Gov. Gregoire gives opening remarks at American Legion state convention

For Immediate Release: July 18, 2008

VANCOUVER � Gov. Chris Gregoire today congratulated the American Legion for its commitment to improving the lives of our veterans, and pledged to continue her efforts to make sure our military men and women are honored, respected and taken care of. Gregoire gave the opening remarks at the American Legion state convention in Vancouver.

�I�m truly honored to speak to an organization that has been working hard to help our veterans since your group formed in 1919,� Gregoire said. �Among a long list of successes, the American Legion wrote the GI Bill, which helped launch thousands of young families into prosperity after World War II. And ever since, you have been there in the halls of Congress and state legislatures to improve how this country treats veterans.�

Gregoire has signed 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 giving military families the ability to take additional unpaid leave during times of military conflict. The governor also created the Veterans Family Fund to offer financial assistance to veterans, and expanded veterans services in rural parts of the state.

In addition, Gregoire directed more funding to treat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, making Washington the first state to offer such help to returning troops.

Gregoire�s dedication to serving our nation�s veterans strengthened when she met her husband, whom she married shortly after he returned from serving in Vietnam.

�I saw up close and personal how Vietnam veterans were regarded and treated in this country,� Gregoire said. �I now see that those veterans are doing a lot to make sure men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan are honored, treated with respect and given the services they deserve.�

Mike Gregoire now leads the state�s �Helmets to Hardhats� initiative, which helps returning troops find family-wage jobs.