Sijan Chapter Members,

Chapter member Dr. Rebecca A. Decker, a Volunteer for the Veterans Economic Communities Initiative is reaching out to e-introduce you to Rachel Chaparro who has recently come to our city to implement the Veterans Economic Communities Initiative, a new national effort recently launched by Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald.

The VECI aims to increase the number of education and employment opportunities for Veterans and their families through a network of support in Colorado Springs and 24 other cities across the nation. Attached are a few documents that describe the program and the following are some recent news clips:

http://gazette.com/guest-column-campaigning-to-reintegrate-veterans-into-communities/article/1553285

http://gazette.com/pilot-program-in-colorado-springs-aims-to-link-veterans-to-jobs/article/1553265

http://www.koaa.com/story/29348318/va-campaign-to-hire-more-veterans-launching-in-colorado-springs

The Lance P. Sijan Chapter of the Air Force Association is doing remarkable work in the Veterans space in our community, and Rebecca thinks it would be great for the Chapter to connect.  We are also sending this information to see if any of your organizations would be interested in co-sponsoring the launch of one of the first VA Learning Hubs.  The VA is partnering with Coursera to offer Transitioning Servicemembers and Veterans one free course.

To kick off the VA Learning Hub, Rachel and Rebecca are planning an event co-hosted by Lt. Governor Joe Garcia and Chancellor Pam Shockley on August 25 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and they would certainly welcome co-sponsors for this event.  They  only ask for co-sponsors to send a minimum of two emails to your e-mail list, two plugs on social media and announcements at upcoming events.  In return, your logo will be added to the invite, your organization will be acknowledged the night of the event and you will be able to have a table there if you want.  The timeline is a little tight, so please respond as soon as possible.

Many thanks in advance for your time and consideration and all you do to make Colorado Springs one of the most veteran-friendly cities in the nation!

My best,