Editor,

Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month in 1999 for the public to demonstrate its 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 played in the history and development of our country.

After the parades and other recognitions of public service, challenge yourself to learn more about the military members and veterans’ service experiences and the value that they bring to our communities.

As citizens, we must recognize the important jobs our military service personnel are doing, and the fact that many of them are at serious personal risk in disaster response in the U.S. or deployed to U.S.-led humanitarian assistance or combat duties.

It is the military that defends us so that Americans and others enjoy a wonderful lifestyle, whether it be, for example, in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam or the Iraq wars.

Our forces in readiness not only shield us from hostile attack, but also provide disaster assistance when appropriate, and assets are available through the Air and Army National Guard organizations.

In addition to having earned our appreciation, our veterans and their families need our advocacy to assist in 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 donating to support organizations.

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

Veterans Services claims officers are available to assist 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at Opportunity Council, Family Resource Center in Oak Harbor.

Chapter Service Officers are available at the Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars, 3037 Goldie Road, 360-682-2945. VFW claims assistance is available 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

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

Dana Sawyers

Coordinator

Island County Veterans Services

Oak Harbor