Dear Friends,
I return from my economic development mission to India and Vietnam next week, but did not want to miss the opportunity to shine a spotlight on veterans, as we do on Veterans Day every year. Montgomery County has many reasons to be proud of the way it treats veterans.
The County's Commission on Veterans Affairs does an outstanding job of connecting veterans with our community and with one another. The group promotes social connectedness and inclusion in County activities. Our County financially supports economic development opportunities and workforce development for veterans transitioning out of the military and looking to start their own businesses. We also dedicate hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to help veterans without a home who do not qualify for Federal rental assistance, through our “Housing First” program. This public-private partnership limits the impacts of homelessness and connects Veterans with support services. For the past 13 years, the County Department of Health and Human Services has served as a critical lifeline for veterans with behavioral health needs partnering with the group Serving Together to ensure we do not miss anyone in need of help . The County also commits community grant money to Warrior Canine Connection, a County-based group that trains dogs to help provide trauma recovery to veterans with disabilities.
In addition, the County is joining the national “Operation Green Light” tribute that will continue through Nov. 12. Throughout this week, if you see green lights shine at County locations, such as at Veterans Plaza in Rockville, you will know that the lights are honoring veterans. We are proud that more than 30,000 veterans call Montgomery County home. Some of those veterans also find a second career with us in County Government, including at the highest levels.
I hope you will watch this week's video which features James Bridgers, the County's recently confirmed Director of Public Health. His journey began in the military, but like so many of our veterans, it is not where it ends. Veterans carry their service with them throughout their lives. They put parts of their lives on hold in the name of our country and our freedom. They and their families deserve to have this moment when our community turns to them and says, “Thank you.”
This Veterans Day weekend, there will be special ceremonies around the County on Saturday and Sunday that will honor the veterans who serve our nation. I encourage you to attend one of those ceremonies and offer your thanks in person.
As always, my appreciation for all of you,
Marc Elrich
County Executive