A group of state representatives who have served in the U.S. military announced Thursday the formation of a new, bipartisan, legislative caucus that will focus on issues affecting Arizona veterans.
"We took an oath to defend our constitution and our main obligation was to ourselves, to our brothers in arms and we feel that we should continue that tradition today as we did back then," says state Rep. Sony Borrelli, Lake Havasu City Republican.
The lawmakers will work with veterans groups and other organizations to help vets with employment, education, mental health and other services.
"It is difficult, and plus, mental health issues typically don't surface until roughly two years after you return. And I was actually seen for mental health issues by the VA, and it's hard to admit and that's one of the stigmas out there. That we understand that it happens and we want to help other veterans overcome it," says state Rep. Mark Cardenas, Phoenix Democrat.
The goal is to help vets overcome obstacles as they transition back into civilian life from military life.
"if we don't help them get their lives together, get them stabilized we will end up paying for it one way or the other on a societal level. I think you know it's horrible when we do abandon veterans because they do everything, but on a fiscal level they end up becoming extremely expensive because they become homeless and on drugs because they self-medicate themselves to deal with the problems that occur, that they're having with PTSD for example," says state Rep. Ruben Gallego, Phoenix Democrat.
"We want to help bridge the gap for the veterans that are returning that are seeking employment, starting small businesses there's a lot of challenges and us as veterans have a lot of work cut out for us," says Melissa Lange, Southwest Veterans Chamber of Commerce.
Nationwide, the unemployment rate for men and women who served in the Middle East was at nearly 11-percent last month.
"We have a lot of returning veterans that are coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan. we need to support those young men and women because they have given a lot of their life to make sure that we stay free and that we stay safe in our environment here," says Terry Araman, Madison Street Veterans Association.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:06 AM EDT2013-05-21 10:06:47 GMT
Looking for some waterfront property in tony Greenwich? A 50-acre compound known as Copper Beach Farm has hit the market with an asking price of $190 million.
Looking for some waterfront property in tony Greenwich? A 50-acre compound known as Copper Beach Farm has hit the market with an asking price of $190 million.
Monday, May 20 2013 10:42 PM EDT2013-05-21 02:42:18 GMT
Omar Morales feels lucky to be here for his son Joshua's 10th birthday on Monday. Morales was one of the passengers on board a USAir flight that made an emergency landing at Newark Liberty.
Omar Morales feels lucky to be here for his son Joshua's 10th birthday on Monday. Morales was one of the passengers on board a USAir flight that made an emergency landing at Newark Liberty.
Monday, May 20 2013 10:28 PM EDT2013-05-21 02:28:23 GMT
After Assemblyman Vito Lopez resigned over claims of serial sexual harassment of female staffers, attention turned to whether powerful Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver should continue his leadership.
After Assemblyman Vito Lopez resigned over claims of serial sexual harassment of female staffers, attention turned to whether powerful Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver should continue his leadership.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:05 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:05:15 GMT
A private country club opened its golf course to the public for a charity tournament to raise money for Superstorm Sandy relief. The Westlake Golf and Country Club in Jackson hosted the event on May 13,
A private country club opened its golf course to the public for a charity tournament to raise money for Superstorm Sandy relief. The Westlake Golf and Country Club in Jackson hosted the event on May 13,
Monday, May 20 2013 6:30 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:30:03 GMT
Repair work on tracks that were damaged in last week's train collision has progressed quickly enough that the MTA predicts restoring full service along the New Haven line by Wednesday morning.
Repair work on tracks that were damaged in last week's train collision has progressed quickly enough that the MTA predicts restoring full service along the New Haven line by Wednesday morning.
Monday, May 20 2013 6:05 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:05:22 GMT
A spate of hate-fueled attacks on gay men in New York, including a killing in the heart of one of its most gay-friendly neighborhoods, is stirring up anxiety, disbelief and outrage.
A spate of hate-fueled attacks on gay men in New York, including a killing in the heart of one of its most gay-friendly neighborhoods, is stirring up anxiety, disbelief and outrage.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:32 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:32:24 GMT
As a family prepared for the funeral of a Hofstra junior killed by a cop's bullet during a standoff with an armed intruder, questions remain about how police handled the situation.
As a family prepared for the funeral of a Hofstra junior killed by a cop's bullet during a standoff with an armed intruder, questions remain about how police handled the situation.
