Contact: Gordon Hickey
Phone: (804) 225-4260
Cell Phone: (804) 291-8977
Internet: www.governor.virginia.gov
May 1, 2009
Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced today that he has declared May as “Military Appreciation Month” in Virginia, and is encouraging all citizens of the Commonwealth to join in recognizing the contributions and sacrifices made by Virginia-based military personnel and their families.
“We’re proud of these men and women and their dedication to the defense of our nation and the Commonwealth” said Governor Kaine. “Virginia has a long and distinguished relationship with the military, and we will continue to provide resources, support and gratitude for our service members and defense partners as they perform their missions.”
Virginia is home to more than 206,000 active military and civilian defense personnel, the most of any state, as well as more than 35,000 members of the Reserves or National Guard. In addition to the highest concentration of defense personnel, Virginia is home to dozens of prominent defense installations, including the Defense Department’s headquarters at the Pentagon, Marine Corps Base at Quantico, Langley Air Force Base, the Army’s Fort Lee and the Naval Station in Norfolk.
The Defense Department has proven to be a resilient and steadfast part of the Virginia economy, investing more than $46 billion a year in the Commonwealth – second only to California – and employing nearly 6 percent of the state’s workforce.
In 2005 the General Assembly created the Virginia National Defense Industrial Authority to work hand-in-hand with base commanders and community leaders on behalf of the state, administer grants to communities near installations, and provide strategic counsel to the Commonwealth’s leadership in order to grow the state’s relationship with the military.
