Honoring Oak Harbor School District and Nas Whidby

HONORING OAK HARBOR SCHOOL DISTRICT AND NAS WHIDBEY -- (House of Representatives - October 07, 2004)

(Mr. LARSEN of Washington asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my appreciation for the outstanding work for the Oak Harbor School District and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, both of which are in my district.

Currently, NAS Whidbey has five squadrons and one logistical unit deployed, roughly 1,000 servicewomen and -men, many who have children in the Oak Harbor School District.

This week representatives from the Oak Harbor School District visited my office to discuss how deployment impacts schools and students. Last year almost 60 percent of their students were children of active Navy personnel, 70 percent of which had at least one parent deployed overseas.

Teachers, counselors, and staff have taken on the additional task of helping those dealing with the incredible stress of having a loved one deployed.

NAS Whidbey has partnered with the Oak Harbor School District in this endeavor. Through ongoing communication, training for school staff and tutoring, they have contributed thousands of volunteer hours to work with the Oak Harbor School District to ease the burden placed on these families.

Military families are making honorable sacrifices for our Nation and deserve our heartfelt thanks and support. We must also thank the individuals like those at the Oak Harbor School District at NAS Whidbey who are doing their part to help families through this challenging time.