Wyman & Veterans Affairs launch `Vote in Honor of a Vet’
Secretary of State Kim Wyman, partnering with the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, is launching “Vote in Honor of a Vet” to encourage both voting and taking time to acknowledge and thank our veterans.
Wyman, the state’s chief elections officer, and WDVA Director Lourdes “Alfie” Alvarado-Ramos planned to announce the project on Tuesday at the Washington Veterans Home near Port Orchard.
The “Vote in Honor of a Vet” program allows Washington voters to dedicate their 2015 vote to someone in active duty military or a veteran who is special to their family. A special Secretary of State website http://tinyurl.com/pdobjyc also allows participants to post a personal story and photo. Participants will be mailed a special lapel pin from the state Elections Division.
“Our proud veterans sacrificed so much, in some cases their lives—all for the sake of this beautiful nation and the freedoms we’re able to enjoy today,” Wyman said. “By sharing your story and voting in honor of your veteran, you hold the power to help continue our freedoms just like our military heroes have done for us.
“This is an exciting opportunity to recognize these important people in our communities and in our lives.”
Alvarado-Ramos said she is proud for the Department of Veterans Affairs to partner on this project. The department connects veterans and their families to the benefits and services they earned through their military service.
“Vote in Honor of a Veteran is a wonderful way to remind voters that the ability to cast a ballot and truly have a voice in their government, is something that was guaranteed through each and every veteran’s service,” said Alvarado-Ramos.
Participating in this new project is as easy as 1-2-3, said state Elections Director Lori Augino.
--Visit the Vote in Honor of a Vet website.
--Upload your story and a picture.
--Receive a free pin, wear it proudly, and VOTE!
“We are so excited about shining the light on our amazing service members and veterans,” Augino said. “The bonus will be if this special tribute also prompts more people to vote. I hope everyone will take a few minutes to share their stories.”
Wyman has posted her own story:
“I’m proud to vote in honor of my beloved father, Jerry Dobbs. Whenever I vote, I think of my Dad, who served during the Korean War, his two brothers, who served in World War II, and our other brave veterans who have protected our rights and freedoms since America’s birth.
“Voting is a simple act to honor their commitment to the American principles of democracy, freedom, and liberty. My Dad had such a strong desire to serve his country like his older brothers that he lied about his age to enlist in the Marine Corps with his best friend, Farrell Barton. When they were in boot camp at the Marine Corps Depot in San Diego, California, Ferrell’s older brother, a drill instructor, saw them and exposed the truth. He knew their unit was going directly to the front lines of the conflict. Jerry and Ferrell served out their enlistments in the Marine Corps Reserve.
“My father also served in the Coast Guard in Seattle, Washington. Years later, my Dad ran into a platoon-mate who had deployed to Korea with their unit. Only about 10% of their platoon had made it back from the war.
“Thank you to all of the brave service members who continue to protect our cherished right to vote!”
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact: Marlene White at marlene.white@sos.wa.gov
Contact:
David Ammons
OSOS Communications Director
o- (360) 902-4140
Heidi Audette
WDVA Communications & Legislative Director
o- (360) 725-2154
WDVA’s website estimates: 603,623 Washington-based veterans, 60,000 active duty, 19,000 Guard and Reserves, and 2 million family members.