Governor Mark Gordon to Address Wyoming Veteran Services Symposium

The inaugural Wyoming Veteran Services Symposium, organized by the Wyoming Veterans Commission, will take place on April 10 and 11 at the Casper College Goodstein Foundation Library, Oil City News reports.

The event aims to strengthen collaborations between government and non-government service providers dedicated to supporting Wyoming’s veterans.

On the second day of the symposium, Governor Mark Gordon will deliver remarks at noon. Following his address, he will present the “Excellence in Veterans Services” awards to six distinguished service providers who have been nominated by their peers for their exceptional commitment to serving Wyoming’s veterans.

In a statement from the governor’s office, Gordon emphasized the importance of supporting veterans as they transition back into civilian life.

“Wyoming’s veterans and their families have made an unwavering commitment and sacrifice to protect the freedoms we hold dear in our state,” said Gordon. “It is imperative that we honor and support these individuals as they return to civilian life. Achieving this mission requires a collective effort, especially now with so much uncertainty for future support. I look forward to recognizing the providers across the state who take part in this important work.”

The symposium, themed “Strengthening Our Network,” will focus on fostering collaboration among organizations dedicated to veterans’ well-being. It aims to bring together various service providers, both governmental and non-governmental, to enhance the services available to veterans. Attendees will include groups such as Volunteers of America of the Northern Rockies, the American Red Cross, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, and AARP.

Tim Sheppard, executive director of the Wyoming Veterans Commission, highlighted the significance of the event:

“We keep Wyoming veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors at the forefront of all we do. The symposium will be an exciting opportunity to understand our strengths, assess opportunities for improvement, and promote some of the impressive work being done around the state. We look forward to making this year’s Symposium the first of many.”

Governor Gordon has made addressing the needs of veterans, particularly their mental health challenges, a priority throughout his time in office. His administration has supported initiatives such as the “Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families,” which is a collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This campaign aims to create a statewide framework for preventing suicides among veterans and their families.

Additionally, Gordon’s mental health roadmap includes the Veterans Talking to Veterans program, which provides a safe and supportive space for veterans to engage in trauma-informed coaching, highlighting the importance of community-driven support in veterans’ healing journeys.

The symposium is open to the public and free to attend, though pre-registration is required. Interested attendees can register online to participate in this important event.