Shumlin presents $70,500 inaugural check to Vermont National Guard Charitable Fund

In a ceremony held at Camp Johnson, Gov. Peter Shumlin today presented a check for $70,500 to the Vermont National Guard Charitable Foundation, money raised as part of the Governor’s inaugural celebration that will be used to assist the families of Vermont Guard troops.
‘I am proud to make this donation to help the Vermont Guard men and women who are serving our state and their country, and support their families,’ the Governor said. The funds are used to help Guard families meet the financial challenges they face, particularly during a deployment.
‘This recession has been hard on all Vermont families, but particularly difficult for those who lost one income while the husband or wife was serving overseas,’ Gov. Shumlin said. ‘I hope that in making this donation, these families and our Guard troops understand how important their service and their families are to our state.’
Mary Powell, CEO of Green Mountain Power Corp. and Inaugural Chairwoman, agreed.
‘Helping to make the inaugural a successful celebration of Vermont was deeply satisfying to me,’ she said. ‘Vermonters were clearly eager to donate to the Guard and their families. I was reminded again of what a wonderful state we live in and how generous and committed people are to those who serve.’
In addition, the Governor signed a proclamation honoring the Vermont Guard and proclaiming Feb. 1-7 as ‘Vermont National Guard Appreciation Week.’
The proclamation declares that ‘all Vermonters are grateful for the sacrifices made by the brave men and women of the Vermont National Guard.’
Gov. Shumlin presented to the proclamation to Brigadier General Steven Cray, who attended today’s Camp Johnson event. Adjutant General Michael Dubie was out of state.
Source: Shumlin's office.1.31.2011