Posted on 04/30/2010 7:07:22 AM PDT by HokieMom
RICHMOND - In conjunction with this weekend's Crown Royal Heath Calhoun 400 at Richmond International Raceway, Governor Bob McDonnell wants Virginia to give back to veterans who have put their lives on the line.
Thursday he signed legislation aimed at making Virginia the nation's most veteran friendly state. He proclaimed May as "Crown Royal Heath Calhoun 400" month. The race was named after a Virginia veteran and paralympic athlete.
Calhoun retired from the Army when he lost both of his legs in an explosion in Iraq. He was awarded a Purple Heart, as well as the George C. Lang Award for Courage. Since then, he has volunteered for the Wounded Warrior Project. This past winter, Calhoun came in 8th place in the Super-G and 10th place in the Men's Super Combined alpine skiing events during the 2010 Paralympics Winter Games. He was selected by Team USA to serve as flag bearer for Opening Ceremonies in Vancouver during the Winter Games.
The 27 bills signed Thursday do everything from establish a free veterans skills database, protect the right to fly the American flag, waive fees for veterans seeking small business permits, and exempt disabled veterans from paying property taxes.
"All of the legislation recognized today will take us a step further and ensure our veterans are receiving our gratitude and thanks when they return home. I thank all the patrons for their acknowledgement of the great sacrifice our veterans have made. The overwhelming bipartisan support of our veterans strikes the right tone that I look to build upon. I look forward to working with our veterans and their families during my administration so we can make Virginia the best state in America for veterans." said Governor McDonnell.
The Governor says more than 830,000 veterans live in Virginia, which is more per capita than any other state.
ping
But wait, I’m certain I read on another thread this morning that McDonnell was a failure because of traffic cameras on the Dulles Toll Road...
Isn’t it conservative to enforce the law? I’m not crazy about cameras, either. We’ll have to see how it plays out.
Governor McDonnell Approves Nearly $500 Million in Transportation Bonds
– Planned Bond Sales to Fund Road and Rail Projects –
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/news/viewRelease.cfm?id=155
He’s a good man.
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