Hazleton, PA -Former mayor and congressman Lou Barletta, leading Republican candidate for Governor of Pennsylvania, today announced his Veterans & Military Affairs Advisory Board. The board will assist in crafting Barletta's pro-Veteran and military priorities prior to hitting the ground running upon being sworn in as governor.
The advisory board will be co-chaired by:
Wilbur E. Wolf, III - Brigadier General, U.S. Army (Retired) - Cumberland Co.
Frank Hancock - Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired) - Cumberland Co.
Amy Crossley - Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force (Retired) - Cumberland Co.
Richard Huff - Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army (Retired) - Cumberland Co.
Harold Billow - Corporal, U.S. Army/WWII - Lancaster Co.
Brandon Rumbaugh - Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired/Combat Wounded, Double Amputee) - Allegheny Co.
Barletta issued the following statement:
“America is the greatest country in the history of the world, and those who have and who continue to answer the call to fight for our freedoms represent the best of who we are as a country. There are more than 750,000 Veterans who call Pennsylvania home. Nearly 20,000 Soldiers and Airmen currently are serving in our Pennsylvania National Guard. Thousands of Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen currently serve in both active and reserve components of our Armed Forces in Pennsylvania. Tens of thousands of Pennsylvania citizens are serving at home and abroad. Our Service Members and their Families deserve nothing but our best as a Commonwealth and Country!
"Those who have pledged their lives for our freedom deserve a governor and a government who “has their six.” Our Service Members, Veterans, and Families face unique challenges during and after their service. While many stand strong and resilient, sadly, far too many continue to face issues like PTSD, inadequate medical care, mental health challenges, addiction, joblessness, income insecurity, and even homelessness. Many of the systems that we’ve built to serve those who have selflessly served our Nation are misdirected, overwhelmed, and/or inadequate. A cornerstone of these systems, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, is plagued by ineffectiveness and inefficiency. Too often, after having faced and fought the enemy, our Service Members are defeated by red tape and bureaucracy.
"As governor, I pledge to honor our Veterans and Service Members - active and retired - with tireless effort each and every day. I will lead our National Guard with dignity, fortitude and integrity. With the support of my Advisory Board and other military and civilian leaders, I will make good on our promise to leave no one behind."
Original source can be found here.
