King County Councilman Pete von Reichbauer and the Federal Way Soroptimists will host South King County’s Annual Flag Day Celebration.

This year’s special guest speaker is Col. Robin Blanchard. Reception begins at 9:30 a.m. June 9 at the King County Aquatic Center, 650 SW Campus Drive. The program, which begins at 10 a.m., will recognize local first responders who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

This year’s special guest speaker is Col. Robin Blanchard.

Col. Blanchard was commissioned in 1986 after graduating from Pacific Lutheran University. In her 26-year military career, she has held staff and command assignments through Company, Battalion and Brigade levels. In 2009, she assumed command of the 205th Regiment (Leadership).

Less than two years later, Col. Blanchard was re-assigned to take command of the 96th Troop Command’s nearly 2,000-member unit, currently headquartered in Seattle. For Col. Blanchard, commanding these brigade units has come with a unique distinction that of “first female officer” of the Washington Army National Guard to command at the Brigade level.