PestVets Looks Ahead to Veterans Day & 2027 Initiatives

October 20, 2026 | WSPMA PestVets Meeting

The October PestVets meeting focused on upcoming veteran recognition efforts, community service opportunities, and planning for 2027. While attendance was limited, the conversation generated several ideas for strengthening PestVets programming, supporting veterans in our communities, and creating additional opportunities for WSPMA members to get involved.

The group discussed using Veterans Day as an opportunity to recognize veterans working within WSPMA member companies and encourage companies to celebrate the veterans on their teams.

PestVets is developing messaging that can be shared through WSPMA communications and social media leading up to Veterans Day. Members will be encouraged to help us recognize the individuals within our industry who have served.

The group discussed the NPMA PestVets of the Year program and WSPMA's process for advancing its state recipient for national recognition.

Chris King, WSPMA's 2026 PestVet of the Year, will be submitted for consideration when the national nomination process opens. WSPMA will share additional information and opportunities to support Chris during the national recognition process.

PestVets reflected on the service project incorporated into the 2026 WSPMA Summer Meeting, where attendees helped assemble goodie bags for service members. Additional information and photos from the project will be shared to highlight the contributions of WSPMA members and industry partners who helped make the project possible.

The group continued discussions around a potential winter collection drive to support veterans in need. Items being considered include warm socks, underwear and undershirts, gloves, and other cold-weather essentials.

PestVets is exploring opportunities to work with veteran centers and other organizations throughout Washington so donated items can be directed where they are most needed. Additional details will be shared once the scope and logistics of the project are finalized.

PestVets is beginning to explore additional service and recognition opportunities for 2027. One potential initiative is participation with Quilts of Valor, providing another meaningful way for PestVets and WSPMA members to recognize and support veterans.

The group will continue evaluating this and other opportunities as the 2027 PestVets calendar takes shape.

The group also discussed opportunities to seek outside support for future PestVets service projects. Community grants, local businesses, and industry partners may provide additional resources that allow PestVets to expand its impact. These opportunities will be explored as specific projects and needs are identified.

The group discussed meeting participation and agreed to transition PestVets from an every-other-month schedule to quarterly meetings. The goal is to provide more time between meetings to move projects forward while making participation more manageable for members.

Upcoming meetings will be added to the WSPMA calendar, with reminders and meeting topics shared in advance. Veterans, supporters, and members interested in PestVets activities are encouraged to participate.

Many of the ideas discussed during this meeting are still taking shape. Over the coming months, PestVets will work to turn these ideas into actionable plans with clear opportunities for WSPMA members and companies to participate.

Stay tuned for updates, donation needs, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support upcoming PestVets initiatives. Whether you are a veteran, employ veterans, or simply want to support those who have served, there will be opportunities to get involved.