Veterans and active-duty military personnel welcomed Gov. Bill Ritter today as he delivered the opening keynote address at the Colorado Veterans of Foreign Wars Convention in Evans, CO.
Excerpts from speech:
"We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude for their brave and selfless service to our country, and I am deeply honored to be amongst America's heroes today" Gov. Ritter said. "While we can never thank you enough for protecting our freedom and livelihood, you deserve the best support we can give as you transition from military life to civilian life. And we are taking steps to ensure that you have every opportunity to achieve the American dream - with access to the healthcare promised when you made your own promise to defend this nation, and with the ability to get a good job and support your family."
"We are also moving forward on our 'Helmets to Hardhats' initiative, a creative way to involve veterans in Colorado's economic recovery," said Gov. Ritter. "Many Colorado agencies are working to secure federal Recovery Act funds for initiatives that help ensure the door is open for good jobs for veterans. One of those programs will give our veterans access to free training on highway construction and heavy equipment skills, providing good paying jobs while filling Colorado's need for a qualified workforce to implement important transportation projects in our state."
Gov. Ritter also addressed some of the bills he recently signed into law that will help improve services for current and retired members of the armed forces and their families.
"I worked with the legislature this year to craft important measures that send the message that Colorado respects and cares for its active duty military, veterans and families," said Gov. Ritter. "Recognizing their sacrifice for democracy abroad, I signed into law a bill that will make it easier for overseas military members to participate in elections and have their votes counted. I also signed into law measures that expand opportunities for veterans to be eligible for in-state tuition, creates a clearinghouse so that veterans and their families can get information about support services, and that expands funding for the Colorado's veteran nursing homes."
Gov. Ritter was joined by Steve Rylant, VFW state commander, along with national representatives and Evans officials.
