PORT HADLOCK — The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding has been designated a Veteran Supportive Campus by the state Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Veteran Supportive Campus certificate was signed last Monday in ceremonies at the Boat School’s waterfront campus at 42 N. Water St. in Port Hadlock, said the school’s executive director, Betsy Davis, in a news release issued last Friday.
Gary Condra, deputy director of the state Department of Veteran Affairs, announced the recognition along with the award of a VetCorps position to the school for the upcoming year, Davis said.
The Rotary Club of East Jefferson County also presented the school with a Rotary District Community Grant of $7,000 to help fund Veteran Supportive Campus initiatives at the campus.
On hand to present the grant was John Erickson, president of the East Jefferson Rotary Club, who acknowledged the role of school board member and fellow Rotarian John Barrett in securing the grant.
“We proudly support this project and wish you every success in this important endeavor,” Erickson said.
The school has long been a magnet for military veterans because of its strong sense of camaraderie and hands-on learning style, Davis said.
Veterans lounge
It has a dedicated veterans lounge, which is equipped with a computer, printer, phone and bulletin board with Veterans Administration (VA) information and local resources.
Veteran support staffers Rita Frangione and Jon Ferguson are available to facilitate referrals to VA or community-based resources as needed.
In a written statement, U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-Gig Harbor) described the school’s accomplishment as a “shining example” of how organizations can help military personnel make the transition back to civilian life.
“If you served this country, we should have your back,” the Democrat from Gig Harbor, who represents the 6th Congressional District said.
“I am incredibly proud of the commitment that the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding has undertaken to ensure that our veterans receive a quality educational experience.
“I am glad that the state Department of Veteran Affairs is recognizing this school for stepping up to help ensure veterans in our region thrive.”
The 6th Congressional District includes the North Olympic Peninsula.
“We are proud to be a Veteran Supportive Campus and grateful to all the students, teachers, staff, alums, community organizations and government resources that contribute to this ongoing effort,” Davis said.
For more information on the school’s veteran resources, contact veterans@nwswb.edu.
