[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 117 (Thursday, July 24, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S4901]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING VETERANS SUPPORT NETWORK

 Mr. HELLER. Madam President, I wish to recognize a veterans 
education program within Las Vegas known as Veterans Support Network 
for its continued dedication to helping its fellow servicemembers gain 
training and certifications that will assist them in becoming self-
sufficient. This unique program works to improve the lives of disabled, 
visually impaired, and homeless veterans by providing educational 
classes and trainings, funding for on-the-job training, as well as 
professional talking books and Braille books to assist those with 
disabilities.
  The brave men and women who served the United States and fought to 
protect our freedom have often come home to a struggling economy. A 
number of veterans are unable to find a job or afford to buy or rent a 
home. As the demographics of our Armed Forces have changed throughout 
the years, so too have the needs of homeless veterans. As a member of 
the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, this is an issue I have been 
personally involved with and have introduced legislation to address. 
Organizations like the Veterans Support Network serve to help those in 
need in the Las Vegas community. This organization is a shining example 
of the kind of initiatives that will help to get our veterans off of 
the streets.
  There is no way to adequately thank the men and women that lay down 
their lives for our freedoms, but the founders and volunteers at the 
Veterans Support Network are working to assist our Nation's veterans by 
giving them the opportunity to start a new career. The organization was 
founded by Ed Manley, a brave veteran who has selflessly been working 
toward the betterment of the homeless veteran community by teaching 
certification classes and working tirelessly to find funds to assist 
the homeless and wounded veterans within the community. This 
organization's continued dedication to serving veterans needing to 
learn new skills, build resume experience and earn wages through work 
assistance programs is commendable.
  As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I know the 
struggles that our veterans face after returning home from the 
battlefield. Congress has a responsibility not only to honor these 
brave individuals, but to ensure they receive the quality care they 
have earned and deserve. I remain committed to upholding this promise 
for our veterans and servicemembers in Nevada and throughout the 
Nation. I am very pleased that veterans service organizations like the 
Veterans Support Network are committed to ensuring that the needs of 
our veterans are being met.
  Today, I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in recognizing 
the Veterans Support Network, an organization whose mission is both 
noble and charitable. I am both humbled and honored to recognize the 
Veteran's Support Network's mission of providing veterans with the 
skills that will allow them the opportunity to change their 
circumstances. This organization's commitment to helping struggling 
veterans get back on their feet is admirable, and I wish them the best 
of luck in all of their future endeavors.

                          ____________________