Moran Announces Veterans Plan to Fight for Virginia's Active and Retired Military Personnel

~ Military Veterans and Personnel Bill of Rights among Priorities~

NORFOLK – Brian Moran announced his Honoring Virginia plan today as part of his continuing efforts to ensure the physical, emotional and financial well-being of Virginia’s veterans and military personnel. Moran respects Virginia's proud military tradition and will continue fighting to give our military personnel and veterans the support they deserve. Moran held a roundtable with Hampton Roads veterans at a local VFW hall to discuss the plan. Moran’s father served in the Navy during the Second World War.

“From the Pentagon to the Norfolk Naval Base, Virginia plays a critical role in protecting this country,” Moran said. “Virginians have a special relationship with our military. As governor, I will respect the bond between government and those who protect this nation by making sure that the Commonwealth provides them with the services and resources they deserve. That is why I’m proposing this new compact – Honoring Virginia.”

Over a million Virginians are military or Department of Defense personnel, members of the Virginia Army or Air National Guard, or veterans. This plan will ensure that those who have returned or will return receive the best the Commonwealth has to offer. Of the ten United States cities with the largest population of veterans, six are in Virginia: Hampton (27%), Virginia Beach (22%), Norfolk (20%), Newport News (20%), Chesapeake (19%) and Portsmouth (18%).

Key elements of Honoring Virginia include:

Veterans and Military Personnel Bill of Rights.

Ensure State Employees Don’t Have to Take a Pay Cut to Serve Overseas. Require state government to make up the pay difference for state employees called up on active military duty and whose military pay would be less than their state salary.

Allow Virginia National Guard Members to Buy into the State Life Insurance Program. Allow any member of the Virginia Guard to augment their federal benefits by participating in the group life, accidental death and dismemberment policy administered by the Virginia Retirement System.

Provide Credit Protection for Military Families. Allows Virginia members of the armed services and their spouses to freeze access to their credit reports to help protect themselves from identify theft and financial fraud.

Protect Homeownership for Virginia’s Military Families. Virginia should go the extra mile to protect homeownership for our military families by providing a 90-day delay for foreclosures.

New Advantages in State Procurement for Virginia Veterans. While the federal government includes procurement preferences for veterans, Virginia state government does not.

Valor Initiative. This initiative will make Virginia a leader in treatment and research for post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and polytrauma.

Warrior Fellowship. When Brian Moran is Governor, the Moran Administration will create a Warrior Fellowship Program that offers experience in state legislative and executive offices for veterans and wounded warriors. Those selected for the program would be given the opportunity to rotate into various positions and potentially transition into full-time employment.

“The first thing you learn in military service is that success comes from teamwork, persistence and a focus on solving problems. Brian Moran understands that government is no different. Brian understands the needs of our veterans and military families and has always made us a priority,” said Jim Morin, co-chairman of Virginia Veterans for Obama. “Brian’s serious plan will expand services and make Virginia an even better place to live, work and raise a family for Virginia vets. Brian understands that Virginia has a tremendous connection to the military services and the people, both in and out of uniform, who keep this country safe. He is the only Democrat running for Governor to make this a robust priority, and it is critical for Democrats to win in November - so that we can continue making progress on providing more comprehensive, quality assistance to those who continue to sacrifice so much.”

Brian Moran's Record

Moran has a long and successful record of fighting for and protecting our veterans. In the Virginia General Assembly, he helped create a Wounded Warrior Program for Virginia veterans with traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder and other injuries. Moran also supported efforts to increase access for veterans to state universities and expand the Virginia War Memorial. Moran was recognized by Defense Secretary Gates with an award from Our Military Kids for his work on behalf of military families here in Virginia.

The full plan is available at http://brianmoran.com/assets/2009/5/21/honoring_virginia.pdf

A graduate of West Point and the US Army Ranger School, former Captain Jim Morin served as an airborne infantry platoon leader in Iraq and Afghanistan and then commanded a company with the prestigious 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), in charge of ceremonies at Arlington Cemetery, the Pentagon and the White House. He has also been a proud member of the Virginia Army National Guard. Jim lives with his wife and four children in Herndon, Va.

Brian Moran has a 20-year record of fighting for the people of Virginia. He was Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and a Delegate from Alexandria City and Fairfax County. Prior to that, he served as a prosecutor in Arlington County.

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