Commentary--Voter's Week helps honor the past, support the future Published June 27, 2010 By Col. Steve Winklmann Vice Commander, 99th Air Base Wing NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- In 1787, shortly after the close of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, a woman approached Benjamin Franklin as he left Independence Hall. She inquired about the proceedings: "Well, Doctor, what have we got: A republic or a monarchy?" Benjamin Franklin looked at her hopefully and replied, "A republic, if you can keep it." Independence Day is fast approaching, and there is no better time to champion our rights as Americans than during the week surrounding our celebration of freedom. Thus, it is my pleasure to announce the start of Armed Forces Voters' Week at Nellis Air Force Base. This federally sponsored event lasts from June 28 to July 7, and is meant to encourage all citizens falling under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act who have not registered to vote, or requested an absentee ballot this year, to do so at this time. There are a variety of resources available to you at all times, but this week, Nellis AFB's voting assistance officers will be putting in extra effort to ensure you have access to the resources and information you need to register to vote and apply for ballots. They will be staffing voter's assistance tables at the Nellis Base Exchange daily at lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again at the end of the duty day from 4 to 6 p.m. to help active-duty military, spouses, and eligible dependents to register to vote and/or apply for absentee ballots, as well as discuss upcoming elections. If you have any questions about voting, registering to vote, the Federal Voting Assistance Program, or upcoming elections, please contact your Unit Voting Assistance Officers or our Installation Voting Assistance Officers: 1st Lt. Mike Bosack, 763 Maintenance Squadron Phone: DSN 682-2285/Commercial (702) 302-3670 E-mail: michael.bosack@nellis.af.mil Senior Master Sgt. Ann Hood, 99 Medical Support Squadron Phone: DSN 348-3206/Commercial (702) 653-3206 Email: ann.hood@nellis.af.mil This Voter's Week and Independence Day, be sure to enjoy the freedoms we all are endowed as Americans and remember that as citizens of this great country, we are the stewards of that freedom. Honor the past, support the future-vote!
