Nebraska’s portion of Highway 20 the “Nebraska Medal of Honor Highway”.

Governor Ricketts formally signed the paperwork to make Nebraska’s portion of Highway 20 the “Nebraska Medal of Honor Highway. 1-31-20

There was a great turnout at Veterans Legislative Day this morning and a lot of wonderful information on this year’s veteran and military-related legislation, our priorities in growing Nebraska, and how veterans and their family members can stay involved.

 

 

41 year old MOH recipient faces new foe: cancer

Shurer is now fighting on different terrain than the mountains of Eastern Afghanistan, and against a different enemy than the battle-hardened insurgents of that remote region.

Fifteen months after he stood at the White House to receive the nation’s highest combat honor, he’s squaring off in an all-consuming battle against life-threatening lung cancer that his doctors rate at stage 4, meaning it has metastasized or spread to other organs.

“It’s everywhere,” Shurer, 41, said in a lengthy Jan. 22 interview at the coffee shop.

More than once, Shurer said he was prepared to comment on everything about the stage 4 cancer except his prognosis. Statistics from the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society point to five-year survival rates of less than 20%, although those numbers come with the caution that they may not reflect recent advances in treatment.

Full Story CLICK HERE

Military Family Scholarship

The attorneys at Berry Law have the utmost respect for the sacrifices made by America’s Veterans and their families in the service of the country. We have long fought for the legal rights of Veterans, and we recognize the critical role that their families play in supporting the mission from home, both during and after service. Which is why we are proud to announce The Military Family Scholarship.

Berry Law Firm 

The Military Family Scholarship

Deadline: January 31, 2020

Award: $1,000 

For more details about this scholarship, please visit our scholarship page.

Legislative Update

Click here to view our Legislative Tracker (last updated 1/24/2020). 

The Legislature is adjourned until Monday, January 27th, at 9:00 a.m. 

For information on the 2020 session, including calendar, committees, senator list, and more, please visit https://veterans.nebraska.gov/legislative-issues.
 

LB 153 Update

Today, LB 153 passed Select File. The next step is Final Reading, where the bill is read in full and voted on last time on. If it passes that round, it heads to the Governor’s desk for signing. If you haven’t reached out to your senator yet, please do to let them know to continue their support for this important step forward. Click here to find your senator.
General File: Check. Select File: Check. Final Reading: TBD.
 

Veterans Legislative Day

The annual Veterans Legislative Day is coming up next Friday, January 31st. Learn about veteran-related legislation and how to get involved and hear from speakers such as Governor Ricketts, NDVA Director Hilgert, and Nebraska senators. 

Veterans Legislative Day Flyer

Senator Albrecht Updates Constituents On Medal Of Honor Highway Name Change Proposal, Workforce Development

WAYNE – District 17 Senator Joni Albrecht provided information about a proposed name change to a state highway while workforce development work continues.

According to a release from the office of District 17, Senator Albrecht joined other state senators from Legislative Districts in October through which Highway 20 runs and on Friday, December 13 heard back on a proposal to rename the highway to the Medal of Honor Highway.

In Nebraska, the American Legion Family has been leading the charge as HWY 20 goes through Dakota County in District 17. Legislative District 17 was well represented by members of American Legion District 3 at the Nebraska Highway Roads Commission meeting held in Lincoln last weekend. The Commission gave unanimous consent to the proposal and the measure has gone to the Governor for approval as states from the Pacific to the Atlantic Oceans are going through this process.

Senator Albrecht is entering her third year serving on the Workforce Development Board and stated that Nebraska’s unemployment rate is low as lawmakers often hear from employers that are having trouble finding qualified applicants for unfilled positions. The Board brings together state, regional and local workforce partners to help build a workforce development system that can more effectively match employers, employees, education and training opportunities.

The Board convened on December 6 for its quarterly meeting and heard about growing coordinated training opportunities, industry-specific partnerships, grants, scholarships and apprenticeship programs across various disciplines including the construction and rural healthcare industries, a growing concern for many in District 17 and throughout Nebraska. Other topics brought forward included efforts to more rapidly respond to unemployment and job connection needs of dislocated workers with the formation of teams that include veterans, employers and other local community members.

Senator Albrecht would like everyone in District 17 to have a safe and joyful celebration this holiday season. Prepare for the unexpected by having extra supplies on hand and a preparedness package in your car that includes a blanket, a warm change of clothes, water and non-perishable food items. It is always a good idea to let friends or loved ones know your travel plans, route and anticipated arrival time.

To contact Senator Joni Albrecht, call 402-471-2716 or email [email protected].

Beverly A. Neel

American Legion Auxiliary

Past Department President – Nebraska

402 369 0152

“Veterans – Our Soul & Heart’s Inspiration”