CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Mark Gordon will deliver remarks at the Wyoming Veterans Commission’s first annual Veteran Service Symposium, scheduled for April 10-11 in Casper at Casper College’s Goodstein Foundation Library. Governor Gordon will deliver remarks on Friday, April 11 at 12 noon followed by recognition of six outstanding service providers nominated by their peers to receive this year’s Excellence in Veteran Services award for their dedication to Wyoming veterans.
“Wyoming’s veterans and their families have made an unwavering commitment and sacrifice to protect the freedoms we hold dear in our state,” Governor Gordon said. “It is imperative that we honor and support these individuals as they return to civilian life. Achieving this mission requires a collective effort, especially now with so much uncertainty for future support. I look forward to recognizing the providers across the state who take part in this important work.”
“We keep Wyoming veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors at the forefront of all we do,” said Tim Sheppard, Executive Director of the Wyoming Veterans Commission. “The symposium will be an exciting opportunity to understand our strengths, assess opportunities for improvement, and promote some of the impressive work being done around the state. We look forward to making this year’s Symposium the first of many.”
Titled “Strengthening Our Network” the Veteran Service Symposium will bring together government and non-government service providers in an effort to further strengthen collaborative efforts undertaken for veterans. Attendee organizations include Volunteers of America of the Northern Rockies, American Red Cross, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and AARP.
Governor Gordon has made addressing veterans’ needs and the mental health challenges facing our veterans a priority during his administration. The Governor has led the “Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families,” a partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to develop and implement statewide suicide prevention best practices for service members, veterans, and their families. The Governor’s mental health road map includes the Veterans Talking To Veterans program, gatherings that provide a safe and supportive environment where veterans can engage in trauma-informed coaching, emphasizing the vital role of community-driven support in the journey toward healing.
The Veterans Service Symposium is free to attend, but pre-registration is required.
-Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon