Lieutenant Governor Gregory R. Francis is encouraging Virgin Islands residents to participate in the 2010 census.  He is especially urging military veterans to make sure they are counted in the census.  Census data collected every ten years plays a significant part is guiding funding for essential community services and other important programs.

Francis, a military veteran and former director of the Office of Veterans Affairs, says the census is a valuable opportunity for veterans to make their numbers known. “This information better positions the territory to plan for and support initiatives that benefit our veteran community,” Lt. Governor Francis stated.  “Without an accurate count, vital services such as health care, education, job training and other assistance programs may not be adequate to serve the needs of the territory’s veterans.”

Lt. Governor Francis is hopeful that veterans take advantage of this opportunity to be counted.  “Our veterans need to stand up and be counted to make sure that they receive the services that they are entitled to,” said the Lt. Governor.

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