John Scherer II, general counsel of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, has left the U.S. Army, but he hasn’t forgotten his commitment to his former military colleagues. Scherer accepted an appointment to the North Carolina Veterans Affairs Commission Wednesday.

Scherer said in a statement, “As a veteran, I’m deeply dedicated to helping North Carolina and our nation honor their commitment to them—a commitment that, in my opinion, should ensure each veteran has the opportunity to gain an education, find a rewarding and productive job and receive excellent physical and mental health care.”