Secretary of State Visit by NGAW Board

On Monday, December 19, 2011, fourteen members of the NGAW Board traveled to Olympia to visit with Secretary of State Sam Reed at his historic State Capitol office. During a 60 minute private session, Secretary Reed discussed the history, mission and many accomplishments of his office since arriving in 2001. Secretary Reed voiced special satisfaction regarding the successful efforts of his office to improve absentee voting rights, especially for military members serving out-of-state and overseas.

The Secretary took several questions from the group and his assistant Patrick McDonald (a Civil Affairs NCO in the US Army Reserve) arranged for a group picture. Secretary Reed, who will retire from office at the end of 2012, has a solid record of support for the many missions and functions of the Washington Military Department – he will be missed.

According to legend, the Secretary’s very spacious and ornate office suite was originally intended for the State Governor. However, due to the Governor’s vigorous criticism of constructing the Capitol during the economic downturn of the late 1920’s, his political opponents denied him the building’s most prestigious accommodations – a decision remaining in place to this day.

The Secretary of State visit is the first of several NGAW professional development sessions planned with state agencies and officials through 2012. The intent of these visits is to increase the knowledge/awareness of NGAW members about the activiticpes and functions of state agencies and elected officials.

The next visit with be with the Attorney General in March 2012 and the Veteran’s Affairs in June 2012.

All NGAW members are encouraged to participate. Just call the NGAW office at 1-800-588-6420 to get on the invitation roster.

Click Here for a group picture of the attendees with the Secretary of State, Sam Reed.