OLYMPIA – “Outstanding Legislator of the Year” – that’s the title bestowed on state Rep. Sherry Appleton by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Governor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee. Appleton (D-Poulsbo, 23rd), who was first elected to the House in 2004, was recognized for years of often-behind-the-scenes work on behalf of the state’s approximately 700,000 military veterans.
A statement issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs described Appleton as “a long-time supporter of veteran initiatives and friend to veterans throughout the state. She has supported many veteran bills, including one to provide property tax relief to disabled veterans.”
“I am honored to be recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs,” Appleton said. “Every person who has served our nation in war and in peacetime deserves our gratitude and respect – and our help when they need it. That is my job, and I am proud to do just that.”
Appleton and other honorees (fellow Outstanding Legislator of the Year Sen. Steve Conway [D-Tacoma, 29th], Outstanding Volunteer, Outstanding Service Officer, Outstanding Employee, and a pair of Boy Scouts receiving the organizations’ Patriot Award) were honored at an Auburn parade and awards ceremony.
A Poulsbo resident for the last three decades, Appleton is the widow of a distinguished Vietnam veteran, Ron Appleton. She is vice chair of the House State Government Committee, which deals with veterans’ issues in the Legislature.