THIS YEAR MY COLLEAGUES on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors joined with me in voting for my legislation that established the county's first Veterans Commission. Nearly 100 veterans applied to serve on the commission, 30 candidates were interviewed and 11 were eventually selected. The 11-member commission comprised of veterans representing all ages and branches of the Armed Services will examine the needs, set the priorities and help the County do its part to take care of our 33,000 veterans.
President Obama recently said, "...our gratitude (to our vets) should extend beyond what our veterans have done for us in the past. It should remind us of our responsibility to serve them as well as they have served us. It should compel us to keep our veterans central to the ongoing work of this nation."
As a Vietnam veteran, I know firsthand of the personal sacrifice, camaraderie and dedication to purpose that veterans share. I am proud to be counted in their ranks. With veterans representing all ages and branches of the Armed Services, the Veterans Commission will examine the needs, set the priorities and help the County do its part to take care of those who have taken care of us.
On November 16, 2015, the commission will hold its first meeting. The event will take place in the Board of Supervisors Chamber located at 400 Marshall. For more information, contact my office at (650) 363-4570. I look forward to this evening's meeting and the work that the Veterans Commission will undertake.