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Seahawk wide receiver Jermaine Kearse tours Capitol with military kids

It takes someone pretty special to unite both sides of the aisle in Olympia. That someone happens to be Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kearse.

Kearse visited the Capitol on Monday, along with six children whose parent died during military service. They’re referred to as “Gold Star” kids in recognition of the loss of their parent, and are with the 15 to 1: Jermaine Kearse Foundation.

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The non-profit foundation was started by Kearse last summer as an outreach program for military children in Washington state. Kearse grew up on Washington’s Joint Base Lewis-McChord, where his father was Army Sergeant First Class David Kearse.

Kearse and the kids were recognized in the House this morning. Rep. Melanie Stambaugh, R- Puyallup, and Rep. Christine Kilduff, D- University Place, thanked the children.

“You are an inspiration to every single one of the members here on this floor,” Stambaugh said. “We just appreciate you for the sacrifice and strength that you have and that you share with your family and your community.”

They also thanked Kearse for being a role model to young people in Washington.

“In addition to be an outstanding champion on the field, he is a true champion off the field” Kilduff said. “A champion of the Gold Star children and for all military children on our state.”

Kearse met with legislators to sign autographs, and later brought the kids to meet with Governor Jay Inslee. Each child gave Inslee an American flag in memory of their parent, which the Governor said he would keep on his desk.