The Soldiers and Airmen of the Kansas National Guard will be honored along with members of other Kansas military forces Tuesday, Feb. 23 during Kansas Armed Forces Appreciation Day at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka.

“The men and women of the state’s armed forces are always ready to serve and protect the people of Kansas,” said Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general. “We appreciate our state leaders taking the time to acknowledge their service and importance to our state and nation. This is also a wonderful opportunity for the public to meet with some of our Guardsmen and other military personnel to learn more about what we do for them and what they can do to support us.”

Kansas Guardsmen will be at the Capitol from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to answer questions about the Guard and its mission. The Guardsman taking part include Soldiers from Joint Forces Headquarters, the 130^th Field Artillery Brigade, 635^th Regional Support Group, Recruiting and Retention Battalion, 235^th Regiment, personnel from the 73^rd Civil Support Team, and airmen from the 184^th Intelligence Wing and 190^th Air Refueling Wing.

In addition to the informational booths on the second floor rotunda there will be military equipment displays on the south apron of the Capitol grounds. Static displays will include a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System vehicle, Humvee, and an M3A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle.

Governor Sam Brownback will meet with military leaders from the Kansas National Guard, Fort Riley, Fort Leavenworth and McConnell Air Force Base. Brownback will also sign a proclamation designating the day as Armed Forces Appreciation Day in Kansas. Military chaplains will open the Senate and House of Representative sessions and both houses will mark the occasion to honor the state’s military service members.