Grimes Presents Military Civic Health Report to Joint Executive Council of Veterans Organizations of Kentucky

Grimes Presents Military Civic Health Report to Joint Executive Council of Veterans Organizations of Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 3, 2019) – Today, Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes continued to lead the conversation on recognizing the Commonwealth's veterans and encouraging Kentuckians to actively support our veteran population. On the heels of releasing Kentucky’s first-ever Military Civic Health Report (“Report”) last week, Grimes made her second tour stop at the Lexington Veterans Medical Center to present the Report to the Joint Executive Council of Veterans Organizations of Kentucky (JECVO). 

“Veteran service organizations across the country look to JECVO of Kentucky because they are so successful,” said Grimes. "During my tenure JECVO has been an essential partner in advocating for resources for our veterans. From pushing for our "Boots to Business" program that assists veteran owned businesses, to passing a resolution in favor of medical marijuana, a proven safer alternative to opioids, they have answered the call." 

As the Chief Advocate for Civic Engagement, Grimes has concentrated her tenure as Secretary of State on improving the civic health of the Commonwealth and our nation, conducting numerous statewide tours on the subject and speaking nationally.  

"Secretary Grimes has supported us since day one by making Kentucky a veteran friendly state and JECVO is proud to have contributed to this report," said Jack Mattingly, Chairman of JECVO. "As a Vietnam Veteran I'm always looking for ways to get more young people involved in caring for our military and understanding the sacrifice that has been made. This report helps in providing the "Welcome Home!" that our veterans deserved so long ago." 

This Report marks the fifth statewide analysis conducted by Grimes regarding Kentucky’s civic health and is the first report of its kind examining military and veteran engagement, social connectedness and community involvement.  

“We are excited about Kentucky’s Military Civic Health Report,” Retired Brig. Gen. Benjamin Adams, Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner said. “And what it means to our veterans, agencies and organizations working for a better quality of life for our veteran communities, and Kentuckians at large.”

The Report highlights the overwhelming number of veterans and veteran service organizations that are making a difference in Kentucky’s economy and culture. 

“Kentucky's service men and women lead the way in voter participation and civic engagement but we can still do better. My hope is that Kentuckians will join me in bridging the gaps to ensure the Commonwealth continues to fully support its heroes,” said Grimes.