Sununu establishes single entity to streamline veterans' services

Flanked by leaders of several state veteran's groups, Gov. Chris Sununu signs an executive order creating a single entity to oversee veterans' services in N.H. (Courtesy photo)

CONCORD - Governor Chris Sununu today signed an executive order to initiate creation of one coordinated State operation for the provision of veterans services.

A press release from the governor's office noted that Sununu was joined at the signing immediately after his State of the State address by guests David Meaney of the American Legion, Ray Goulet of the NH Chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America, Paul Lloyd of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Ernest Sulloway of Disabled American Veterans.

"We must recognize a fundamental truth, that once a person signs those enlistment papers, they are a soldier for life," said Sununu. "This executive order will bring coordinated veterans services under one roof in New Hampshire, which will bring resources together to streamline services for one simple goal: better outcomes for our veterans."

The changes contemplated by the executive order will be a team effort involving Adjutant General Dave Mikolaities, the Veterans Council, the Office of Veterans Services ("OVS"), the Department of Health Human Services' Bureau of Community Based Military Programs, and other Executive Branch officials and personnel.

The executive order directs the Adjutant General to develop and execute memorandums of understanding with both the Office of Veterans Services and the Bureau of Community Based Military Programs to provide for the streamlining and coordination of all veterans services provided by the State. The memorandums of understanding will be executed within 60 days and fully implemented within 120 days.

"New Hampshire's veterans and their families will benefit immensely from having a single operation and point of contact for the services and benefits they have earned," said Adjutant General Mikolaities. "I am grateful to Governor Sununu for his leadership and efforts on this issue, and the Adjutant General's Department looks forward to working with the Office of Veterans Services and the Bureau of Community Based Military Programs to turn the Governor's vision into a reality."

"The Office of Veterans Services is excited to join the Adjutant General's Department and the Bureau of Community Based Military Programs in this exciting and important initiative," said OVS Director Bill Gaudreau. "The services provided by OVS will be greatly enhanced by this new coordinated effort."