Sunday, November 2nd at 1:00 PM
Presented by Vets Town Hall, Lt. Governor John Rodgers, and Rep. Jill Krowinski. James Ehlers will emcee.
All are invited to a Vets Town Hall in the House Chamber at Vermont’s State House on Sunday, November 2nd, 2025, at 1pm in Montpelier. Veterans are invited to speak about what their service means to them. Non-veterans are encouraged to attend and listen. This event is free, non-political, and all perspectives are valued. There will be no debate on American foreign policy.
RSVPs are optional, but encouraged. Registration will open in September.
Check back for details.
What to Expect
For all attendees: All community members are invited to this event. Only veterans will speak, but non-veterans are encouraged to attend and listen. Throughout the event, you may hear something you agree or disagree with. You may have a question. Or you may want to say encouraging words with the intention to help. However, we ask that you please refrain from responding. We are simply here to listen and learn about what it was like to serve in the wars that this nation has chosen to fight.
For speakers: Tell us what your service means to you. Please tell us about your own experiences, whatever they may be, rather than speaking broadly about an issue or organization. You’re a member of our community, and it’s your stories, reflections, and insights that we’re anxious to hear. If you’re interested in speaking but aren’t sure what to speak about, click here for some questions that can serve as starting points. Each veteran will be given up to 10 minutes to speak. Veterans who would like to speak can mark that preference when registering. If you’re considering speaking but prefer not to register, we encourage you to attend. After pre-registered speakers go, the host will take speakers from the floor, time permitting. The goal is for every veteran who would like to speak to have a chance to do so. Of course, veterans (and all community members) are also welcome to simply attend and listen.
Getting There
Parking: Attendees can park in any of the lots surrounding the State House (Aiken Avenue, F lot, D lot). You can find a parking map here.
Accessibility: Information about accessible parking and access to the building can be found on this map.
Community Partners
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Vermont Veterans Fund
The Vermont Veterans Fund was created in 2010 to provide grants or support to individuals or organizations engaged in activities that provide services: Under the guidance of the Veterans Fund committee, a group of veterans and veteran service providers with wide ranging experience in veteran services, the Fund supports large and small programs developed by…
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Vermont Humanities
A statewide nonprofit organization founded in 1974, Vermont Humanities seeks to engage all Vermonters in the world of ideas, foster a culture of thoughtfulness, and inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning. A state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, Vermont Humanities believes that engagement with the world of ideas, in interaction…
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James Ehlers
James Ehlers is a former naval officer and current chief of staff to Lt. Governor John Rodgers, as well as a VFW Member of Post 1767.
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Lieutenant Governor John Rodgers
Lt. Governor John Rodgers is a father, husband, farmer, former legislator, and the 84th Lt. Governor of Vermont. He currently lives on his 200-year-old family farm in Glover, VT with his wife Brenda where he continues to farm with his son. John Rodgers was first elected as the collector of delinquent tax in his hometown…
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Representative Jill Krowinski
Jill Krowinski of Burlington was elected Vermont Speaker of the House on January 6th, 2021. She has served in the House since 2012 and was elected as House Majority Leader in 2017. Krowinski has experience working at non-profits and serving on community boards. Jill has served as the Executive Director of Emerge Vermont, an organization…
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Cabot Creamery Co-operative
Cabot Creamery achieved B Corp certification in 2012 and became the world’s first dairy cooperative to do so. This certification demonstrates their commitment to environmental and social impacts for their consumers, employees and cooperative of dairy farm families. Read more to learn more about what it means to be a B Corp.
