Veterans groups praise riley's

VETERANS BENEFITS INITIATIVE

October 6, 2006

Montgomery- During a press conference at the Alabama War Memorial in downtown Montgomery, leaders of the Alabama Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion of Alabama praised Gov. Riley’s Veterans’ Benefit Initiative.  The initiative is part of Plan 2010, Gov. Riley’s vision for Alabama.

Gov. Riley told the group that he is proud to support the men and women who put their lives on the line serving our country.  “You judge a state by how they treat their service men and women when they come home,” Riley said.  “Our soldiers deserve to have our full support and appreciation when these warriors are in harm’s way and after they come home.”

Braxton Bridgers, Adjutant of the American Legion of Alabama and Travis Whaley, Executive Director of the Alabama Veterans of Foreign Wars were both on hand to praise Gov. Riley’s plan and his record of supporting veterans.

“If you read the Governor’s plan, it is obvious that he has the interests of our armed forces at heart,” Bridgers said.  “With Plan 2010, Gov. Riley will continue to support our servicemen and our veterans.”

Calling Gov. Riley a “consistent and faithful veteran’s advocate,” Whaley pointed to the Governor’s leadership in ensuring that Alabama’s Veterans’ Home residents get quality healthcare.  He also praised “Operation Grateful Heart,” a program Gov. Riley began to give Alabama’s National Guard and Reservists the extra support they deserve.  For his efforts, Gov. Riley received the VFW’s “Silver Medal and Citation,” which is the highest honor the VFW can give an individual on the state level.

“Gov. Riley has earned the right to serve another four years as governor of Alabama, and we owe our support and vote to him,” Whaley concluded.  “With a vote for Bob Riley, we can ensure that we have a governor who will stand up for the military and all veterans.”

####