HB76 helps ensure that servicemembers wishes for the disposition of their remains will be followed in North Carolina. HB412 modernizes the military justice laws that apply to the North Carolina National Guard. HB614 further improves the ability of deployed servicemembers to vote in elections. Rep. Martin previously passed legislation that significantly made it easier for those who defend democracy to participate in it.

For more on the ceremony and the legislation:
The North Carolina National Guard’s website

News 14 video coverage

WNCT’s video coverage

News and Observer editorial

Info on previous military voting legislation

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Servicemembers now can get absentee ballots sooner and have more time to return them.  In addition, many other barriers to casting a ballot have been removed.  Rep. Martin was joined in introducing this legislation to by Rep. Rick Glazier, Rep. Marian McLawhorn, and Rep. Ray Rapp.

To read more and hear the broadcast, visit the Public News Service website.

A Greensboro News & Record editorial “Defending Democracy” had previously applauded the legislation, noting “Americans serving overseas deserve every opportunity to vote. If not for the defenders of democracy, no one’s rights would be secure for long.” Read the full editorial here.

The award citation noted “As a Major in the Army Reserve, Rep. Grier Martin of Wake County is a fitting defender of the environment.  His remarkable pragmatism and long-time commitment to advancing the cause of the environment in North Carolina, make him a great champion.”

In his first term, Martin advanced legislation that is protecting schoolchildren from toxins in school.  Last year, he worked with Rep. Ruth Samuelson (R-Mecklenburg) on legislation to save the state money by purchasing more fuel-efficient vehicles.  Currently, he is helping on legislation to protect Raleigh’s Falls Lake drinking water supply.

Past winners of the award include Rep. Carolyn Justice (R-Pender) and Rep. Paul Luebke (D-Durham).

Pictured here are the members of the Chorus with the members of the General Assembly who have served as paratroopers in the Army (l-to-r): Rep. Grier Martin, Rep. Garland Pierce, Sen. Ed Jones, Sen. Charlie Dannelly, and Rep. John Blust.  Not pictured is Rep. Ric Killian, also airborne-qualified.  The North Carolina state flag in the picture was presented to the Chorus by the General Assembly in appreciation for their performance.

For more about the Chorus’ visit to the General Assembly and a video of part of their performance, visit the Fayetteville Observer’s coverage.  You can hear more of their performance at the NC Center for Voter Education’s archive of General Assembly sessions.  The Chorus’ performance begins around 3:30 into the session.

The Heritage of Raleigh is a senior living community located off of Falls of the Neuse Road.

The Stand Down commenced with a brief ceremony where Rep. Grier Martin, an Afghanistan veteran, was the keynote speaker. Rep. Martin noted that when every veteran took their oath of enlistment, they took on an obligation to our nation. At the same time, however, our nation took on an obligation to that veteran. Ending homelessness amongst veterans is a way to fulfill that obligation.

Rep. Martin is the sponsor of HB1573, which would help the state, and federal governments deliver services to homeless veterans.

The Stand Down was hosted by Wake County Human Services, Wake County Community Services, the N.C. Employment Security Commission, the Durham VA Medical Center, the U.S. Department of Labor Veteran Employment and Training Service, the Healing Place of Wake County, the Raleigh Vet Center, and the City of Raleigh.