A woman who writes about other female veterans and an Army vet with an eye on agriculture are among Washington residents who were honored in November with Outstanding Service to Veterans Awards for their contributions to the state’s veterans and their families.
The awards, co-sponsored annually by the Governor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee and the state Department of Veterans Affairs, were presented at a luncheon in Auburn following the city’s 50th annual Veterans Day Parade.
The award recipients, all of whom participated in the parade, are:
· Donna Lowery, a Vietnam War veteran who co-authored a book about female veterans of the war.
· Sharon Kirkpatrick, chairwoman of the Washington State Women Veterans Advisory Committee and a volunteer at the state’s women’s prisons, where she works with incarcerated veterans.
· State Sen. Christine Rolfes, who has sponsored legislation in support of military members and their families.
· State Rep. Dick Muri, an Air Force veteran and supporter of veterans’ causes.
· Mark Oravsky, an Army veteran who helps engage other vets in agriculture and service-related projects.
· Kristine Reeves, who was an advocate for veterans’ issues while working as an aide for U.S. Sen. Patty Murray.
· Jason Alves, manager of the Veteran Conservation Corps for the state Department of Veterans Affairs.
· Eliseo “Joe” Dumlao, a veteran and readjustment counselor.