Martin Military Bills Signed Into Law

August 6, 2010

Three of Rep. Grier Martin’s bills benefiting North Carolina’s military community became law today. In a ceremony at the National Guard Armory in Morrisville the Governor signed HB76, HB412, and HB614.Martin bills signed into law

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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Grier Addresses Huntington’s Disease Convention

July 27, 2010

The Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) recently held its national convention in Raleigh.  Rep. Grier Martin addressed the opening session, welcoming  attendees from around the country to Raleigh.  Martin focused on the impact of Huntington’s Disease on families and noted that, in some respects, the convention was a family reunion of those whose lives have been affected by the disease.

Huntington’s Disease is a hereditary, degenerative brain disorder.  HDSA works for treatments and, someday, a cure and also supports patients and their families.  For more information, visit their website.

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NC: Model State for Military Voting

July 23, 2010

Grier Martin was recently featured in a Public News Service broadcast on military voting in North Carolina.  The broadcast highlighted recent legislation that has made it easier for deployed servicemembers to cast a ballot.  Rep. Martin’s HB614, awaiting signature by the Governor, will build upon the significant improvements made in S.L. 2009-537, based on language from another of Rep. Martin’s bills.

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.

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Martin Honored for Commitment to Air and Water Quality

July 11, 2010

The Conservation Council of North Carolina gave its “Defender of the Environment Award” to Rep. Grier Martin Thursday at its annual “Green Tie Awards Dinner.”  The award recognized Martin’s commitment to protecting the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink, and for his work in reducing America’s reliance on foreign oil.

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).

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82nd Airborne Chorus Peforms at General Assembly

June 30, 2010

The 82nd Airborne Division’s All-American Chorus performed at the General Assembly Wednesday.  The Chorus is made up entirely of paratroopers, most of whom are combat veterans and all of whom are talented singers.  The Chorus performed the traditional airborne song “Blood on the Risers,” “Carolina In My Mind”, and a medley of the songs of the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

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.

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Memorial Day at The Heritage of Raleigh

June 8, 2010

Grier spoke at the annual Memorial Day ceremony at The Heritage of Raleigh.  The ceremony included patriotic music and speeches from Heritage residents who served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Grier spoke of his experiences in Afghanistan and of the important example set by earlier generations of veterans.

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

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Grier Visits Hunter Elementary

April 9, 2010

Grier attended this year’s Hunter Elementary Author Visit.  Evey two years, Hunter brings in a nationally recognized children’s book author to work with students for a few days.  This year’s author was Kevin O’Malley.  Rep. Martin got the chance to meet  Mr. O’Malley and with many of the students and faculty at Hunter.  Mr. O’Malley is the author of “Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude,” one of Grier’s daughter’s favorite books.

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Rep. Martin Meets with AARP

April 1, 2010

Representatives of the North Carolina AARP met with Rep. Martin today to discuss several issues important to AARP members. In particular, the meeting focused on a program to assist family members who are caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients. Rep. Martin’s grandfather died of complications from early onset Alzheimer’s in 1974 and his grandmother was a caregiver for several years. “Helping caregivers in their work can postpone institutionalization of the Alzheimer’s victim,” said Rep. Martin. “This saves the state money and helps our citizens at the same time.”

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Serving our Homeless Veterans

March 26, 2010

Raleigh-area homeless veterans had a chance to get healthcare, food, showers and info on VA benefits, job training, housing and other services at the annual Veterans Stand Down yesterday.

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.

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Grier at Daniels Middle School Career Day

March 19, 2010

Daniels Middle School held a Career Day symposium today highlighting jobs with a humanities focus. Rep. Grier Martin was one of a group of speakers invited to share the importance of the humanities in their jobs. Rep. Martin spoke of the need to speak and write effectively and to understand the history and culture of North Carolina in order to be an effective legislator.

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