Memorial Day-Ms Wheelchair Washington Honors America’s Veterans

Memorial Day is a federal holiday set aside for the United State of America to commemorate all the men and women who have died while in the military service. We are reminded to take a moment to remember the people who have served our country, and pay tribute because without them we would not have the freedom we have.

This past week Jannette Saxton, Ms. Wheelchair Washington spent the day with some veterans in the Northwest. Once a month the Board of Directors of the Northwest Chapter of the Veterans Association (NWPVA) meets at their headquarters in Burien, WA, and Jannette was invited to come and speak. The NWPVA hosted the Ms. Wheelchair Washington Pageant in February, but not all of the Board members could attend, so this was a great chance for Jannette to not only meet the Board of Directors, but thank them for serving our country!
Every day when Jannette gets up to go to work, she doesn’t just go to her desk and do paperwork or answer phones, she is providing services to soldiers at Fort Lewis, WA. As a Deployment Specialist, she meets men and women who serve our country and she assists the families with services they need before they are deployed far from America’s shores. So, she feels a very personal connection to anyone in the armed forces because every day she sees the honorable and brave soldiers during her workday.

As the State Coordinator I was able to spend the day with Jannette and also got to meet many of the incredible members the NWPVA. As I sat there and listened to Jannette speak to the chapter members, I could tell just how much she is grateful for the role she has as a Deployment Specialist. Although, Jannette utilizes a wheelchair, and is not officially in the armed forces, she is doing her part to serve her country. As Ms. Wheelchair Washington, she takes great pride in her role as the titleholder, but to be able to give back by thanking the chapter members of the NWPVA, it meant so much to her.

After the Board of Directors meeting, we were both invited to the monthly “Pizza Party” that is hosted by the Board Members at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Seattle, WA. Going to the NWPVA Board meeting was just the first part of the day, but to also be invited the VA hospital made the day complete! I offered to volunteer to serve the pizza to people that attended the gathering so that Jannette could visit with the Veterans, plus I didn’t want her getting pizza sauce on her sash. Jannette and I were only there for a few hours, but we were both just so honored to have been in the presence of men and women that have served our country, and visit with some others who have sustained traumatic injuries. When the day came to a close, and I drove Jannette home, we reflected upon our day and how special it was. So, on this Memorial Day, Jannette, Ms Wheelchair Washington and I will remember the day we spent with the Veterans of the Northwest, and think of them and many others, especially those who are no longer with us!
Thank you !!
Tammy Wilber & Jannette Saxton, Ms Wheelchair Washington 2008