Democratic leadership in the state legislature announced that State Rep. Anthony Nolan, D-New London, will be the new House Chair of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

It’s Nolan’s first time chairing a committee. He was elected to his third term in the state House last month.

“I’m excited to be trusted and to know that they see some leadership skills in me that would be beneficial toward the veterans’ committee,” Nolan told The Day Friday. “It’s an honor actually, knowing that I was in the military and also serving as a police officer. It’s really a great position to be in.”

House Majority Leader Jason Rojas, D-East Hartford, said in a news release Friday that Nolan, a Navy veteran, is well-suited to the “tremendously important job of looking out for the state’s veterans and service members.”

“As a former service member Rep. Nolan will bring his first-hand experiences and unique perspective to the committee’s work,” Rojas said in the release. “I’m confident he will be a strong voice for Connecticut’s active duty military and veterans.”

House Speaker Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, said in the release that he believes Nolan will “lean on his experience and lead his committee to do great things for Connecticut veterans.”

Nolan said the new appointment is going to make the legislative session “a lot busier” for him.

“I look forward to it because we have such a large contingent of veterans in southeastern Connecticut,” Nolan said. “I’ve been able to see and take part in some great pride in southeastern Connecticut for our veterans. This is a great opportunity to pour more into understanding the needs of veterans throughout Connecticut and addressing them.”

s.spinella@theday.com