LETTER TO THE EDITOR | Thank the military on this special month

Editor, Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month in 1999 for the public to demonstrate their appreciation for the sacrifices and successes made by our service members past and present. Each year the president makes a proclamation, reminding Americans of the important role the U.S. Armed Forces have played in the history and development of our country. After the parades and other recognitions of public service, challenge yourself to learn more about our Island County military members and veterans’ service experiences and the value that they bring to our communities.

May 22, 2015 7:13 pm

Editor,

Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month in 1999 for the public to demonstrate their appreciation for the sacrifices and successes made by our service members past and present. Each year the president makes a proclamation, reminding Americans of the important role the U.S. Armed Forces have played in the history and development of our country. After the parades and other recognitions of public service, challenge yourself to learn more about our Island County military members and veterans’ service experiences and the value that they bring to our communities.

As citizens, we must recognize the important jobs of military service personnel and the fact that many of them are at serious personal risk while deployed to worldwide humanitarian assistance or combat duties. Our forces in readiness not only work to shield us from hostile attack, but also provide disaster assistance when appropriate with responses when called from the Air and Army National Guard.

It is these military and veterans who defend the U.S. and the tenets of democracy; we honor all their service and the commitment and sacrifices of our military families, whether it be WWI, WWII, Korean, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan wars and other conflicts.

In addition to having earned our appreciation, our veterans and families need our advocacy and often assistance with challenges such as transportation to access veterans clinics and other services. Join with others in your community in showing your appreciation of their services through personal contact, volunteering and donations to support organizations.

For more information regarding veterans and military support programs call Island County Veterans Services at 360-679-4093 or 360-632-7328; Opportunity Council Veterans Services at 360-240-9476, extension 136; or Whidbey Veterans Resource Center at 360-331-8081.

Claims assistance is available at the Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars at 3037 Goldie Road, Oak Harbor Washington, 98277. To reach the office, call 360-682-2945 or visit in person during the following hours: Mondays, 9 a.m.-noon; Tuesday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon.

Island County Veterans Services and the Whidbey Veterans Resource Center are working together to establish claims assistance services and transportation options for South Whidbey Veterans and their families.

DANA SAWYERS

Island County Veterans Services coordinator