Warwick, RI – More than two hundred military veterans and their family members from across Rhode Island this morning sat down for breakfast with U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse at his tenth annual Veterans Breakfast and Resource Fair. The event was held at the Rhode Island National Guard Armory in Warwick.
“It’s my privilege to host this event each year to say thank you to the brave Rhode Islanders who have answered the call to serve,” said Whitehouse. “It is our solemn duty to make sure the men and women who have made enormous contributions to our nation can find good jobs, quality health care, and a place to call home.”
Today’s event included guest speakers retired Brigadier General Peter Zwack, a former United States senior defense official and attaché to Russia, and Wayne Smith, a Vietnam veteran and longtime veterans advocate.
“More than ever our nation – all strata and communities regardless of upbringing or creed – needs to stay closely linked to their veterans who have committed and sacrificed on their behalf,” said Brigadier General Zwack. “This support should be society-wide and not just primarily by families with veterans or our brave fallen.”
Representatives of more than two dozen government agencies and organizations were on hand to connect veterans with employment opportunities, health care information, and other services.
“As the American people continue to witness our nation’s longest war, I want to commend Senator Whitehouse for his leadership,” Smith said. “For a decade now, the senator’s annual Veteran’s Breakfast and Resource Fair has been truly helping veterans, their families, and our communities to heal some of the wounds of war.”
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