Senator Warner began two days of travel in the Shenandoah Valley by honoring veterans at a lunch at the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park. The Senator touched on efforts he had made to aid veterans and streamline service providing as governor and now senator. The senator specifically discussed his recent efforts to get the VA to study female vets suffering from PTSD.

"There is no place in Iraq or Afghanistan that is truly behind the battle lines," Senator Warner said. "We need to honor the sacrifices of ALL our veterans."

Later in the day, Senator Warner participated in a roundtable discussion about consolidating and improving tourism outreach by Valley groups and destinations at the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton. As governor, Senator Warner led a very successful effort to better market and package tourism in Southwest Virginia. One of the better known results of this effort is the Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail.

Senator Warner encouraged the organizations to coordinate their efforts. "You have world class destinations here," he said. "the name Shenandoah is recognized worldwide."

After a winding drive through the mountains, we arrived at our final destination for the day: Highland County. Local vets gave Senator Warner a tour of the new Highland Veterans Memorial Walk of Honor in Monterey, before heading to the historic Highland Inn for coffee and conversation.

Senator Warner took questions on the economy and politics and ended by urging participants to remain optimistic about prospects for the U.S.

"I still wouldn't bet against America," Senator Warner said.