In Chesapeake, we have made it a matter of respect and an acknowledgement of our responsibility to honor those who have served our country. Veterans are encouraged to join us as employees to build a stronger and more vibrant Chesapeake, and are given additional consideration at the point of application review based on their status. For whatever reason, homelessness among veterans has become an intolerable situation. To help, Chesapeake has joined with other cities in Hampton Roads to ensure that no veteran will ever go to sleep without a roof over his or her head. To be sure, there will always be unfortunate circumstances that no amount of caring will improve. But for those willing to accept that our hearts are full and our compassion is real, I hope you reach out and will let them know that Chesapeake stands ready to help. At the same time, I want you to know that Chesapeake is committed to creating opportunities. In 2013, 3,031 veterans in Chesapeake owned a business. That said, we can do better. Over 25,000 veterans call Chesapeake home, and I have no doubt that there at least that number of insights gained from serving America that can be turned into jobs and opportunities for personal prosperity. So my message today is that we are here for you. It’s why we have asked that the General Assembly approve legislation allowing us to create a Veterans Benefits Service Field Office at Tidewater Community College to make critically important services convenient to our community’s veterans. Not only would Chesapeake’s partnership with TCC make it easier to allow for seamless delivery of services, it would also allow veterans to leverage educational opportunities at TCC that can lead to finding meaningful and well-paying jobs in Chesapeake. In short, we’re all in this together. You have served us, and now it falls to us to serve you in return. The Mayor’s Commission on Veterans Affairs helps make that possible, and this mayor and a grateful city called Chesapeake thanks you for your service and the opportunity to be with you today. God bless you, and God bless America.
Posted on: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 17:42:01 +0000
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