On Saturday, Nov. 5, several Washingtonians will receive an Outstanding Service to Veterans Award from the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), including 20th District Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kamala.
“The awards, co-sponsored each year by the Governor's Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee and the DVA, recognize individuals who devote time and energy to improving the lives of Washington's veterans and their families,” stated an excerpt from a DVA news release.
Orcutt, along with Sen. Tim Sheldon, D-Potlatch, will be receiving an award for Legislator of the Year.
Having originally been elected to the 18th District in 2002, Orcutt has now been serving the 20th District since redistricting occurred in 2013. His nomination summary stated he was chosen due to his sponsorship of HB 1250, which designated Washington as a Purple Heart State and honored service members who have received the medal.
Aside from authorizing various state agencies to put up Purple Heart State signs, HB 1250 also allows for the receiving of gifts and donations to aid efforts related to Washington’s Purple Heart State status.
The bill was signed by Gov. Jay Inslee on May 10, 2021, and went into effect on July 25, 2021.
The awards will be presented at a special luncheon located at the Merrill Gardens assisted living facility at 18 First Street SE starting at 1:30 p.m. following the annual Veterans Day Parade in Auburn. Masks are required to attend as it is an assisted living facility.
Other categories included the Superior Service Award, which is going to T.J. Morgan and Cheri Knox, the Distinguished Service Award, which is going to Nino Gray and Amy Tiemeyer, and the Team Award, going to the NW Veterans Resource Center and the American Lake Golf Course Volunteers.
