Opinion: Under Youngkin, Virginia prioritizes veteran services

As a Korean American serving the commonwealth’s 780,000+ military veterans, 89,000+ active duty personnel, 8,000+ Virginia National Guardsman and all their families, I come to work everyday standing at the intersection of multiple identities and experiences. My goal is to advance Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s aspirations to be the number one state for military veterans, their families and the active-duty community. Through my unique military and cultural perspectives, I aim to bring awareness and emphasize the importance of diversity, opportunity and motivation derived from harnessing different backgrounds.

I grew up in a military family, relocating from one place to another around the world, bearing witness to a deep sense of duty, service and sacrifice throughout my childhood. My entire family understands the value of having a strong military foundation as my father served a decorated 30-year career in the Army, my sister is an active-duty Air Force officer, and my mother was a dedicated military spouse who sacrificed her career as a renowned international opera singer.

My own military experience coupled with my Korean American upbringing emphasized discipline, respect, strong family bonds and an appreciation of communal responsibility. With that, I embraced the opportunity to contribute to the administration’s vision for a better future specifically for our military, veterans and their families.

I have come to realize that in politics, there are some who merely pay lip service to the service and sacrifice of the military community. However, I quickly realized that Youngkin is clearly differentiated and set apart by his deliberate focus and action to move the needle in many regards supporting military service members, veterans and their families. He maintains a profound understanding of the sacrifices made by service members and the need to enhance veteran services, strengthen the resilience and engagement with military installations, empower military families, and advocate for veterans’ mental health. This intentionality highlights his holistic and meaningful approach to supporting those who have dedicated their lives to protect our freedoms.

Youngkin recently returned from an international trade mission to Taiwan, Japan and South Korea, his first trade mission. Despite the myriad demands and planned meetings, he took the time to visit with Virginia-based service members in Japan and laid a wreath at the War Memorial of Korea to pay tribute to soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Shortly after his return from Asia, he announced the rollout of a signature platform that will allow members of the military community to easily access earned benefits and navigate the complexity of resource connection within the veteran community. This initiative aims to transform how we effectively and timely deliver programs and services in an accountable and efficient manner, with lasting impacts on veteran and family program service delivery. Youngkin’s unwavering dedication and actions to support the military community not only reflects his empathy and understanding of gaps in resources and support but also showcase his visionary leadership for the commonwealth of Virginia.

As an Asian American military veteran serving in the Youngkin administration, I am proud of the governor’s steadfast commitment, dedication and understanding of the value that our service members bring, not only in their service to our country but to their local communities upon the conclusion of their service and integration back into society. With Youngkin at the helm, the commonwealth of Virginia is becoming a model state for prioritizing the health, well-being and quality of life needs of its service members, both active-duty and veterans alike, along with their families.

In this month of May, as we recognize Asian American Pacific Islander Month, I am humbled by the opportunity to contribute to shaping policies that support the communities I come from and honored that we have a leader who feels the same.

Jason Pak serves as deputy secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs in Richmond.