Williams: Policy Committee Panel Discussion To Focus on Returning Veterans

December 7, 2011

PHILADELPHIA, DEC. 7, 2011 — Anticipating the scores of veterans expected to return home from war and witnessing others already back but struggling to secure sustainable work, state Sen. Anthony H. Williams and the Senate Democratic Policy Committee will hold a public legislative roundtable discussion to hammer out viable economic solutions for Pennsylvania’s returning heroes. It takes place tomorrow at 10:15 a.m. at the 103rd Engineer Battalion Armory building, 25 N. 33rd St. in Philadelphia.

Prior to the panel discussion, Williams will hold a brief ceremony to honor Marine Corps Sgt. Barry Antos, who served two tours of duty in Iraq; Master Sgt. Alfred DeSerio of Darby, the oldest living Marine veteran who served in World War II and the conflicts in Korea and Vietnam; and Julius Jackson of Yeadon, an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II who is one of the few surviving members of the Tuskegee Airmen and the only surviving member from the Philadelphia area.

Photo ID is required in order to enter the building.

WHO: State Sens. Anthony H. Williams (D-Phila./Delaware), Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh/Monroe/Northampton), and members of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee.

WHAT: Panel discussion on workforce solutions for returning service members

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 8. 10:15 a.m.: Brief ceremony honoring two local veterans; 10:30 a.m.: Panel discussion

WHERE: 103rd Engineer Battalion Armory building at Drexel University, 25 N. 33rd St., Philadelphia

DETAILS: Panelists include:

  • William E. Blackman, Family Assistance Center specialist from the Pennsylvania National Guard
  • Mike Graber, public policy manager at Impact Services Corporation
  • Anselm Sauter, public policy manager at the Greater Philadelphia Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Laura Reddick, associate director for Adult and Veterans Recruitment at Temple University
  • Kenneth Vennera, board chairman at Operation HomeFront
  • Raymond Bates, veterans employment representative for PA CareerLink at the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry
  • Jerry Pendergrass, veterans service officer with the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
  • Sgt. Barry Antos, U.S. Marine Corps Reserves

Media coverage is welcomed.

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