At the end of May, I sent a newsletter to highlight some of the important work my staff had conducted on behalf of Utah's veterans.  At the time, I also announced a series of events that my staff and I would attend to stay engaged with veterans across the state of Utah.

Over the last few weeks, my staff and I have been busy maintaining an open dialogue with Utah's veterans and those who have been entrusted to their care.

Utah Honor Flight

I was pleased to be a part of the Utah Honor Flight, which gives veterans the opportunity to travel to DC at no cost to visit and be honored at their memorials.  During their three day event, they visited the Vietnam and Lincoln memorials, Washington Monument, and Iwo Jima Memorial.  The also toured Arlington Cemetery where they witnessed the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknow Soldier.  Veterans are honored at a banquet in DC and presented medals to thank them for their service.  I was honored to have had the pleasure of meeting with these veterans at the WWII Memorial in Washington DC.

Bus to Escort Veterans to Airport

A Proud Navy Girl

An Honorable Send Off

Several members of my staff attended the send off and welcome home ceremonies in Utah.

Local Trucking Company Honors Veterans

On June 20, my office attended an event hosted by C.R. England to honor Utah’s veterans. C.R. England is a local trucking company and the largest temperature-controlled carrier in the world.  The company unveiled two new veteran-branded trucks that they are adding to the fleet that veterans will drive. I was glad my staff could be part of this great event to show support for our veterans

Flag Retirement Ceremony

I also asked representatives of my office to attend the Provo Freedom Festival's Flag Retirement Ceremony held on Flag Day, Saturday, June 14, 2014.  Jim Evans (former Mayor of Orem) conducted the ceremony.  The Girl Scouts did an informative presentation on the evolution of the flag. The Boy Scouts participated in the retirement portion of the ceremony.  Four flags were retired (burned) in honor of the Gold Star families, Blue Star families, POW's and MIA’s.

Retiring Old Glory

Veteran Focused Mobile Office Visit

On June 26, 2014, my mobile office was set up at the George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.  My staff members Emily Wiscombe, Jessica Christopher, Ben Haymond and Ryan Wilcox were on hand to meet with individuals.

The home adds an $11 million economic boost to the local economy while providing a valuable service to those who have given so much for us.

Upcoming events

My mobile office will be making several visits to veteran communities and centers across the state over the coming weeks.  You can subscribe to my newsletter to receive updates to attend these events.  I will also hold a veteran-focused town hall meeting in August so members of the community can ask questions and give me their thoughts directly.  Once the time and location of this event is finalized, I will provide more information.  I appreciate the valuable feedback I receive during these events.