State legislators honored for supporting the military

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Wyoming State Sen. Curt Meier and Wyoming State Rep. Eric Barlow were recognized Oct. 20 for their support of the Wyoming Military Department.

Meier and Barlow each received the Patrick Henry Award from the Wyoming National Guard Association. The awards were presented during the Wyoming Military Department's annual Governor's Reception.

The Patrick Henry award recognizes civic leaders or elected officials who distinguished themselves with outstanding and exceptional service to the armed forces.

Barlow was recognized for his support of legislative initiatives like ensuring service members qualified for Medicaid disability waiver payments and that all honorably discharged and disabled veterans receive preference points in the state government hiring process.

aj. Gen. Luke Reiner, Wyoming's adjutant general, said the "extraordinary contributions Rep. Barlow has made as a member of the community and state is a model for those who need a guide to follow."

Meier was recognized for his more than 20 years of legislative support, including being instrumental in ensuring veterans of Wyoming's military can pay in-state tuition at Wyoming colleges and the university and for obtaining hiring preferences for veterans.

"He has spent countless hours working alongside military leaders to comprehend military processes and find language to create the applicable intent in legislative bills that were both meaningful and beneficial," Reiner said.