The Christian County Military Affairs Committee works to support and advocate for active duty and retired services members and their families. Committee Director Shannon Lane spotlighted their efforts and upcoming events at Thursday’s Hopkinsville Kiwanis Club meeting.
Lane is a retired Army veteran who served for 21 years with eight of those years being at Fort Campbell. In his role he is responsible maintaining and strengthening relationships with Fort Campbell while also creating a sense of community for active and retired service members living in the county.
Before taking on the role, Lane says he was already familiar with the strong support locals provide for soldiers. He says he and his family have been to multiple duty stations and that they received the strongest sense of community and support during their time at Fort Campbell.
Lane recently visited Washington D.C. along with other leaders from Christian, Todd and Trigg Counties for their annual Citizens for Fort Campbell trip. During the visit they met with Kentucky senators and representatives to discuss matters affecting Fort Campbell.
Lane says they talked about updating some of Fort Campbell’s aging buildings.
Along with advocating for active-duty soldiers, Lane also works to help retirees. He connects homeless veterans to resources for housing. Lane says he is currently working with a retiree, he served with, who drove from West Virginia to Fort Campbell to find housing and support.
Turning toward upcoming events, the Committee is partnering with local nonprofit Dad’s House Inc. to host the Paint and Skate Youth Event on April 12 where attendees will help repaint the Hopkinsville Skate Park along Richard Street.
The event will also include bounce houses and other activities for children. More information about events hosted by the committee is available at Christian County Military Affairs Committee on Facebook. Â