Sen. Jason Welch Unveils “Veterans Corner” Feature on Web Site
November 9, 2012Sen. Jason Welch today unveiled a “Veterans Corner” feature on his web site which will serve as a resource for veterans in greater Bristol.
Welch said the site will be updated regularly with news, legislation, and upcoming events and issues affecting veterans.
Welch, who serves as ranking member of the Connecticut General Assembly’s Select Committee on Veterans Affairs, served his country in both the United States Coast Guard Reserve and Army National Guard.
“I want veterans and their families to know we have their backs and that we will do whatever we can to help,” Sen. Welch said. “They served our country. They made huge sacrifices. This is just one small way of saying ‘thank you’ and steering vets and their families toward job opportunities, social gatherings, available benefits and services, and news they can use.”
Welch urged area residents to visit the site and to send him comments and thoughts on how the site can be enhanced.
Welch’s site includes Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s official Veterans Day 2012 Proclamation, links to state and federal veterans affairs sites, and recently passed laws impacting veterans
Among those new state laws is legislation which discourages vandals and thieves from defacing or stealing veterans’ memorials. Under the new law:
- A person faces a Class D felony for intentionally defacing, mutilating, destroying or removing any part of a memorial or monument, or for possessing or trying to sell it.
- The penalty is up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both.
The site also includes a link for veterans to apply to add a veteran’s flag to their existing Connecticut driver license or identity card.
