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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope you are having an enjoyable summer and are able to take some time to spend with your family and friends. I wanted to take a few moments to share an article I’ve written for several of our local newspapers regarding an opportunity to recognize the work of those who volunteer to help our service men and women.
We have thousands of volunteers throughout the state who selflessly serve our returning military members. This is a chance to thank them for their efforts.
Please take a moment to read the article and if you know someone who deserves this recognition, download the nomination form.
I welcome your questions and comments.
Give recognition to those who serve our veterans
By Rep. Dan Kristiansen
President George Washington once said, “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.” No one understands this more than the individuals who devote their time, talent and energy toward improving the lives of Washington state’s 615,000 veterans.
While it is appropriate to honor the men and women of the United States armed services who have made great sacrifices to ensure our freedom, it is also important to recognize those citizens who serve those who served.
Each year, the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) provides this recognition through service awards given to outstanding Washington residents who help veterans and their families. This year, they are offering awards for seven categories:
- Outstanding Veteran Volunteer;
- Outstanding Volunteer Service Officer;
- Outstanding Service Officer;
- Outstanding Employee for service to veterans;
- Outstanding Male Non-Veteran for service to veterans;
- Outstanding Female Non-Veteran for service to veterans; and
- Outstanding Patriotic Service Award.
Nominations for these awards are now being accepted. The nominations may be submitted by any person, organization or institution.
If you know of someone who selflessly serves our veterans and is dedicated to making their lives better and brighter, I encourage you to submit a nomination for this award of recognition. You may download the form from my Web site at: houserepublicans.wa.gov/Kristiansen/serviceawardform.pdf.
Nominations must be postmarked no later than Sept. 10, so please download and submit the form as quickly as possible.
For more information, contact WDVA at (360) 725-2200 or toll free: 1-800-562-0132.
Thank you to all of our veterans and to all who serve them. We live in the land of the free because it is the home you defend – the home of the brave.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: Rep. Dan Kristiansen, R-Snohomish, serves as chairman of the Washington House Republican Caucus and represents the 39th Legislative District. He can be contacted at (360) 786-7967 or e-mail him through his Web site at: houserepublicans.wa.gov/Kristiansen. His office address is: P.O. Box 40600, Olympia, WA 98504-0600.
In your service,
Dan Kristiansen
