Political Quotes

“Mr. President, today I want to recognize and thank the Helmets to Hardhats program for its important work on behalf of our Nation's veterans. In these tough economic times, unemployment among recent veterans is a growing concern. Recent statistics indicate that the jobless rate among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans tracks a full five points higher than the rate for the Nation as a whole. It is clear that we must take serious steps to address this issue. The Helmets to Hardhats program has helped tens of thousands of veterans find work in the construction industry by evaluating recently separated servicemembers to identify their strengths and experience and match them with employers within the construction industry. The long- term partnerships that result benefit veterans, construction firms, and the Nation as a whole. In times of crisis, it is our best and bravest that step forward in defense of our Nation. We owe our servicemembers a debt of gratitude for their sacrifice that we can never fully repay. The least that a grateful nation can do is to give them assistance in finding good jobs when they return from service. Though the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs do excellent work with their transition programs, organizations like Helmets to Hardhats serve as the ``boots on the ground'' forces needed to help our veterans realize the American dream.…”