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Vietnam war hero Dave Christian rallies against plans to shut veterans help centers
December 10, 2009
 Dave Christian press release
47 Canal Run West
Washington Crossing PA 18955
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12/10/09
For Information: Beth Hegedus
Cell: 215-494-6912
HIGHEST DECORATED VIETNAM VET, DAVID CHRISTIAN BLASTS CLOSURE PLANS OF VA MULTI-SERVICE CENTERS THROUGHOUT PENNSYLVANIA
More Than One Million PA Veterans To Lose Access To Service
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. --- Vietnam veteran and Bucks County businessman, David A. Christian held a press conference today at the Philadelphia VA Multi-Service Center to rally support to keep this – and the other six VA service centers open.
The current Obama Administration plan includes closing center locations in Erie, Pottstown, Harrisburg, Greensburg, Boyertown and West Pittston by December 31, 2009.
“The plan to close Veterans Outreach Centers that help returning military veterans get on with their lives is a betrayal to those who give their all in honor of their country”, said David A. Christian, veteran and businessman spearheading this effort to keep these centers open.
In 1979, Christian, upon returning home from the war was outraged by the public’s treatment of returning veterans. He established the first Veterans Outreach Center in Levittown to let military men and women know there was a place they could assist them towards making a successful transition back into civilian life.
Since then, every governor beginning with Dick Thornburgh has seen to it that Wagner Peyser grant money, approved by the US government has been earmarked for use by these centers. This year, however, under the Obama administration and enforced by the Rendell administration, funding is being cut. These centers provide food, shelter but also offer behavioral, medical, job training and social opportunities.
There are other state-funded organizations to help find employment, but helping veterans requires patience and skill. In spite of advanced training received in the military, some returning veterans don’t even know how to write a resume, much less prepare for an interview. Adjustment to civilian life can be difficult. These professionals understand the challenges of finding employment for veterans and are able to provide a more welcoming atmosphere as they walk them through the job-finding process.
Pennsylvania is home to over 1,026,000 veterans. If this program is defunded and stops as is planned on December 31, 2009, it will leave untold of veterans homeless, helpless, and lost. What a way to start the holiday season.
Another point of contention for Christian is the late acknowledgement of this issue by US Senator, Arlen Specter. Although notice was provided about the funding cuts months ago, it is only within the last three days, that there has there been any positive movement made by the Senator to assist in restoring funding for the operation of these facilities. With Specter showing weakness in recent polls, it appears as if he now sees closure of the Veterans Outreach Centers as a potential political liability in next year's primary battle against Congressman Joe Sestak.
“This is one of the worst things I can think of, especially now as President Obama is calling for an increase in troop engagement in Afghanistan. We need to show our veterans we support them,” said Christian, father of four who lives in Yardley, Pennsylvania.
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