State Rep. Jamie Foster, co-chair of the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, convened the committee’s first organizational meeting and said it was “an honor to be on this committee and serve with you.”

The committee set its next meeting for Jan. 21 at 12 p.m. and announced a bipartisan initiative to meet with community organizations in a “speed‑dating” format to hear priorities from veterans groups and service organizations. Committee staff also said members could check in for attendance purposes until 11 a.m. on meeting days.

Why it matters: The organizational session established leadership roles and outreach plans that will shape which proposals and community concerns the committee considers during the legislative session. Members emphasized a bipartisan approach and repeated commitments to veterans, service members and their families.

State Sen. Paul Honig, co‑chair, described a family connection to veterans’ benefits: “My father was a Korean war veteran … he was able to go to law school through the GI Bill,” a remark made while stressing the committee’s role in supporting service members. Ranking members introduced themselves: Rep. Mark Anderson (ranking member, House) and Sen. Jeff Gordon (ranking member, Senate) both pledged to work with chairs and members on veterans’ issues.

Several members noted the committee’s nonpartisan tone and background connections to military service. Sen. Kathy Austin identified herself as the only female veteran currently serving in the General Assembly and said she was “very proud to be a veteran and equally proud to serve on this committee.” Former committee chair Rep. Nolan and several returning members underscored past bipartisan accomplishments and a desire to continue that work.

Members mentioned several Connecticut veterans’ facilities and resources that factor into committee work, including the Newington VA, the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs office in Rocky Hill and the state veterans cemetery in Middletown. Sen. Jeff Gordon also acknowledged the funeral service for former President Jimmy Carter and his military service during introductory remarks.

No bills were debated, no motions were offered, and no formal votes were recorded during the session. The meeting consisted of member introductions, procedural announcements and scheduling. Committee leadership invited stakeholders to request appearances at upcoming meetings.

The committee concluded by reiterating the Jan. 21 meeting time and encouraging stakeholders to contact leadership to be placed on future agendas.