Joining Forces Grants Military Free Access to National Treasures

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Desiree D. Green, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East

YORKTOWN, Va. (NNS) -- The U.S. Secretary of Interior visited the Yorktown Victory Monument to speak at a "Joining Forces" initiative ceremony in Yorktown, Va., May 15.

During the ceremony, Ken Salazar announced to more than 300 service members that an annual pass would grant free access to more than 2,000 national parks, wildlife refuges, national forests, and other public lands around the nation to active duty service members and their dependents.

The Joining Forces initiative was established in April 2011, by First Lady Michelle Obama and second lady Dr. Jill Biden, in an effort to mobilize all sectors of society to better provide support to service members and their families.

"As we celebrate military appreciation week, it is important that we honor our military service men and women," said Salazar. "Joining Forces has traveled the world over to let the world know what you do. Less than one percent of Americans serve in the military, so it is our mission to get one hundred percent of America to support our military. I want to say thank you because without your efforts and sacrifices, we would not be here today."

Members of the Department of Interior, National Parks Services and Army Corps of Engineers partnered with the Joining Forces national initiative to expand the opportunities for service members, veterans and their dependants, outlined in the initiative.

"This program and our partnership will bring a lot of visibility to our nations' natural treasures, but most importantly get the kids outside," said Jo-Ellen Darcy, the honorable assistant secretary of the Army for Civil Works.

Boatswain's Mate 1st Class (SW/AW) Heather Havunen, from Port Operations Department, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, was one of the first recipients to receive a national park access pass.

"I feel extremely special," said Havunen. "I am very humbled and honored to have been the first to receive it."

As the ceremony concluded, John Jarvis, director of National Park Services encouraged the use of the passes in hopes it would strengthen families and communities.

"Today is very special because we have the opportunity to give our military men and woman, and their families access to more than 397 parks and recreation areas," said Jarvis. "It's a small token to express our appreciation to you and your families. This pass provides access to what makes us America. It's opportunity to vacation, learn, have fun and be inspired. Once you have it, I want you to wear it out and then come back and we'll give you another one."