Virginia veterans speak out in support of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline

Since the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline was first announced in September 2014, veterans from across Virginia have spoken out in support of the project. As the pipeline enters the final stages of the state and federal permitting process, Virginia veterans are once again announcing their support for the pipeline and calling on permitting agencies to approve this vitally important infrastructure project.

Below are several recent statements by Virginia veterans in support of the project:

Matt Yonka, U.S. Navy (Retired)
President, Virginia Building & Construction Trades Council
“As a military veteran and leader of an organization that represents thousands of other veterans in the building and construction trades, I’m proud to support the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. The veterans in my organization have dedicated many years of our lives to protecting our country. Now we are devoting our patriotism and skills to the important task of rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure. One of the best ways to honor our nation’s veterans is to give us the opportunity to have a good paying job and build a better life for our families. The Atlantic Coast Pipeline will give hundreds, if not thousands of our members that opportunity. We’ve estimated that as many as 30 percent of our members who work on the Atlantic Coast Pipeline will be military veterans. We honor their sacrifice and service to our nation by offering them automatic entry into many of our apprenticeship programs. We’re proud of the role Virginia’s veterans will play in building the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, and we’re proud of the contribution we’ll make to rebuild Virginia’s economy."

Paul Galanti, U.S. Navy (Retired)
“As a veteran, I was proud to serve our nation. As a Virginian, I’m proud to support the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. When you serve this nation you are defending the common good. Here at home, our country depends upon projects like the Atlantic Coast Pipeline to serve the common good. The pipeline is crucial to keeping energy affordable and reliable, and ensuring Virginians can find good paying jobs right here in the Commonwealth. The more domestic energy we can utilize, the more secure we make this country. For all these reasons I strongly support the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. As Americans, we must continue to come together to get projects like this built, for the good of all of us.”

Kenny Golden, Commodore, US Navy (Retired)
“The first thing I learned during my military service was we must all work together if we’re going to be successful. That is what Americans have done across generations. We have worked together to get big projects built and to make this an even better place to call home. It’s no secret that Virginia needs more natural gas. It is crucial to keeping energy affordable here, and to ensure that the new jobs we need can be created. The Atlantic Coast Pipeline will bring that natural gas to Virginia consumers. It’s energy from right here in our own country, helping make us even more energy secure. And it shouldn’t be forgotten that a significant amount of this energy will be flowing to critically important military installations that need more domestic energy. It is time to come together to build the Atlantic Coast Pipeline.”

Scott Bazzarre, U.S. Army & U.S. Army National Guard (Retired)
“Opponents of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline would like you to believe that this project doesn’t benefit our state or our country. I served my country because I believe everyone should have the ability to prosper. Opponents should ask the welders, foremen, blacksmiths and other skilled workers who live and work in Virginia who stand to gain months of work and wages from this project what it means to their families. I learned in the military about putting service before self. A short-term sacrifice by some for the greater prosperity of all is part of the American way of life. That’s why I’m proud to support the Atlantic Coast Pipeline.”

Kenneth R. McDermott, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Retired)
“As a veteran who served my country on active duty for twenty years, I believe energy independence is one of the most important ways we can strengthen our country and contribute to an overall “Peace through Strength” national strategy. Building the Atlantic Coast Pipeline is a key component of that approach, which I strongly support it.”

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