissioner from October 2017 to February 2018. He also worked as Chief of Staff and General Counsel for the Department.

He is also a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he serves as Chief Legal Officer in the 411th Civil Affairs Battalion. Prior to his current assignment, Saadi served with the 4th Legal Operations Detachment where he provided legal support to Reserve and Active Duty installations domestically and abroad.

He received his Commission as a Judge Advocate (JAG) in November 2005 and completed JAG Officer Basic Training in 2006, JAG Officer Advanced training in 2014, and Command and General Staff College in 2016, where he graduated in the top 20 percent of his class.

He is a graduate of Western Connecticut State University and earned his Juris Doctor from Quinnipiac College School of Law (cum laude). He is also a member of the American Legion Post 60 in Danbury, Catholic War Veterans Post 1042 and the 4th JAG Officer Association, in addition to other civic and social organizations.

Through his extensive military and civic career, he has developed the requisite knowledge and understanding to best serve veterans across our state. I cannot think of any one more experienced or qualified for this position, and I look forward to working with him and his team. Connecticut’s veterans are fortunate to have such a passionate leader.