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<br />The Board considered recognizing the tremendous service provided to the Orange <br />County community and the nation by its men and women serving in the United States Armed <br />Forces, domestically and abroad, past and present, and authorizing the Chair to sign the <br />"Statement of Support". <br />Rod Visser said that with Veterans Day and the war in Iraq, it is a good opportunity to <br />reflect on our servicemen. He asked for a statement of support for the National Guard and he <br />recognized Mr. Bowles, Central Region Community Program Liaison for the Citizen Soldier <br />Support Program; Lois Harvin-Ravin, Orange County's Veteran Services Officer; and Mr. <br />Herring, wha serves on the North Carolina Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and <br />Reserve. He said that Orange County does a tremendous job of supporting its citizen soldiers. <br />Mr. Bawler thanked the Board of County Commissioners and Rod Visser. <br />Ms. Lois Harvin-Ravin thanked the Board of County Commissioners. <br />A matian was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Foushee to <br />approve recognizing the tremendous service provided to the Orange County community and the <br />nation by its men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces, domestically and <br />abroad, past and present, and authorize the Chair to sign the "Statement of Support" (as stated <br />below): <br />STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR THE GUARD AND RESERVE <br />We recognize the National Guard and Reserve as essential to the strength of our nation <br />and the well being of our communities. <br />In the highest American tradition, the patriotic men and woman of the Guard and <br />Reserve serve voluntarily in an honorable and vital profession. They train to respond to their <br />community and their country in time of need. They deserve the support of every segment of our <br />society. <br />If these volunteer forces are to continue to serve our nation, increased public <br />understanding is required of the essential role of the Guard and Reserve in preserving our <br />national security. Their members must have the cooperation of all American employers in <br />encouraging employee participation in Guard and Reserve. <br />Therefore, we join other employers in pledging that: <br />1. Employment will not be denied because of service in the Guard of Reserve; <br />2. Employee job and career opportunities will not be limited or reduced because of <br />serve in the Guard or Reserve; <br />3. Employees will be granted leaves of absence for military service in the Guard or <br />Reserve, consistent with existing laws, without sacrifice of vacation; and <br />4. This agreement and its resultant policies will be made known throughout our <br />organization. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />7. Special Presentations <br />a. Orange County Key Volunteer Recognition <br />The Board presented certificates to Orange County Key Volunteers and announced the <br />North Carolina Outstanding Volunteer Award Winners. <br />Chair Jacobs read the write-ups. <br />ORANGE COUNTY RECOGNITION WINNERS OF THE <br />2005 N.C. GOVERNOR'S AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER SERVICE --The <br />five North Carolina Award winners are: <br />