By Curtis L. Coy
Colleagues and Fellow Veterans, Last week I was at a ceremony where the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, and the Joint Chiefs signed a letter that will go to all transitioning service members, urging them to continue serving the nation as civilians in their communities and in their new jobs.
The 32-Star letter recognizes the great potential of the post-9/11 generation, even after they take off the uniform. With a nod to previous generations of veterans, the letter challenges today's transitioning service members to follow the example of older veterans in continuing to serve the nation and to help guide our country's destiny.
The letter is a great reminder that today's veterans just need an opportunity to become leaders in civilian life.
“We trust that you will accept this challenge and join ranks with the business leaders, volunteers, and public servants in your communities. You have made your mark in uniform and represent the strength of our Nation,” the letter read. “We know you will do the same as veterans, setting the example for the next generation of veterans to follow … It has been our greatest privilege to serve with you, and we look forward with pride to what your future holds. We know it will be extraordinary.”
The following link is a copy of the letter;
http://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/docs/letters/Call%20to%20Continued%20Service%20Letter.pdf
This link is a good article about this initiative;
http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=128101&source=GovDelivery
V/R
Curtis L. Coy
Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity
Veterans Benefits Administration
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Core Values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, Excellence (“I CARE”)
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