YORKTOWN, Va. –
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced May 15 that all active-duty Service members and their families will be able to enter all of America's national parks free of charge. He passed the honor of receiving the first batch of passes to representatives from each branch of the armed forces during the ceremony at Yorktown's Colonial National Historical Park.
Of these Service members, Master Sgt. Jason Simas, 633rd Contracting Squadron NCO in charge of the services and commodities flight, represented the Air Force, becoming the first Airman to receive the "America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Annual Pass."
Simas said his squadron commander, Lt. Col. Chris Wegner, and superintendent, Chief Master Sgt. Brad Smith, nominated him to receive the pass due to his love of the outdoors, including visits to national and state parks, camping, hiking and mountain biking.
"I grew up in Michigan where lakes and trails were always just a few miles away. I enjoy a nice long hike just as much as a nice relaxing day on the beach," Simas said. "I enjoy just getting away from being around the rush of my daily routine."
Simas already used the pass to tour the Yorktown Victory Center, and said he plans to visit nearby Skyline Drive in western Virginia with his wife.
Brig. Gen. Peter Gersten, Headquarters Air Combat Command Director of Plans and Programs, joined Salazar, Jo-Ellen Darcy, Assistant Secretary of the Army, and Jon Jarvis, National Park Service director, to present the pass to Simas before a large crowd consisting primarily of Service members.
"Master Sergeant Simas exemplifies the highest level of patriotism, honor and courage in all our joint warriors," Gersten said during the presentation.
Simas said he genuinely appreciates the Department of the Interior's decision to open the treasured national lands free of charge to American Service members, and even more that he was chosen to represent the Air Force.
"I think that it's a wonderful way to show our Service members that they are appreciated," he said. "There is so much history and beauty in these parks; knowing that there is an open door for us to see it all for free is great.
"It was an honor to not only be selected, but to also accept the pass on behalf of my Air Force sisters and brothers," he continued. "I hope they all take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to spend some time with family and friends at our national parks.
The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Annual Pass, which normally costs $80, are available free of charge to Service members and their dependents nationwide on Armed Forces Day.