As your constituent, I am writing to ask for your support of Senate Bill 767, which supports the recruitment of highly qualified members of the Virginia National Guard by increasing the budget for the incredibly successful Referral Enlistment Program, or REP. This bill proposes an increase in funding from $50,000 to $250,000. The REP is an essential initiative that not only bolsters our Virginia National Guard's military readiness by encouraging lead generation by eligible Virginians, but also advertises valuable opportunities for individuals to serve their communities who would have otherwise remained ignorant. By increasing the budget, this bill encourages currently serving Soldiers and Airmen, alumni, friends, families, and other eligible Virginians to generate leads for recruitment into local National Guard units. This expanded outreach method is far more effective at recruitment than traditional marketing. The existing program has surpassed its budget for the last 2 years within the first few months of the fiscal year. Passage of this bill is a vital step toward ensuring that the Virginia National Guard remains a strong and capable force, ready to respond to both state and national emergencies. I ask that you please support Senate Bill 767 to help ensure the continued success and growth of the Virginia National Guard. Your backing of this bill will contribute to the well-being of our service members and the safety of the Commonwealth as a whole. Thank you for your time and consideration.

As a concerned constituent, I urge you to consider supporting Senate Bill 767, a crucial piece of legislation aimed at strengthening the recruitment efforts of highly qualified members of the Virginia National Guard. These bills proposes a significant increase in funding for the Referral Enlistment Program (REP) from $50,000 to $250,000. The REP plays a vital role in enhancing the military readiness of the Virginia National Guard by incentivizing eligible Virginians to refer potential recruits, thereby expanding the pool of talented individuals serving their communities. By allocating more resources to this program, we can ensure that our National Guard units have access to a steady influx of dedicated personnel. In recent years, the REP has proven its effectiveness in surpassing its budget within the first few months of the fiscal year, underscoring the importance of investing in this innovative recruitment strategy. By supporting Senate Bill 767, you will be taking a proactive step towards maintaining a strong and capable Virginia National Guard, capable of responding swiftly to emergencies at both the state and national levels. Your endorsement of Senate Bill 767 is crucial in safeguarding the well-being of our service members and enhancing the safety of our Commonwealth. Thank you for considering this important issue and for your continued support of our military personnel.