Lt. Governor Todd Lamb

Our Oklahoma troops are my heroes. They embody what makes Oklahoma great – determination, integrity, bravery and a love for freedom.  These troops have given their time and talents to serve our great state and country. In some cases, they have even given their lives – since September 9, 2001, Oklahoma has lost a total of 19 troops. Oklahoma currently has 1,600 Oklahoma National Guardsmen serving overseas. At the peak of the conflict, Oklahoma had 2,300 Guardsmen in Iraq and 2,200 in Afghanistan. We still have 800 serving in Afghanistan now.  To say I admire our troops is an understatement. To our fellow Oklahomans who have volunteered to serve our country, I offer you my heartfelt thanks.

As one way to show my thanks, last week I joined with Google to announce the Oklahoma launch of Google for Veterans and Families, an online toolbox for veterans and returning soldiers. This program was designed by the Google Veteran Network – the company’s employee community of veterans, reservists, guardsman, family members and supporters with first-hand experience of serving, returning and transitioning back into civilian life. The site includes several tools such as Google’s Resume Builder, a 3D Tour Builder, video transition tips and Vet Connect for Google +.

The announcement coincides with the return of Oklahoma’s 45th Infantry from Afghanistan. The entire 45^th will be back in Oklahoma by early next month. I am proud to welcome our troops back home. They have sacrificed so much. I am also proud to help them in any way possible. I look forward to seeing the impact of Google for Veterans and Families. I am also proud to offer my respect and admiration to our soldiers and officers who have served and are continuing to serve Oklahoma. We owe you everything.

To learn more about Google for Veterans, visit http://www.googleforveterans.com/. As always, my office is open and ready to assist you in any way we can. I am excited to hear your ideas on how we can increase economic development across the state. Feel free to visit our website at www.ok.gov/ltgovernoror call our office at 405.521.2161.