| 
  • If you are citizen of an European Union member nation, you may not use this service unless you are at least 16 years old.

  • You already know Dokkio is an AI-powered assistant to organize & manage your digital files & messages. Very soon, Dokkio will support Outlook as well as One Drive. Check it out today!

View
 

06-15-2006

Page history last edited by PBworks 16 years, 10 months ago

 

June 15, 2006

ROMNEY RECOGNIZES EMPLOYERS FOR HIRING VETERANS

 

Governor Mitt Romney today joined state and federal officials at a State House ceremony to thank the hundreds of employers across Massachusetts who have pledged to hire veterans.

 

“I want to salute the Massachusetts employers who have hired or plan to hire veterans this year,” said Romney. “As our troops return home, we remain mindful that the best way to honor their service is to help them to reenter the workforce.”

 

Veterans in the younger age group experience higher rates of unemployment than non-veterans and often face unique employment challenges. Many veterans in this group enlist in the military straight out of high school and need additional training before entering the Massachusetts workforce. Veterans are also more likely than non-veterans to have a disability, an additional challenge. Massachusetts is home to nearly 500,000 veterans.

 

“There is nothing more important than helping employ and train our veteran population,” said Secretary of Veterans’ Services Tom Kelley. “These employers are a key to helping reduce the high unemployment rate faced by our young veterans.”

 

“Even under the best of circumstances, returning veterans are likely to need assistance to successfully transition back into the workforce,” said Director of Workforce Development Jane C. Edmonds.

 

“I am grateful that Massachusetts employers recognize the same qualities we do in our veterans and service members,’ said retired Brigadier General Samuel Shiver, assistant adjutant general of the Massachusetts National Guard. “This is truly a win-win; veterans will get more opportunities and in return, Massachusetts employers will get dedicated, professional employees.”


 

June 15, 2006

ROMNEY HONORS THE MEMORY OF FALLEN SOLDIER

 

Governor Mitt Romney today signed legislation dedicating a bridge across the Merrimack River in Amesbury in honor of Army First Lieutenant Derek S. Hines, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2005. A 2003 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Hines was a member of the 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, which was deployed to Afghanistan in March of 2005. Members of Hines’ family and the bill’s legislative sponsors joined the Governor at the State House for the bill signing ceremony.

 

“Lieutenant Derek Hines was a good and decent man who personified our country’s finest traditions of service and valor,” said Romney. “For his willingness to put himself in harm’s way and sacrifice his own life for the sake of our freedom, he has earned our most profound respect and appreciation.”

 

“My family is honored and grateful for this dedication,” said Steven Hines, Derek’s father. “This legislation doesn’t turn back the clock but it does ensure that Derek’s legacy and sacrifice will live on.”

 

Lieutenant Hines grew up in Amesbury and Newburyport and was a star high school hockey player at St. John’s Prep in Danvers. He continued his passion for the sport while at West Point, starting in each of his four years as a forward on the Army hockey team. He was a fan favorite who was well known for his work ethic and for his complete dedication to his teammates.

 

Upon deployment to Afghanistan, Hines’ company was tasked with rooting out Taliban combatants in the southeastern part of the country. During firefights with the enemy, Hines demonstrated remarkable bravery and on numerous occasions acted decisively to assist his men when they were in trouble. Hines was killed on September 1, 2005 during an early morning raid of a Taliban commander’s hideout in the remote village of Baylough.

 

“This bill isn’t just about remembering a fallen hero who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country; it’s about recognizing a young man who was a model son, brother, and community member,” said Senator Steven Baddour. “Even amidst the worst fighting in Afghanistan, the words he shared with his parents were only of comfort. We hope to memorialize him for what he did, but, more importantly, for who he was.”

 

“Derek sacrificed his own life for the greatest good, for our freedom, and this is only a small way to recognize our debt to him,” said Representative Michael Costello. “He touched the lives of many people in Newburyport and Amesbury, which makes this bridge an appropriate memorial since it connects both communities.”

 

The Lieutenant Derek S. Hines Memorial Bridge spans the Merrimac River from Deer Island to Main Street in Amesbury. The Massachusetts Highway Department will erect signs that display the bridge’s new name.

Comments (0)

You don't have permission to comment on this page.