Annual ceremony pays tribute to veterans who continue their service to the community through jobs in public transportation
ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority recognized the service of employees who are also military veterans during OCTA’s annual Veterans Day Appreciation event today.
OCTA employs 78 veterans who served in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard. OCTA has been recognized by military organizations as a military-friendly employer for its efforts to actively recruit veterans.
The veterans are employed in a range of positions, including OCTA coach operators, maintenance workers and administrative employees.
“Orange County is home to over 130,000 United States military veterans, representing the third largest veteran population in Southern California,” said OCTA Chairman Andrew Do, also the Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “Our OCTA military veterans bring their experience and values to the workplace, and we appreciate their dedication and continued public service.”
OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson joined with Chairman Do and OCTA Directors Katrina Foley, Patrick Harper and Tim Shaw to present veterans with a special pin and coin commemorating their service. The coin includes the OCTA logo, the words “United States Veteran,” and the logos of all military branches, along with the American flag.
Members of the Santa Ana High School Navy Junior ROTC presented the colors in honor of the veterans at the event.
At least 14 OCTA employees with sons, daughters or grandchildren serving in the military also received recognition.
Thursday’s event was the 10th time OCTA has held a veterans appreciation event and the first in-person ceremony since 2019, skipping last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, veterans received an appreciation letter and commemorative coin by mail.
OCTA has received recognition from the Southern California Army Advisory Council as a military-friendly employer for its efforts in actively recruiting veterans.
Those efforts include participating in recruiting events at the Marine Corps base at Camp Pendleton, remaining engaged with local junior colleges and universities to recruit veterans, and coordinating events with military organizations to help veterans transition from active-duty service to careers in the transportation industry.
Photo attached: Orange County Transportation Authority Board members, executives and employees gather Thursday Nov. 11, 2021, to pay tribute to military veterans now employed at OCTA during the agency’s annual Veterans Day Appreciation ceremony. Photo courtesy of OCTA.
