Flanked by Marine Corps color guards and against a backdrop of banners of the five branches of the U.S. military, OCTA officials and employees gathered to honor veterans last Wednesday afternoon.
OCTA's Paddy Gough, director of Human Resources and Organizational Development and a retired Marine colonel, opened the agency's veteran's event that honored employees and family members of employees who have served in the U.S. military.
OCTA CEO Will Kempton and Directors Greg Winterbottom and Larry Crandall then spoke and thanked the military members for their courageous effort, service and dedication to protecting the country.
Coach Operator Ed Lotts, whose son Randy served with the U.S. army in Afghanistan, expressed his appreciation for the support of OCTA and his coworkers when Randy was injured while on tour. Andrew Lotts was welcomed with a standing ovation from the gathered veterans and employees.
The employee veterans at the ceremony were presented with a commemorative OCTA veteran lapel pin. Employees with a family member in the military received a star decal for each military family member.
After U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard from Camp Pendleton retired the colors and participants shared a festive red, white and blue cake to celebrate the service of their honored guests.
