Timeline of Jon’s work on the Yellowstone County Veterans Cemetery (YCVC)

July 31, 2012

At Tester’s urging, the VA recognizes YCVC as a National Veterans Burial Ground

March 7, 2012

Tester meets with VA Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, Steve L. Muro, to get an update on the rural veterans national cemetery initiative and to advocate for providing such a designation to the YCVC in a timely manner.

February 14, 2012

After much urging from Tester, the budget for fiscal year 2013 includes a provision to allow the VA National Cemetery Administration to purchase land from rural cemeteries in eight states, including Montana

January 23, 2012

Tester meets with VA Secretary Eric Shinseki to push again for national designation of the YCVC

January 4, 2012

Tester writes to Shinseki to encourage him to designate the YCVC as a national VA cemetery

July 21, 2011

Tester pushes Shinseki to establish a national veterans cemetery at the YCVC

July 20, 2011

Tester includes language in the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act calling on the VA to allow rural cemeteries like the YCVC to become VA National Cemeteries

July 8, 2011

Tester connects Shinseki with Yellowstone County Commissioner Bill Kennedy to talk about the YCVC

July 8, 2011

Tester brings Shinseki to Montana to hear from local veterans. During their trip to Billings, Shinseki heard from local veterans and advocates about the importance of national designation for the YCVC

March 1, 2011

Tester meets with Shinseki to continue to push for national recognition of the YCVC

July 21, 2010

Tester writes to Shinseki to request that the YCVC be added to the list of national VA cemeteries

January 28, 2010

Tester meets with Shinseki to continue to push for national recognition of the YCVC

July 7, 2009

Tester includes language in the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act requiring the National Cemetery Administration to study the possibility of creating a national cemetery in Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, Idaho or eastern Washington.

December 10, 2008

Tester meets with VA Secretary nominee General Eric Shinseki, and pushes for national designation of the YCVC

November 11, 2008

Tester attends the dedication of the YCVC

May 26, 2008

Tester attends YCVC Groundbreaking ceremony

February 20, 2008

Tester brings VA Secretary Peake to Montana to hear from local veterans. During their trip to Billings, Secretary Peake hears from local veterans and advocates about the importance of national designation for the YCVC

January 22, 2008

Tester meets with Peake to continue to push for national recognition of the YCVC

November 6, 2007

Tester meets with VA Secretary nominee Lt. General James Peake. During the meeting, Tester pushes for national designation of the YCVC