Stand-To – A National Veterans Convening

The Bush Institute’s Military Service Initiative hosted Stand-To – A National Veterans Convening on June 23 in Washington, D.C., with key leaders from across the public, private, non‐profit, and philanthropic sector to outline key priorities and an action plan to drive improved outcomes for veterans and their families.

Research shows that while every veteran transition looks different, there are three keys to a successful transition: health and wellbeing, education, and employment. There is a sea of good will dedicated to supporting military veterans and their families with these issues as they transition back into civilian life. Government programs and initiatives, more than 45,000 philanthropic organizations, corporations, and millions of individuals are committed to improving veterans’ quality of life. However, these efforts do not always align, which can create confusion and gaps in service to transitioning veterans and their families.

In an effort to create more collaboration and coordination in the veteran service space, the Bush Institute’s Stand-To brought together more than 70 partner organizations from across the public, private, and non-profit sectors to help ensure every veteran is able to lead a full and meaningful life by achieving optimal health and wellbeing, and leveraging education and employment opportunities.

SPEAKERS AND PANELS

Welcome Remarks and Veteran Stories
Welcome: Ken Hersh, President and CEO, George W. Bush Presidential Center
Michael Rodriguez
Fontaine Wilson
Florent Groberg
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President George W. Bush
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Veterans Issues and the View from the Administration
Secretary David Shulkin, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Moderator: Bryan Bender, National Security Correspondent, POLITICO
Introduction: Leanne Caret, Executive Vice President of the Boeing Company and President and Chief Executive Officer of Defense, Space & Security
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Mrs. Laura Bush
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Health and Wellbeing Panel
Panelists:
Harriet Dominique, Senior Vice President, Corporate Responsibility and Community Affairs, USAA
Jack Hammond, Executive Director, Home Base Program
Spencer Kympton, President, The Mission Continues
Terri Tanielian, Senior Behavioral Scientist, RAND Corporation; Senior Researcher, Bush Institute Fellow; Welling Task Force Co-chair
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Education and Training Panel
Moderator: Jared Lyon, CEO, Student Veterans of America; Education Task Force Co-chair
Panelists:
Margaret Spellings, President, University of North Carolina System
Admiral William McRaven, Chancellor, The University of Texas System
Kent Syverud, Chancellor and President, Syracuse University
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Employment Panel
Introduction: General Peter Pace, USMC, 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Moderator: Eric Eversole, Vice President, U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Employment Task Force Co-chair
Panelists:
Courtney Billington, Vice President, Global Pharmaceutical Supply Chain, Johnson & Johnson
Dan O’Hare, Bank of America
Melissa Sterling, Senior Director, U.S. Military, Campus and Youth Programs, Hilton Worldwide
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Congressional Panel: Veterans Issues and the View from Capitol Hill
Introduction: John Kelly, Senior Vice President, Global Social Impact & Public Policy, Starbucks Coffee Company
Moderator: Bryan Bender, National Security Correspondent, POLITICO
U.S. Representative Tim Walz, D-MN
U.S. Senator John Boozman, R-AR
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Closing Remarks
Colonel Miguel Howe, George W. Bush Institute
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