Dear Neighbor:

The weekend of March 28-29, I invite you to attend and take part in two free events in Whittier.

On Saturday, March 28, I will host a public forum on job opportunities for youth, “Hands-On Careers for Creative Minds,” to help connect our youth with new employment opportunities.

When we lend a hand to our young people, families do better, communities have lower crime rates, and we all have a more secure economic future. In our troubled economy, planning one’s education and career after high school can seem like a daunting task.

While I work to make college more affordable so that cost will never be a barrier to a student’s educational goals, I am also working to ensure that those who don’t attend a four-year college can earn a decent living and provide for their families. The more than 50% of Americans who do not get a four-year college degree deserve an engaging career with good pay and good benefits. That’s why I am committed to helping today’s youth take advantage of the many different employment opportunities available in our area.

My father was a mechanic, so I know about the value of work that doesn’t require a bachelor’s degree. I’m pleased to host this forum targeted toward young people aged 16 to 29, but extend an invitation to anyone who wants to learn about opportunities in education and employment. For more information on Hands-On Careers, click here.

On Sunday, March 29, I invite you to attend a  “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Celebration”  an event to help honor and recognize the many Vietnam veterans who returned to the United States in the 1960’s and 1970’s without a formal “thank you” or “welcome home” as has traditionally been given to returning service members in our nation.

This event is just one small way we can help acknowledge Vietnam veterans and give them the heroes’ welcome they deserve, but that too many never received. Our duty as citizens and representatives is to serve and remember those who have served our country.

Every session I have been in Congress, I have introduced legislation to provide long overdue recognition to thousands of Vietnam War veterans for their dedicated service to our country by designating March 30, 2009 as “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.” In a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives today, Rep. Sánchez urged her colleagues to support this important piece of legislation.

I look forward to seeing you at one of these events:

Saturday, March 28, 2009

WHAT:	“Hands-On Careers for Creative Minds” – A Youth Jobs Forum Presentations will be made by public job training agencies, trade unions, businesses, and community colleges with opportunities for a successful, well-paying career.
WHEN:	Saturday, March 28, 2009 9:00AM – 1:00PM
WHERE:	Whittier High School 12417 E. Philadelphia Street Whittier, CA

Sunday, March 29, 2009

WHAT:	Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Event The free event will feature live music, tributes, a military vehicle show, and fun for the entire family.
WHEN:	Sunday, March 29, 2009 11:00AM – 6:00PM
WHERE:	California High School – Stadium 9800 Mills Ave Whittier, CA

If you have any questions about the issues or events in this email, please visit my website at www.lindasanchez.house.gov or call my local office at (562) 860-5050.
Thank you for the opportunity to represent you in Congress.