There are a lot of things about military life that are just plain tough for military families. Deployments are hard on military relationships. Changing schools every few years is difficult for military children. Always being the "new kid" wherever you go can take its toll on everyone in the family, but living in a community that appreciates military families and actually takes the time to show it can make all the difference. Last weekend, the Military Affairs Committee of the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce put on a wonderful event for just that purpose in the 2016 Military Appreciation Day at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds.

The Kitsap Sun Pavilion was flooded by hundreds of military families throughout the day who were treated to an entire day of fun and activities. Many local businesses reached out to families with games and wonderful prizes while happy kids were treated to bouncy houses, Home Depot craft activities, and Disney princesses painting faces. Participants were invited to tour a 33-foot Coast Guard Response Vessel and a Lenco Bearcat Armored Personnel Carrier and were able to touch and learn about various U.S. Marine rifles and assault weapons. Naval Base Kitsap employees were also on-hand to ensure families were made aware of the many services available on base as well, from swim lessons to Exceptional Family Member programs. Later in the day, families were treated to live performances by local singers, dancers and musicians.

At midday, a ceremony to honor some of Naval Base Kitsap's finest took place. The U.S. Naval Sea Cadets presented the colors, and MU1 Nicole McDonald graced the crowd with a stirring rendition of our national anthem. Frank Portello, representing the Military Affairs Committee and Northwest Military, presented awards to Junior Sailor of the Quarter MA2 Cari Guida, Blue Jacket Sailor of the Quarter MASN Jacob Roe, and Sailor of the Year MA1 Jonathon Walter. The Coast Guard Awardee for Sailor of the Quarter was ME3 Bryan Leaf, and though not in attendance, mentions were made for Marines of the Quarter, Cpl. Christopher Moss and Cpl. Michael Sannicolas.

Speaking to the crowd, Kitsap County Commissioner Ed Wolfe shared his gratitude for the long history of armed services presence in Kitsap County and of the servicemen and women who are "the pride and strength of our country and our community." Key note speaker Representative Jesse Young spoke of his pride in growing up in a community so committed to and enhanced by the military community and urged the audience to take a moment to thank a servicemember or veteran at the event.