Kitsap Military Appreciation Day | A salute to local military from Rep. Derek Kilmer

Published 11:30 am Friday, March 10, 2017

Welcome to Kitsap County’s 2017 Military Appreciation Day.

Here in Kitsap County we have a special understanding of what it means to serve. Every day we see members of the military defending the freedom of our community while at the same time making a positive impact on it. That’s because tens of thousands of servicemembers and veterans call our region home. Not to mention the thousands of Department of Defense civilian employees who live here and serve our country each day by ensuring the readiness and safety of our armed forces.

Our local economy has also gotten a boost because veterans and servicemembers are a key part of it. These men and women use their skills to create a small business or bring what they’ve learned to employers looking to fill open jobs. We know that they have our backs while serving on our behalf.

Here in Kitsap County, we are committed to the notion that we should have theirs too.

Saying “thank you” is important. But those words must be backed up by action. It’s pretty simple. If you fight for your country you shouldn’t have to fight for a job. In the land of the free and the home of the brave, every brave veteran should have a home. In our region, or anywhere else in our country, you should have access to the benefits you’ve earned.

That’s what this day is about. Today is a part of our tradition in Kitsap County of going beyond saying thanks by turning our words into deeds. The sponsors of this outstanding event and the volunteers and folks who make it possible are shining examples of the dedication we show to our local heroes. The 2017 Military Appreciation Day is an opportunity for all of us to support those who serve. These events are important.

As your representative, I’m focused on doing my part to show veterans and our servicemembers that we have their backs. I will continue to go to bat for our local military installations. I’m fighting to do away with outdated regulations that are currently preventing retired servicemembers in our region from taking a job they were promised at the shipyard. After the scandals we’ve seen at the VA, I’m also working to make the agency more accountable and deliver better care so America can keep its promises to servicemembers and their families. I’ve sponsored several bills on that front.

But beyond working for systemic changes, our team is also committed to working for you. Every veteran and every military family should get the recognition and care they deserve. If you are grappling with the VA or any other federal agency, don’t hesitate to contact my Bremerton office at 360- 373-9725.

It’s my honor to welcome you to this great event spotlighting the services of so many of our neighbors. Your participation today – whether you are joining in the festivities or providing info about your local business – proves your appreciation and dedication. Thank you for all you do to support our local military personnel.

It’s an honor to serve as your representative. God bless you – and God bless America!

Congressman Derek Kilmer

About Rep. Kilmer

Derek Kilmer represents Washington’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was elected in 2012. With more than a decade of experience in economic development, Rep. Kilmer is focused on getting our economy and our Congress back to work.

Prior to his time in Congress, Kilmer served in the state House of Representatives from 2004-06 and in the state Senate from 2007–12.

Kilmer grew up on the Olympic Peninsula and is the son of two school teachers. He and his wife Jennifer live in Gig Harbor with their daughters, Sophie and Tess.

This story originally appeared in the Military Appreciation Day special section published by Kitsap News Group March 10, 2017. It appeared as a supplement in the Bainbridge Island Review, Central Kitsap Reporter, North Kitsap Herald and Port Orchard Independent.