SWK CELEBRATES Military Appreciation Month

05/02/2023

The South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council (SWK EDC) is proud to celebrate May as Military Appreciation Month in South Western Kentucky.  “We are honored and humbled by the men and women who serve at Fort Campbell along with their families who sacrifice so we may enjoy freedom and our region’s amazing quality of life,” shared Carter Hendricks, Executive Director of the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council.

South Western Kentucky is home of Fort Campbell, Kentucky and the nearly 30,000 soldiers stationed at the installation.  The installation produces an annual economic impact of over $10 Billion per Fort Campbell reports.

More impressive, Fort Campbell is home of the 101^st Airborne Division, 5^th Special Forces Group, 160^th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, and several smaller tenant units.  These units continue to play a vital role in our country’s war on terrorism and the quickly evolving global defense landscape.

The region also boasts Great American Defense communities, All American Cities, and Most Patriotic Communities because of the region’s commitment to supporting military families.  Regional residents and employers are encouraged to take measures, large and small, to show appreciation during the month of May.  Some ideas include:

1. Displaying a “we support our troops” sign on your marquis or with a banner.
2. Volunteering to serve a military family in your neighborhood, i.e. mow their yard, etc.
3. Buying a meal for a military family/soldier/ veteran.
4. Hiring a veteran, military spouse, or former military member looking to enter our workforce.
5. Attending one of the many upcoming Memorial Day ceremonies in South Western Kentucky.

Tony Prim, Associate Director for Business Retention and Expansion, stated, “We are working hard to connect our Fort Campbell friends to the outstanding career opportunities in the region.  Along with several partners, we routinely provide information about the job opportunities among our companies and industries.”   Recently, the SWK EDC announced a new web page soldiers, and others, can use to learn who’s hiring in the SWK region, www.southwesternky.com/living-here/workSWK. 

The Commonwealth of Kentucky continues to earn its reputation as a military friendly state with state income tax exemption for active-duty military, state income tax exemption for military retirees up to $42,000, and several initiatives to assist with workforce transitions. 

For more information on this release, the SWK EDC, the region, and our relationship with Fort Campbell, please contact 270-885-1499 or visit www.southwesternky.com.