Gov. Gregoire addresses veterans at state convention

For Immediate Release: June 19, 2008

Gregoire pledges to continue improving lives of returning troops

VANCOUVER � Gov. Chris Gregoire this morning pledged to continue her efforts to improve the lives of Washington veterans, saying she will work across the aisle to make sure our military men and women are honored, respected and taken care of.

�While we honor the dead and reach out to their families and loved ones, we must not forget to also take care of the living. We�re doing so much more for our military members and veterans,� Gregoire said at the Veterans of Foreign Wars state convention. �In fact, there have never been more programs and services to help our veterans as they return to their communities.�

Gregoire is responsible for signing more than 47 pieces of legislation to support veterans and members of the military, the most ever signed by a Washington governor. In March, Gregoire signed a measure that gives military families the ability to take additional unpaid leave during times of military conflict. The governor has also directed more funding to treat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, she expanded veterans� services in rural parts of the state, and will soon help break ground at a state veterans cemetery in Eastern Washington.

In addition, Mike Gregoire is moving forward on the state�s �Helmets to Hardhats� initiative, which helps returning troops find family-wage jobs. The governor�s dedication to serving our nation�s veterans was strengthened when she met her husband, whom she married shortly after he returned from serving in Vietnam.

Gregoire was recognized by the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, of which she is a member. Gregoire told the convention she is honored to receive the recognition, saying that the auxiliary is �the real glue of the VFW.�


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