Watch the full event here: https://youtu.be/IWEgSmJ8HVE

WASHINGTON, D.C. / DANVILLE – Today, Rep. Jim Baird (R-IN-04) joined Indiana veterans in a virtual town hall to discuss the importance of American global health, diplomacy, and development programs to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and protect the health and safety of all Americans—in Indiana and across the country.

“As we all grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot overlook the effects of this health crisis on other aspects of American life, particularly the safety and security of our families and communities,” said Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN). “As a fellow veteran, I know how dedicated our military men and women are to protecting our country from threats foreign and domestic; and as an elected leader, I am devoted to doing the same. Working alongside my colleagues in Congress, I am committed to using all the national security tools at our disposal — including our country’s diplomacy, global health, and foreign assistance programs — to contain the spread of COVID-19 and protect all Americans at home or abroad from future outbreaks.”

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) hosted today’s online event at a time when policy makers are considering our country’s response to the pandemic at home and abroad, including resources for the State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC).

U.S. international engagement is crucial to deal with the pandemic, from a global health perspective as well as a national security one, as highlighted by today’s event.

“Indiana is home to over a half million veterans and we are honored that a number of them could join today’s conversation with Congressman Baird,” said Sean Sorbie, USGLC Director of Veterans Outreach. “As an Army veteran himself, the congressman understands what it takes to protect our country and why, in this moment, a U.S. global response is crucial to deal with the pandemic and keep American families and communities safe.”

Many of today’s participants are members of the USGLC’s Indiana Advisory Committee and active in Veterans for Smart Power, a strong and growing network of over 30,000 veterans who understand the importance of U.S. diplomacy and development, alongside defense, to help keep our country strong and safe.