Welcome to the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs & Homeland Security
In April 2011, Terrie L. Suit was appointed by Governor McDonnell to the position of Secretary of Veterans Affairs & Homeland Security after previously serving as Assistant to the Governor for Commonwealth Preparedness. The office serves an important two-fold purpose. First, it distinguishes and elevates veteran's issues in the Commonwealth of Virginia, a major priority of Governor McDonnell's. Second, it serves to clarify the all hazards role and responsibilities of the office under the universally recognized Homeland Security title. The Office also leads the Governor's initiatives focused on relationship building with the active duty military community, response to Base Realignment and Closure actions, Veterans and Homeland Security issues.
DHS Highlights Efforts to Strengthen Cybersecurity for the Nations Critical Infrastructure
The Executive Order and Presidential Policy Directive issued on February 12 2013, will strengthen the security and resilience of critical infrastructure against evolving threats through an updated and overarching national framework that acknowledges the increased role of cybersecurity in securing physical assets. To learn more about these initiatives, read the following:
2013 General Assembly Update on Military and Veterans Bills
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security focused on the following issues during this general assembly session:
- Improve operations at the Virginia War Memorial,
- Improve the quality of life for active duty military personnel and their families,
- Improve veterans’ accessibility to in-state tuition, and
- Assist with encroachment prevention by building healthy military relations with localities.
The Secretariat was successful with the passage of all items on the legislative agenda. Read more about these bills that affect the military and veterans.
Virginia Values Veterans (V3)
The V3 initiative brings veterans and employers together across the Commonwealth. This program is for organizations who desire to improve their business performance through improved workforce productivity and believe re-capitalizing their workforce with Veterans should be part of that effort. To learn more about this program, please visit the Virginia Values Veterans website.
Fort Monroe Update
Thanks to everyone who participated in the December public meetings. Materials from the meeting are below. Please continue to give your thoughts and ideas at ideas.fmauthority.com.
Governor Bob McDonnell sent the following letter this morning to the President, and Virginia's congressional delegation, calling for immediate action to prevent the implementation of the sequester.
In the letter the governor writes:
"I write today to respectfully request your immediate attention to address the potential devastation that looming cuts to defense due to sequestration will have on national security and on the economic well-being of the citizens of the Commonwealth.
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Nearly three dozen organizations are working together in eight regional partnerships to connect veterans who have recently finished their military service, and their eligible spouses, with jobs and careers in high-growth, high-demand fields.
Virginia's Community Colleges are funding the partnerships with $1.8 million in grants. Individual grant awards range from $142,500 - $250,000. Taken together, the innovative partnerships are expected to serve more than 700 people annually.
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Governor Bob McDonnell announced today a way for Virginians to become "mobile ready" for disasters. The Ready Virginia mobile app, developed by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, gives Virginians a new way to prepare for disasters and also to stay informed during emergencies with the latest information.
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