WASHINGTON, June 24, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today AMVETS National Commander Cleve Geer announced two major veterans service organizations have endorsed the American Veterans Anti-Discrimination initiative, a national legislative effort to protect veterans from unfair treatment in employment, housing and all areas of public life.
Currently, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA6) are in discussions with AMVETS about prospective veteran anti-discrimination bills for the Senate and House of Representatives (respectively). Geer anticipates the support from the 1.4 million member-strong VFW and NGAUS, the nation's oldest organization lobbying on behalf of the National Guard, will create momentum for AMVETS' Anti-Discrimination Initiative.
"The American Veteran Anti-Discrimination Initiative is an important legislative priority for AMVETS and our community," said Geer. "The added support of VFW and NGAUS gives us the momentum we need for action on Capitol Hill and to protect our transitioning veterans."
"The value of military service has eroded to the point that being a veteran is seen as a liability to many employers," said VFW Executive Director Bob Wallace. "That is why the VFW supports AMVETS in their effort to protect veterans from employment discrimination."
"NGAUS strongly supports this AMVETS effort," said Maj. Gen. Gus L. Hargett, Jr., (Ret.) president of the National Guard Association of the United States. "Leadership and technical experience gained from military services can bring great value to the civilian workplace. Our veterans deserve full and fair consideration for employment opportunities as they arise."
The American Veterans Anti-Discrimination Initiative will: raise awareness among employers of veterans and veterans' issues; give veterans experiencing employment and housing discrimination legal recourse to pursue their claims; ensure that an individual's military or veteran status will not be used against them in seeking employment, housing, or educational opportunities. No one who has served and sacrificed for this country should be penalized for it.
For more information about the American Veterans Anti-Discrimination Initiative, visit www.amvets.org/legislative.
About AMVETS:
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America's armed forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation's citizens and veterans alike. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans' service organizations in the United States, and includes members from each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. To learn more visit www.amvets.org.