Just Energy to Extend Support to Veterans of Greater Laredo Area

LAREDO, Texas, March 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Veterans of the greater Laredo area who served their nation through military service will receive financial assistance for a range of everyday needs thanks to a donation by Just Energy.

The Laredo Veterans Coalition will receive a $10,000 donation which will be used to provide financial support to local veterans for needs such as rent and utility assistance, transportation, healthcare services and more. All the money will go directly to benefit veterans and will not be used for administrative purposes.

"Just Energy is proud to partner with local support groups to serve those who served their nation," said James Lewis, Just Energy's Chief Operating Officer. "In these tough economic times, assisting veterans to meet some of their basic everyday needs is the least we can do to give back as a gesture of our gratitude."

"We can't forget the service and sacrifice of so many veterans in Laredo, across Texas and throughout the nation," said Jose Soto, Executive Director of the Laredo Veterans Coalition. "We are grateful that companies like Just Energy are leading by example and raising awareness of the unmet needs of America's veterans."

Unemployment remains an acute problem for veterans including those returning from tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate among veterans has declined from the high of 15.2 percent a year ago, but still remains above the national average at 9.1 percent.

"I want to thank Just Energy for providing much-needed funds for our veterans here in Laredo, veterans who bravely served their country, and who now are struggling financially to make it day to day," said City of Laredo Mayor Raul G. Salinas. "When we as a community make the care and welfare of our veterans a priority, we are demonstrating to those who defended our liberties that it is now our turn to take care of them."

Established in 1980, the Laredo Veterans Coalition (LVC) was organized to act as a single representative body for the more than 12,000 veterans living in Webb County. The LVC's mission is to plan, recognize and honor the service of veterans past, present and future, and generally to support veterans with health, education and retirement needs.

SOURCE Just Energy