The National Bureau of Veteran Affairs is expected to dispatch a team across the country shortly to educate its members on the need to remain peaceful and law-abiding, especially as the nation goes to elections this year.
The Deputy Director for Veteran Affairs Retired Lt. Col. Andrew Wleh, warned veterans that though they are no more in uniforms, they risk prosecution under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, if found in illegal activities.
Lt. Col. Wleh gave the warning at the first general meeting organized by the National Bureau of Veteran Affairs with staff, employees, and veterans of the Armed Forces of Liberia recently in Congo Town.
He said the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, Major/General Prince Johnson, has assured veterans that once there is peace and unity among them, there is prospect of government soliciting assistance from international partners to tap on the skills of veterans and undertake programs that will improve their lives.
Lieutenant Colonel Wleh reaffirmed his commitment to implementing a ten-count resolution, including payment of resettlement to veterans.
In remarks, the Deputy Director for Administration at the Bureau, Retired Major Alexander Geor, warned employees there against double-dipping
Major Geor directed the Human Resource Director at the entity to take stuck of all employees purposely to ensure that all employees report to work at 9:00 am and leave at 4:00pm daily.
He welcomed the decision by the veteran community to unite and avoid street protests and work with the authority in seeking their welfare.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]
The Assistant Director General for Women and Children at the Bureau, Retired Major Ophelia Hinneh, appealed to government and international partners to assist widows and children of ex-soldiers.
She also warned veterans against politics as they are reservists for the state.
Meanwhile, the director for the agriculture department at the Bureau, Retired Lt. Col. Peter Bonner, appealed to government to fund the department.
Col. Bonner disclosed that the department has 1,500 acres of farmland in Sinoe County, 25,000 acres of land along the Monrovia-Buchanan highway and over 10,000 acres in Todee district, Montserrado County with 850 men trained to work on these farms, but they lack support.
He assured the public that the agricultural department of the Bureau is capable of producing food to feed the entire country.
The meeting was graced by staff, employees, and veterans of the Armed Forces of Liberia, among others. Editing by Jonathan Browne
