Original Post: Senator Tim Kaine (D) and congressional hopeful Eugene Vindman quietly campaigned in Woodbridge on Wednesday, July 3.
The duo were joined by other elected officials, including Margaret Franklin and Victor Angry, who sit on the Prince William Board of County Supervisors.
Veterans Grow America hosted an event on its retail space next to Wegmans at Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center in Woodbridge.
It was great to join Senator @TimKaine this afternoon for a roundtable discussion at Veterans Growing America in Woodbridge.
From helping Veterans build their own business, to fighting to end Veteran homelessness — in Congress I will be a champion for our Veteran community. pic.twitter.com/8yBTxJnx0B
— Eugene Vindman (@YVindman) July 3, 2024
A Kaine campaign spokesman emailed Potomac Local, and Kaine made the campaign stump as part of his “Salute to Service” tour, which kicked off on July 1 to celebrate public servants, made stops in Stafford and Woodbridge, highlighting his long-standing support for military members, veterans, teachers, and healthcare workers.
A spokesman for Veterans Growing America told us Kaine’s campaign would invite the press, but no press attended the event. Potomac Local did not receive notification about Kaine’s campaign stumps in our area despite receiving regular press releases from his Senate office.
Communications from Kaine’s campaign and senate office in Washington, D.C., are managed by employees. A Kaine campaign staffer added that reporters would have been allowed in if any had shown up.
The campaign appearance comes after the presidential debate between Biden and Trump. Many Democrats have called for Biden to step aside and allow someone else to run for the presidency due to the president’s declining cognitive abilities.
So far, the candidates have been silent on whether or not Biden should end his re-election campaign, so we asked Kaine and Vindman (see the text of our email to each campaign below) and received no response from either candidate. However, Kaine stated his support for Biden’s re-election campaign on his X account on Thursday, July 4; “I’m with Joe. We stand up and stand together. Trump and his lemmings will tear us down and tear us apart.”
Sign up for our FREE news email, and we’ll let you know if the candidates respond to our questions.
Dear Senator Kaine and Col. Vindman,
Happy Independence Day. My name is Uriah Kiser, and I am the publisher of Potomac Local News. We recently came across a post on Facebook about your joint visit to Veterans Grow America in Woodbridge, a commendable organization and one of our valued sponsors.
Veterans Grow America informed us that no reporters attended the event, despite an expectation that Senator Kaine would invite the press. We would appreciate your assistance in addressing the following questions for an article we are preparing:
1. What members of the press were invited to the event? If none were invited, could you explain the reasoning behind this decision?
2. What key points and discussions took place during your campaign stop in Woodbridge? Additionally, why was Veterans Grow America chosen as the location for this visit?
3. Where do you, Senator Kaine, and you, Col. Vindman, stand regarding your support for President Joe Biden’s reelection? Since the debate a week ago, there have been calls for him to step down from the race; do you support those calls?
5. How has the president’s debate performance changed your respective campaigns as we closer to early voting?
6. Col. Vindman, you have been accused of having staff screen voters before you speak to them in public. https://x.com/notlarrysabato/status/1803102785744797731 Is this true? Is this why no press was invited to the Woodbridge event?
4. How do you each of you plan to spend your Independence Day holiday this year?The responses you provide will be included in a post on our site, potomaclocalnews.com. We believe our readers will be very interested in your insights and perspectives on these matters.
Thank you for your time and attention. We look forward to your response.
Uriah Kiser
Founder & Publisher
Potomac Local News
Today, we spotlight BLK ESSENSE, a fragrance company making waves in the industry. Led by U.S. Army Retired Lieutenant Colonel Sherrie M. Bryant, BLK ESSENSE has found unexpected support from Veterans Growing America. Through mentorship, training, and networking opportunities, Bryant gained crucial skills and certifications, enabling her to navigate government contracting successfully.
By leveraging social media and professional memberships, BLK ESSENSE continues to expand its reach and promote its exceptional products. Bryant’s journey serves as an inspiration, showcasing the power of determination and the importance of support networks like Veterans Growing America in fostering success for veteran-owned businesses.
