Vets4Energy Luncheon, Albany NY

June 10, 2014

This Vets4Energy luncheon was with more than 50 veterans (including leaders from the New York State VFW), labor leaders and local residents.

Rear Admiral Don Loren, USN (Ret.) and Mr. Tim Carter from Local #7 of the Steam and Pipefitters Union were the featured speakers. Admiral Loren focused his remarks on national security linkages between sound energy policies and America's future. He addressed the Keystone XL Pipeline, hydraulic fracturing, and veteran's employment.

Both Admiral Loren and Mr. Carter spoke of the "Helmets to Hardhats" program (https://www.helmetstohardhats.org/) and how the nation's veterans provide a reliable and educated source of labor to the petroleum development and production industry. They complemented each other by discussing how industry, labor, and the military could work together to provide employment for America's veterans.

Attendees showed great interest in the national security perspectives of energy policy, and significant interest in the employment opportunities for veterans. Admiral Loren drove home the point that each state with energy resources had the obligation and responsibility to support the nation's energy independence and contribute to the resurgence of the economy.