(Urbandale, IA) Today, the Branstad-Reynolds campaign launched the official “Veterans for Branstad-Reynolds” coalition at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Des Moines. The coalition includes more than 250 veterans representing all 99 counties in Iowa. The press conference included more than 30 veteran supporters of the governor and lieutenant governor as they are running for reelection.
Governor Branstad, himself a veteran of the United States Army, made it a priority in his campaign in 2010 and during his tenure as governor to make Iowa one of the most attractive states for veterans to return to as they complete their active-duty service. With projected reductions and drawdowns of the armed forces into the future, many highly skilled and motivated veterans will be looking at options for a new beginning into civilian life. Governor Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Reynolds want every veteran to know: Iowa welcomes you with open arms.
“I’m honored to have so much support from my fellow veterans,” said Governor Terry Branstad. “Iowa has an opportunity with our Home Base Iowa initiative to be a national leader in providing career opportunities for the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our nation. We want to continue to build Iowa’s future with the men and women who are the best, brightest and of course, the bravest. Home Base Iowa is just another step down toward that promising future for Iowa.”
“Our state and our country owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who have served and are serving in uniform, and we are so appreciative of their support for our campaign,” said Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds. “We will continue to fight for them and honor their service while they transition into the new uniform of civilian life. Our Home Base Iowa initiative will continue to make sure they transition smoothly into their new lives with quality jobs and benefits here in Iowa.”
“I’m proud to support the hardest working governor and lieutenant governor in America–Terry Branstad and Kim Reynolds,” said Chuck Larson, Sr., Chair of the Veterans for Branstad-Reynolds coalition. “They have been on the front lines of veterans issues and have sought to build a coalition of public and private partnerships with Home Base Iowa that is giving this state the opportunity to be a national leader in yet another category. On behalf of the thousands of military members in Iowa, all the way from from active duty to the reserves, National Guard, combat veterans and veterans of foreign wars: we thank and salute Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds for their service to our state.”
You can see a full list of the coalition here.