BLK ESSENSE, a small business specializing in fragrances, has been making waves in the industry with its unique products and ambitious vision. Led by U.S. Army Retired Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Sherrie M. Bryant, a passionate entrepreneur determined to succeed, BLK ESSENSE has found support and guidance from an unexpected source: Veterans Growing America.
A military veteran, Bryant has faced and overcome numerous challenges as an entrepreneur. From providing a service to crafting a product, she has navigated the complexities of business ownership with resilience and dedication. Her drive to succeed stems from personal ambition and a desire to empower other veterans and women to realize their potential in the business world.
Veterans Growing America, an organization committed to supporting and empowering veteran-owned businesses, recognized the potential in BLK ESSENSE and stepped in to assist. Through mentorship, training, and networking opportunities, Bryant was equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to take her business to new heights.
“I didn’t even know that I could do contracting,” Bryant explains, highlighting the transformative impact of the support she received from Veterans Growing America. With their guidance, she obtained essential certifications and learned how to navigate the world of government contracting, opening up many opportunities for her business.
In addition to Veterans Growing America’s support, Bryant has embraced various professional memberships and networking opportunities to expand her reach further. From joining the Entrepreneurs League to attending training sessions on women’s business initiatives, she remains committed to continuous growth and learning.
Through strategic marketing efforts on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, BLK ESSENSE has connected with a broader audience and showcased its exceptional products. Bryant’s dedication to leveraging every opportunity to promote her business reflects her unwavering commitment to success.
As BLK ESSENSE continues to flourish, Bryant remains steadfast in her belief that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially veterans, and women, reminding them that with the right support and mindset, they can achieve their dreams.
With the support of Veterans Growing America and a relentless drive for success, BLK ESSENSE is well on its way to becoming a household name in the fragrance industry.
Mattilyn Ross, a Navy Reserve Corpsman, has embarked on a new journey as an entrepreneur, launching Wellness Remedies, a holistic wellness business to support civilians and veterans. Ross’ path to entrepreneurship was marked by determination and the invaluable support of organizations such as Veterans Growing America (VGA).
Ross’s venture into the wellness world began with a desire to find purpose beyond her military service. Initially joining the Navy Reserve to fund her education, Ross discovered a passion for community service and holistic care, inspired by her military experiences and her family’s service history.
“When I first joined the Navy Reserve, I saw it as a way to pay for school. But halfway through boot camp, I realized that traditional education wasn’t for me,” Ross shared. “I found fulfillment in serving my country and knew I wanted to continue making a difference.”
The turning point came when Ross encountered VGA during a pop-up event in Wardolf, Maryland. Recognizing the potential for growth and connection within the veteran community, Ross decided to seize the opportunity to become a vendor with VGA.
“Discovering Veterans Growing America was a game-changer for me,” Ross reflected. “Their support and guidance have been instrumental in shaping Wellness Remedies into what it is today.”
Since joining VGA’s vibrant community of entrepreneurs at the Stonebridge location, Wellness Remedies has flourished. Ross credits VGA for providing a supportive environment and helping her refine her marketing strategies and develop her sales pitch.
“At VGA, they encourage us to share our stories and connect with customers on a personal level. This emphasis on storytelling has been key to our success,” BrRossyant explained. “It’s more than just selling products—it’s about building relationships and making a positive impact.”
Looking to the future, Ross envisions expanding Wellness Remedies beyond the East Coast and creating a comprehensive wellness center alongside her mother, a therapist.
“Our goal is to offer holistic care that addresses the diverse needs of our community, both locally and nationally,” Ross shared. “With the support of organizations like VGA, I’m confident that we can continue to grow and make a difference in people’s lives.”
As Ross continues to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, her commitment to serving others and fostering community remains unwavering. Through partnerships with organizations like Veterans Growing America, Ross’ vision for Wellness Remedies is poised for continued success and impact.
