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Media Relations Office:
Director named to AZ Veterans Task Force
September 12, 2005 - Arizona Department of Corrections Director Dora Schriro has been named to the Arizona Veterans Task Force by Governor Janet Napolitano. She is the only department director to serve as a member. The task force is charged to evaluate existing state services and benefits provided to Arizona’s veterans, compare the benefits that Arizona provides to its veterans with those living in other states and put together a comprehensive plan to educate state and local leaders about the issues important to Arizona veterans. The task force is also directed to prepare recommendations for submission in a final report to Governor Napolitano, Senate President Ken Bennett, and House Speaker Jim Weiers in January 2006. The task force consists of 11 members including its chair, Patrick F. Chorpenning, the director of the Arizona Department of Veteran’s Services. Other members of the task force are Joe Bibich, President of Tri-City Services, George Heaney, a member of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, Avtar Khalsa, Executive Director of the Cocconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Ezra Loring, a liaison for Arizona Department of Economic Security, Georganna Meyer, Chief Economist for the Arizona Department of Revenue, Rebecca Phifer, Parent Information Network Specialist for the Department of Education, Joan Sisco, President of Veterans First, Ltd, Caryn Walsh, Citizen Advocate for Woman Veterans and Gary Yaquinto, Director of Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting. Thirty percent of ADC employees are veterans, the majority of which (26 percent) are Correctional Officers. Currently, the department proudly employs 2,391 veterans. “As soon as the task force was announced I offered to serve. I want to be in a position where I can do everything possible for the selfless men and women in ADC who have served their state and our country with distinction,” Director Schriro said. “The first meeting was held last Friday. We’ve got a lot to do this fall to prepare a great report and develop recommendations that will make a real difference in the lives of those who have made all of our lives a lot better. I invite everyone at ADC to forward your suggestions to me so that I can share them with the members of the task force at their next meeting.” |
