Veterans going from "helmets to hardhats" in Colorado

Ritter: 'We owe our veterans'
Greeley Tribune
Greeley, Colorado, USA
Evans crowd hears plans for job training, new hospital
Emery Cowan

EVANS — Gov. Bill Ritter assured military veterans on Thursday that they will have a role in the state's economic recovery.

He entered the school gymnasium to a standing ovation from the crowd of about 300 veterans and their families at the Veterans of Foreign Wars state convention. But looking out at the audience members, their garrison caps gleaming with gold pins earned through volunteer and military service, Ritter emphasized that the honor should really be paid to the men and women in front of him.

“We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude for their brave and selfless service to our country, and I am deeply honored to be amongst America's heroes today,” Ritter said.

Ritter told the convention that his administration plans to give veterans free training for highway construction and heavy equipment skills, so they can get jobs created by the federal spending plan.

Ritter said veterans deserve the best support the state can give as they make the switch from military to civilian life.

“We are taking steps to ensure that you have every opportunity to achieve the American dream, with access to the health care promised when you made your own promise to defend this nation, and with the ability to get a good job and support your family,” Ritter told the veterans' convention in Evans, which runs through Saturday. The event was held at Chappelow Magnet School, 2001 34th St.

“We are also moving forward on our Helmets to Hardhats initiative, a creative way to involve veterans in Colorado's economic recovery,” the governor said. “Many Colorado agencies are working to secure federal Recovery Act funds for initiatives that help ensure the door is open for good jobs for veterans.”
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