Commander's Commentary
Greetings AMVETS!
Spring is finally upon us and as we keep on charging through
2012, AMVETS continues to gain momentum. We successfully have made headway in
our push for Affirmative Action for veterans on Capitol Hill and with the
Capitol Hill Press Corps. By adding our veterans to the list of current
Affirmative Action laws, we will help fight discrimination against our veterans
in the workplace. While there are current laws to protect certain groups of
veterans, the entire veteran community is not defended against stereotypes and
prejudice in employment. If any group in the United States deserves our help to
secure lasting, meaningful careers in these challenging economic times, it is
our veterans. Our goal is to see Congress enact legislation that would cover
all veterans.
The spring season also brought our annual Silver Helmet
Award banquet. Congressman John Kline was presented a Silver Helmet Award for
his leadership on Capitol Hill in defending veterans’ rights. Alfred Meadows
was recognized as AMVET of the Year for his efforts in assisting wounded
American veterans and their families through Operation Gift Cards. Judge Robert
Milich, presented with the Silver Helmet Award for AMVETS Civil Servant of the
Year, provided a model veterans treatment court program to his community and
continues to contribute to local veterans in Ohio. In addition to the Silver
Helmet Award, the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary presented its Humanitarian of the
Year Award to Peter Trovato for founding the Massachusetts Soldiers Legacy
Fund, which provides educational grants to children of fallen solders, and the
Sons of AMVETS presented its National Aid and Service Award to Tim Tuttle for
his many years of dedication at the post and community level. I would like to
congratulate all of these individuals and thank them for their outstanding
accomplishments in their various fields of service to our veterans.
As the end of the school year is in sight, AMVETS is proud
to present annual JROTC and ROTC awards to recognize both leadership and
academic achievement by cadets at the high school and college level. By promoting
patriotism and leadership among our youth, this program helps to mold young men
and women into responsible, dedicated and respectful leaders who may one day
serve in the Armed Forces and join our AMVETS community.
Before I close, I would like to thank the officers and
members of your department and post for continued devotion to our veterans’
community. I wish you productive and successful conventions in your states, and
I look forward to seeing you at the AMVETS National Convention in August. I
would also like to thank everyone for supporting my national project, Freedoms
Foundation at Valley Forge. This program delivers educational programs centered
on citizenship to children of all ages. Donations can continue to be made
through August on our website, www.amvets.org/commanders-project.
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A positive, can-do attitude and loving communication make good things happen between people.
ReplyDeleteLike everything u stand for but it seems we have a problem here in Florida, the state commander reinstated an individual with an altered DD Form 214 & has a bad conduct discharge that issued in 1975. Our Commander elect quoted you as backing the state commander. I don't understand, I thought altering a DD Form 214 was a criminal act & u had to have an honorable discharge??
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