County Executive Isiah Leggett today proposed creation of a County Veterans’ Commission to recommend how the County can better serve veterans of all ages living in the County.

Leggett, a combat veteran of the Vietnam War, made his announcement surrounded by local veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the current Iraq War.

“We are proud of and thankful to the many veterans who call Montgomery County home,” he said, “and we should make sure that we know what their needs are and can work to more effectively address them. I believe a Veterans’ Commission will be a strong voice for these men and women and their families here in our community.”

“I believe a veterans commission is a good idea,” said 96 year-old David E. Funkhouser, a Rockville resident and Pearl Harbor survivor. “It’s important to look at the issues that affect veterans, especially those most impacted by their combat service.”

“We are one of many families trying to rebuild our lives and homes,” said Lorrie Knight-Major, mother of injured Iraqi War veteran Sgt. Ryan Major. “Our veterans have sacrificed so much and have served our country proudly. They deserve the very best that America has to offer. They need our support and I thank Mr. Leggett for being proactive in addressing the needs of the Veterans residing in our community.”

Montgomery County is believed to be the first local government in the Washington, DC metro area to form such a commission. In the state of Maryland, Anne Arundel and Baltimore County have similar commissions.

Leggett will forward legislation to the County Council in the coming weeks.