(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, the Washington state Congressional Delegation – led by U.S. Senator Patty Murray and Representative Brian Baird – introduced companion resolutions in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House commending the state of Washington for creating a Veterans Family Fund Certificate of Deposit. The CD, which is endorsed by Governor Chris Gregoire and the state Veterans Affairs Department, provides a new opportunity for citizens to give back to our nation’s heroes.
Half of the interest from the CD will automatically be donated to the state of Washington’s Veterans Innovation Program. The program helps current or former Washington National Guard and Reserve service members and their families cope with financial hardships, unemployment, educational needs, and pay for basic family necessities.
John E. Lee, director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, said the CD would give Washington residents and chance to directly help families.
“Through the Veterans Family Fund certificate of deposit, everyone will have a tangible way to show their support for the troops,” said Lee. “And while numerous government and civic organizations focus on meeting the needs of our military personnel and veterans, the Veterans Family Fund targets families, responding to an unmet need for a population that has sacrificed so much.”
The CD was created thanks to the efforts of a grassroots coalition of residents who banded together to help veterans. Any bank or credit union in the state can choose to sell the CD, which will be officially launched November 8, 2007. The Bank of Clark County is the first to participate.
The resolutions are also co-sponsored by Senator Maria Cantwell; and Representatives Norm Dicks, Doc Hastings, Jay Inslee, Rick Larsen, Jim McDermott, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Dave Reichert, and Adam Smith.
Murray and Baird’s statement follows:
“The men and women serving in our Armed Forces risk their lives every day for our country. But far too often, they and their families face financial hardships as a result of this service.
“The Veterans Family Fund CD gives grateful Americans another way to demonstrate their support for servicemen and women by providing emergency assistance to current or former Washington National Guard and Reserve service members.
“For five years, Washington state residents have been asking how they can give back to our service members, and this is an innovative answer. We’re proud that Washington banded together in a grassroots effort to create this CD. It serves as a nationwide example of innovative ways to support our veterans.”
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