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The Thurston Chamber is thrilled to announce Colonel Kent Park, Garrison Commander of Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), as the keynote speaker for its highly anticipated November Forum. The event will take place on November 15, 2023, at the Norman Worthington Center at Saint Martin's University.

Colonel Kent Park's keynote address promises to provide attendees with invaluable insights into the vital roles of major commanders on the JBLM base, the strategic significance of JBLM, ongoing challenges faced by JBLM and the Services, and their potential impact on the surrounding communities. Additionally, Colonel Park will offer a comprehensive overview of issues and policies affecting the housing and education systems within the military community.

Colonel Kent Park's remarkable career includes his current role as Garrison Commander of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, where he oversees mission-critical support and services for over 290,000 individuals across 414,000 acres. His responsibilities encompass installation management, facility maintenance and construction, environmental protection, housing, emergency management, communication systems, security and law enforcement, fire protection, dining, lodging, recreational services, human resources management, supply, and vehicle fleet management.

A distinguished military officer, Colonel Park is a 1999 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, where he was commissioned as an infantry officer. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Colonel Park and his family immigrated to the United States when he was eight years old, and he spent most of his formative years in Houston, Texas. During his impressive 24-year military career, Colonel Park has served in a wide range of overseas and deployment roles, including Republic of Korea, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve.

Colonel Park holds a Bachelor of Science in International Relations from the United States Military Academy, a Master in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and a Master in National Security Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to gain insights from Colonel Kent Park at the Thurston County Chamber's November Forum! Register today to reserve your seat.

Thank you to this month's Forum Sponsors: PestStop Pet Control, North Thurston Education Foundation, and Veterans Security Operations!

For further information, please call Jessica Houchin, Operations and Events Coordinator, at 360.357.3362 or email jhouchin@thurstonchamber.com