Ceremony, held for the 11th time, pays tribute to veterans who continue their service to the community through jobs in public transportation
ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority today held a ceremony honoring the service of employees who also served in the military, during OCTA’s Veterans Day Appreciation event.
OCTA employs at least 70 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.
OCTA Coach Operator Adrian Tavera sings the National Anthem during the 2023 OCTA Veterans Day recognition event in Garden Grove.
The veterans are employed in a range of positions, including OCTA coach operators, maintenance workers and administrative employees.
OCTA was also featured recently in a television series called “Military Makeover” with Montel Williams recognizing the agency’s record of strongly valuing the contributions of the veterans in the work force.
“There’s no question that our OCTA military veterans bring their discipline, experience and strong values to the workplace, and we appreciate their dedication to continuing to serve the public,” said OCTA Chairman Gene Hernandez.
OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson joined with Chairman Hernandez to present veterans with a special pin and coin commemorating their service. The coin includes the OCTA logo and the words “United States Veteran,” 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 12 OCTA employees with sons, daughters or grandchildren serving in the military also received recognition for their family members’ service.
Friday’s event was the eleventh time OCTA has held a veterans appreciation event. OCTA has received recognition from the Southern California Army Advisory Council as a military-friendly employer for its efforts in actively recruiting veterans.
OCTA Chairman Gene Hernandez, also the mayor of Yorba Linda, greets OCTA veterans, thanking them for ongoing public service.
Those efforts have included 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.
