2011 Vermont Code
Title 03 Appendix Executive Orders
Chapter 20 INTERNAL SECURITY AND PUBLIC SAFETY
§ 30 20-30. (No. 08-03) [Governor's Veterans Advisory Council]

Executive Order No. 20-30

(No. 08-03)

[Governor's Veterans Advisory Council]

WHEREAS, since the founding of our nation, the men and women of our armed forces have stood courageously against the enemies of freedom and liberty; and

WHEREAS, Vermont is currently home to more than 60,000 men and women who have served their state and country in the armed services, many at great personal sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, the recent conflicts overseas bring a new generation of veterans to Vermont; and

WHEREAS, all Vermonters are grateful for the sacrifices of our veterans who have served our country with distinction; and

WHEREAS, as a society, we place a special responsibility on ourselves, in the words of Abraham Lincoln, "to care for him who shall have borne the battle; and for his widow and his orphan;" and,

WHEREAS, the military experience of many Vermont veterans has created special, long-term needs requiring recognition and assistance; and

WHEREAS, the aging population of our veterans continues to create significant new demands on public services; and

WHEREAS, for their well-being, the voices of the veterans community must be heard clearly by the state's political leaders at the highest level in a forum conducive to a free exchange of ideas:

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, James H. Douglas, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor, do hereby reestablish and reconstitute the Governor's Veterans Advisory Council to advise the Administration on public policy relating to Vermont's veterans.

Through quarterly meetings, the Council shall advise the Governor on the full spectrum of veterans' needs and how state government can best address the interests of veterans.

The Council shall be comprised of members appointed by the Governor and will reflect the diversity of service and experience of Vermont veterans. Council members shall serve on the Council for a term of two years. The Governor shall appoint the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Council.

The Council will be broadly representative of the veterans' community and may include members from the American Legion, National WAVES, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, Persian Gulf Veterans, Military Benefits Association, Vermont National Guard, Vermont Veterans' Home, Veterans Administration Hospital, Vermont General Assembly, the healthcare community, and individuals not having served in the military with an interest in veterans' affairs. The Office of Veterans Affairs will staff the Council.

Members who are not fulltime state employees can be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses for travel and food pursuant to 32 V.S.A. { 1010(e).

This Executive Order shall supercede Executive Order 04-02 and shall take effect upon signing.

Dated May 13, 2003.