Washington, DC —Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and Rep. Sean Duffy (WI-07) introduced the Heroes Entering Roles of Education Service (HEROES) Act yesterday afternoon. The legislation would provide an expanded pipeline for servicemembers and veterans to transition into school careers such as teachers as well as nurses, counselors, teacher’s aides, librarians, administrators, school resource officers, and other support personnel.

“Millions of veterans have returned home since 9/11 and bring with them a wealth of experience and technical skills from which our children and communities can benefit. At the same time, there are schools across the nation which face a shortage of qualified personnel,” said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard . “This bill helps our veterans connect to these employment opportunities while bringing their mission of service over self to schools in need.”

“Veterans possess vital leadership experience that can be passed on to our children, greatly enhancing the quality of their education. It is important we recognize the impact that non-teachers employed at schools have on a student’s overall education experience,” said Rep. Sean Duffy . “We should be helping veterans gain meaningful employment in these careers, especially given the added benefit their tactical training brings to campus security.”

"There is no doubt that our nation’s classrooms are in need of proper role models who exude ethical behavior and tested leadership traits. Not only do these classrooms need quality teachers, but they heavily rely on quality support staff such as administrators, nurses, librarians, counselors, and other workers,” said Sgt. Maj. U.S. Army (ret.) Frank Yoakum, Executive Director of EANGUS. “Veterans can definitely fill this need and the HEROES Act affords them such an opportunity. EANGUS gladly adds its endorsement to this legislation.”

About Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is serving her fourth term in the United States House representing Hawaii’s Second District, and serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, and prior to that at age 21, was elected to the Hawaiʻi State Legislature in 2002, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard for 16 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major. Learn more about Rep. Tulsi Gabbard...

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