On Friday, April 28, 2017, the NYC Veterans Alliance, in partnership with Civic Hall and Veterans Campaign, hosted a Conversation on Service-Driven Political Leadership featuring Hon. Patrick Murphy, the first post-9/11 veteran elected to the U.S. Congress, and Hon. Charles Rangel, a decorated Korean War veteran who served 46 years in Congress.

Mr. Murphy talked with us about his service as a Solider in Iraq, followed by his service in the U.S. Congress from 2007 to 2011, as well as his work as Acting Secretary and then Undersecretary of the United States Army 2016-2017. Mr. Rangel told us some of his lesser-told stories of service in the Korean War, including his harrowing experience in the Battle of Kunu-ri and his actions as a private first class for which he was awarded a Bronze Star with Valor.

Murphy and Rangel spoke candidly about how important it is for veterans to continue their service to community and country, highlighting how veterans are agents of social change because of their commitment to service. This conversation was the kickoff for our weekend training to prepare veterans and spouses to run for elected office - the first-ever NYC Veteran Candidate Workshop.

Participants in our workshop attended, as well as members of the NYC Veterans Alliance, veterans and family members from our community, and Civic Hall community members. The event was free and open to the public on a first-come basis.

Watch our full Facebook Live Video.

View our photo roll from this event and our NYC Veteran Candidate Workshop:

https://flic.kr/s/aHskWkxpqy

This evening event also included a Veteran Resource Showcase with organizations that offer healthcare, mental healthcare, and benefits counseling for NYC-area veterans and families, including the NYC Department of Veterans' Services, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Vet Center, NYU Langone's Cohen Military Family Clinic, NY Presbyterian Military Family Wellness Center, and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America's Rapid Response Referral Program.

Backward Flag Brewing Company, a veteran-owned and operated brewery based in Forked River, NJ, generously served their excellent beer for our audience to enjoy.