WHEREAS, Washington state is home to more than 38,000 military spouses of active duty, National Guard, and reserve service members and an estimated 348,000 military spouses of veterans; and
WHEREAS, military spouses are recognized as the heart of our nation's military families, and their resiliency and resourcefulness are integral to the readiness of the United States Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, military spouses encounter challenges related to their military lifestyle, including frequent moves, deployment of their service member, unemployment finding affordable and accessible childcare at each duty station, and separation from family; and
WHEREAS, the state of Washington recognizes that military spouses bring diversity, experience, and a talented workforce to our state, and we are proud and grateful that they are here; and
WHEREAS, Governor Inslee created Executive Order 19-01 - Veteran and Military Family Transition and Readiness Support, which established the Washington State Military Transition and Readiness
Council, as well as programs promoting veteran and military spouse-owned business, hiring campaigns for military spouses and veterans, expedited issuance of professional licenses for military spouses and veterans, and other efforts to support military spouse and veteran employment; and
WHEREAS, the state of Washington, the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, and partners at the national, state, and local levels are committed to ensuring military spouses receive the resources
and support they need to thrive in our state and showing our appreciation for their service and sacrifice to our country;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jay Inslee, Governor of the state of Washington, do hereby proclaim May 2023 as
Military Spouse Appreciation Month
in Washington, and I urge all people in our state to join me in the special observance.
Signed this 17th day of April, 2023