More than 100 services and resources, veterans assistance and family fun. And it’s free
BREMERTON — It’s the region’s biggest expression of community support for the military.
It’s Military Appreciation Day, an annual event organized by the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce’s Military Affairs Committee.
The event is scheduled March 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the Kitsap Sun Pavilion at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds.
The day will feature more than 100 organizations; fun, games and entertainment for children; and services and resources for active duty and retired personnel.
“The best compliment I ever get is when military officials tell us this area has a reputation worldwide for how well the military is appreciated,” said Jennifer Zuver, past president of the Silverdale Area Chamber of Commerce and wife of a newly retired Navy master at arms.
“It’s to the benefit of our economy to support our military. But on a personal level, we want our military personnel to be a part of the community, and not just do their service here and leave.”
Military personnel say events like Military Appreciation Day make them feel they are a part of the community family.
“I find the support is motivating and reminds me I’m doing something useful — not just for the nation, but the local community as well,” Lt. Beau Blanchard, USN, region staff executive officer, Naval Base Kitsap.
“It is refreshing to hear people appreciate what we do,” said YN2 Joshua Devine, region administrative leading petty officer, Naval Base Kitsap. “It’s way better than hearing some of the negative comments. Stuff like this does help. It makes me feel appreciated.”
The menu of Military Appreciation Day activities includes:
— Children’s activities.
— Mini boot camp for children.
— Door prizes for military personnel.
— Information about what Kitsap has to offer.
— Information about local businesses.
— Free food and non-alcoholic drinks.
— Center Stage performers.
SPONSORS
Military Appreciation Day sponsors include:
— Liberty Bay Auto.
— Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation.
— The Point Casino.
— Olympic College.
— First Command Financial Services.
— Dignity Memorial.
— Military Affairs Committee of the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce.
— Silverdale Chamber of Commerce.
— Air Masters, Inc.
— Dentistry for Children.
— Kitsap Credit Union.
— American Financial Solutions.
— Sound Publishing, Inc.
MAJOR INFLUENCE IN LOCAL LIFE
The people of the U.S. armed services play a significant role in Kitsap community life. Military personnel attend local colleges and are involved in their communities. Family members own or work in local businesses and volunteer for local causes. Children of military families attend local schools.
Naval Base Kitsap consists of installations at Bangor, Keyport and Bremerton, and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Manchester Fuel Depot. According to the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance, Naval Base Kitsap pumped $6.1 billion into the local economy in fiscal year 2012, the last year for which figures are available. That’s more than one-third of the $15.7 billion pumped into the state’s economy by all military installations in Washington state.
Once here, many military personnel choose to make Kitsap their permnanent home.
In 2014, according to U.S. Census estimates, Kitsap County was home to 35,199 veterans — about 6 percent of the county population.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE COMMITTEES
The Military Affairs Committee is arguably the most influential of the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce’s committees. But it’s only one of several committees working to enhance local life.
— The Military Affairs Committee is chaired by Duane Sharpe of Old Dominion University. According to the chamber website, the Military Affairs Committee “helps military personnel adjust to and enjoy life in Silverdale by hosting functions, introducing them to local businesses and organizations, and by working with military organizations to provide additional assistance and foster fellowship with chamber members.”
The committee coordinates recognition of the Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific (SWFPAC) Sailor of the Quarter; and the Marine Security Force, Bangor, Marine of the Quarter.
— The Education Committee is chaired by Mike Walton. According to the chamber, this committee “serves as a liaison between business, education, and youth career choices. Committee members are involved with the selection of vocational education scholarship recipients as well as recognizing outstanding area educators.
“Realizing that education is a lifelong process, the committee is heavily involved with adult education. Activities range from supporting Central Kitsap Community Schools through advisory board involvement and committee membership.
— The Ambassador and Membership Committee is chaired by Helen Cook of Demarle at Home.
Chamber ambassadors represent the chamber at various business and community events. They assist chamber staff and board members in welcoming attendees at membership meetings and socials.
Ambassadors are mentors for new members. They also assist with chamber events.
