The men and women of Kansas serving in the military were honored Thursday, February 18, 2010,  at the Capitol for their dedication in protecting the nation's freedom and economic opportunity.

Vice Commander Col. Kerry Taylor, State Command Sergeant Major Scott Haworth, 184th IW, Commander Michael Foster  and Mick  Allen, KS ESGR, took part in Governor Mark Parkinson's signing of the Armed Forces Appreciation proclamation .

"We do it because we're proud of them," Parkinson said. "We also do it because we've learned our military bases are an economic driver in this state."

Expansion and operation of military installations in Kansas over the past several years helped shield surrounding cities from greater damage during the recession, the governor said.

Parkinson said people stationed in the state and deployed overseas were dedicating themselves to the crucial task of protecting individual freedoms and maintaining economic opportunities for Americans.