Governor Jan Brewer today was honored by the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) with the “Advocate of the Year” Award. Each year, the Association recognizes individuals for their dedicated work on behalf of our country’s military men and women, veterans and their families. Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman is also a recipient of the 2013 NASDVA award.
This is the first time a Governor has been honored as Advocate of the Year for veterans.
“I am honored and humbled to receive this prestigious commendation,” said Governor Brewer. “In early December, I was blessed with the opportunity to visit our troops overseas in Kuwait and Afghanistan. Witnessing first-hand the important work our men and women in uniform do on behalf of our country truly filled my heart with pride. I salute each and every one of our troops – past and present, at home and abroad – for their devoted service and sacrifice to this great nation.
“Likewise, I offer my sincerest gratitude to the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs for its continued support of our veterans and their families. Its mission is worthwhile and admirable, and I applaud its members for all they have done to make a difference in the lives of our country’s heroes in uniform. I thank NASDVA for this award, and I will continue to work tirelessly to uphold its title.
“Finally, I must acknowledge the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services (AZVDS) for its continued devotion to our State’s own service members and veterans. On behalf of the approximately 600,000 veterans living in Arizona, I thank the Department for serving those who’ve so selflessly served America.”
In honoring Governor Brewer, NASDVA cited her ongoing efforts to expand assistance to Arizona military families experiencing financial hardships as a result of a deployed family member to a combat zone, as well as her work to secure funding for the construction of Arizona’s second veterans home in Tucson. At capacity, this facility will provide housing for 120 Arizona veterans.
Governor Brewer’s support of veterans precedes her governorship. While Secretary of State, she led Arizona’s then-groundbreaking efforts to ensure United States service members overseas are able to cast a ballot, including with the use of vote-by-fax.
As part of the Governor’s 2013 “Four Cornerstones of Reform” policy agenda, she has noted the large number of servicemen and women who will shortly be looking for a job after returning from overseas deployments. One of her greatest priorities over the coming year will be finding innovative ways to connect our trained veterans with jobs in the civilian workforce.
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