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Gallagher Leads Delegation in Recognizing Wisconsin's Veteran Mentorship Programs

November 10, 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) led the Wisconsin delegation in introducing a resolution that recognizes Wisconsin's leadership in creating veteran-to-veteran mentorship programs that help returning service members transition back to civilian life.

For returning service members, this transition is filled with obstacles both large and small, and many aren't made aware of the many resources available to them to help overcome these challenges. Organizations in Wisconsin like the NEW Battalion, Veterans' Mentor Group, and the UW-system's Vet-For-Vet student group help bridge this gap by connecting veterans with another veteran who has gone through this process and can make them aware of resources that can help them transition to civilian life.

The resolution, which was also introduced by Reps. Ron Kind (D-WI), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Bryan Steil (R-WI), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Tom Tiffany (R-WI), and Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI), also calls on Congress to promote the effectiveness of these programs and encourage other states to replicate Wisconsin's efforts. To read the text of the resolution, click HERE.

"For veterans, transitioning from active duty to civilian life can be challenging in a variety of ways. I experienced it firsthand when I left the Marine Corps,"said Rep. Mike Gallagher."What I've learned is the best resource for a transitioning veteran is a fellow veteran who knows the community, the resources, and has gone through similar challenges. Organizations like NEW Battalion and Veterans' Mentor Group lead the country in creating programs that cultivate a community of veterans helping veterans. I am proud to lead the delegation in highlighting these important efforts across the state."

"Veteran peer-to-peer mentoring programs provide essential support to service members transitioning back into civilian life - a time that can be challenging for many. Talking to someone who has gone through the transition themselves has helped many veterans access resources, share their experiences, and build healthier lives overall,"said Rep. Ron Kind."I'm proud to join my Wisconsin delegation colleagues in introducing this bipartisan resolution and honor the important work organizations, like the La Crosse Area Veterans Mentor Program, are doing for our veterans here in the Third District."

"I've always been supportive of our veterans, who have assured me that we remain the envy of the world by defending our American freedoms and ideals all across the globe. After serving, mentorship programs provide veterans with an opportunity to interact with people who understand their unique transition back to life as civilians,"said Congressman Grothman.

"Our veterans sacrifice for all of us and in return, we need to make sure they have the resources and support available when they transition to civilian life. That's what it means to take care of our heroes," said Rep. Gwen Moore.

"Providing our veterans with the necessary support and resources they need when transitioning out of service is vital to a successful re-entry into civilian life. Proud to join my colleagues in recognizing Wisconsin's veteran-to-veteran mentorship programs that serve as an example for the rest of our country to best support our veterans."Congressman Bryan Steil.

"Our warriors have selflessly answered the nation's call. Though we will never be able to fully repay our veterans for their sacrifices, I am honored to support this resolution and recognize the importance of veterans mentorship programs that ease their return home from service," said Rep. Tom Tiffany.

"Veteran-to-veteran programs, particularly those in Southeastern Wisconsin, play a vital role in helping our servicemembers transition from active duty to civilian life. These programs can be lifesaving, and as we approach Veterans Day it is important to recognize the peer-to-peer support, mentoring, and transition services these programs offer to our nation's heroes. The men and women in our armed forces experience extreme hardships not only during their service, but also as they reenter civilian life. I am proud to join my colleagues in recognizing the sponsorship programs who provide these crucially important resources to those who need them across our state,"said Congressman Fitzgerald.

Statements of Support:

"In my experience it has been very helpful for veterans to connect with other veterans. In returning home and attempting to transition back to civilian life the connection between veteran to veteran contact has Proven to support And facilitate a successful and healthy transition Veterans understand each other and using the same language wood can support each other through this transition process.. Bravo NEW Veterans Battalion provides these necessary connections to resources within our community for Veterans as they return home to our area,"said Scott Katzka, President, Bravo Company.

"As previously stated with regards to Congressman Gallagher's efforts, Veteran to Veteran sponsorship has evolved in the past several years, particularly with the introduction of the ETS program. It is and has been my belief that having a sponsor in the community in which a Servicemember/Veteran will be transitioning to is and will be vital to the successful transition from Military to Civilian. The Military trains us to be soldiers/sailors/airmen/marines, they do not train us to be civilians again when our time in service ends. I applaud Congressman Gallagher's efforts in supporting Veteran to Veteran sponsorship,"said Bill Trombley, Veterans' Mentor Group.

ICYMI: Read an op-ed from Rep. Gallagher on the important role veteran-to-veteran mentorship programs play for Wisconsin's veteran community HERE.

Issues:Veterans