Just One Thing!
I know many of you are the people who get things done in your communities. You see a need and you fill it. You give generously and don’t ask for anything in return. And thanks to you, our state is a great place for veterans and their families to live!
Unfortunately, there is still need out there. Sometimes I think people get overwhelmed and figure that they can’t make a difference by themselves. But, if we all did just one thing, we could make a huge difference in the lives of veterans and their families!
Click on Just One Thing to see an example of how you and your neighbors can make a difference in your community this Veterans Day, and all year long.
State Veterans Cemetery – Medical Lake
Construction is moving along at an amazing rate! From the photos on the construction update website, you’ll see that concrete is being poured and framing will begin on the public information center and administrative building this week.
One unexpected discovery was a significant amount of clay in the areas of the construction site where we initially planned to install 2,000 pre-placed crypts. With this discovery of clay, our team along with the Federal VA, worked together to develop a plan to address the problem, remain on schedule and within budget. For this phase of construction, the decision has been made to reduce the number of crypts to 1,000, monitor the situation and initiate a new phase of construction to place additional crypts as soon as they are needed.
Energy Savings at the Washington Veterans Home
The Retsil Veterans Home recently completed several projects that are already reaping significant savings!
With the help of over $180,000 in energy saving incentives through Cascade Natural Gas, we were able to make larger repairs and upgrades to the facility steam system than originally planned. The Veterans Home is now realizing a savings in natural gas expenses of over 50% compared to 2007, and a savings of over 30% compared to 2008. The facility steam system is now operating at its most efficient and effective level ever.
Special Thanks
To all of the MOU partners who are assisting the Washington National Guard with more than twenty Family Activity Day Events on Saturdays and Sundays during the month of November. We owe you our thanks for your dedication and willingness to work side-by-side to serve these National Guard members and their families.
Departure Ceremony
And just as we welcomed home the 81st Brigade in August, we are bidding the 204th Engineer Company farewell in a Departure Ceremony on November 8 in Centralia. Please keep these soldiers and their families in your thoughts as they face the upcoming year.
Veterans History Awareness Month
November is filled with events that honor veterans and preserve their rich history! Whether you are attending a Veterans Day program at a local school or a large community sponsored event, remember that if you meet a veteran in need of assistance, please let me know how we can get in touch with them. You can e-mail or call me at 360-725-2152.
Don’t have plans for Veterans Day yet? Click here for some ideas!
