CBOC Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Franklin, Part One Welcoming Remarks and Introduction of Speakers

[**note** This is taking longer than I expected because I want to do this project right, so please excuse me if the videos are a little slower than normal coming out. --TP]

These are the Welcoming Remarks and Introduction of Speakers by David L. Raney, PhD., Col., USAR (Ret). He is the Communications Officer, VISN 6.

He is responsible for internal communications with VA staff, volunteers, and externals such as members of Congress, Veterans Service Organizations, and the VA Central Office. The VISN 6 Network serves over 300,000 veterans across North Carolina, most of Virginia and a portion of West Virginia.

Raney earned his commission through Infantry Officer Candidate School and retired from the US Army in the rank of Colonel after 33 years active and reserve duty. He served in Vietnam and as senior public affairs advisor to the 4-star Commander of the International Peacekeeping Force (SFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He was recalled to active duty after 9-11 and served as the Senior Reserve Public Affairs Officer for US Joint Forces Command in Norfolk.

He teaches evening college courses in writing, oral communication and public affairs.

He is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and roots for the Tar Heels with his 92-year old dad (UNC Class 1935 and a WWII Navy veteran). His wife is Mary Palmer Raney (MEd, Auburn) and they have two daughters and two grandchildren.