OCTA honored employees who served in the military during at a Veterans Day appreciation ceremony

ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority today (Monday, Nov. 11) held a ceremony honoring the military service of employees – and family members with veterans currently serving – during OCTA’s annual Veterans Day Appreciation event.

OCTA employs at least 67 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.

OCTA was highlighted in a television series called “Military Makeover” with Montel Williams, recognizing the agency’s record of strongly valuing the contributions of veterans in the agency’s workforce.

“Those employees who have served in the U.S. military continue to provide an invaluable public service by keeping people moving safely and efficiently in Orange County,” said OCTA Chair Tam. T. Nguyen. “Their prior service, as well as the discipline, experience and strong work ethic they refined through military service, is greatly appreciated.”

OCTA executives presented veterans with a special pin and coin commemorating their service with “Veterans Day 2024” and the American Flag on one side and “United States Veteran” and the OCTA logo on the other.

Members of the Santa Ana High School Navy Junior ROTC presented the colors in honor of the veterans at the event, and Adrian Tavera, a Coach Operator from the Garden Grove bus base sang the National Anthem.

At least a dozen OCTA employees with sons, daughters or grandchildren serving in the military also received recognition for their family members’ service.

Monday’s event was the 12th 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 to recruit veterans into the workforce.

OCTA remains engaged with local junior colleges and universities to recruit veterans, and coordinates events with military organizations to help veterans transition from active-duty service to careers in the transportation industry.

Photo caption: OCTA honored its employees who served in the U.S. military during its annual Veterans Day Appreciation event on Monday, Nov. 11.

About OCTA:

The Orange County Transportation Authority is the county transportation planning commission, responsible for funding and implementing transit and capital projects for a balanced and sustainable transportation system that reflects the diverse travel needs of the county’s 34 cities and 3.2 million residents. With the mission of keeping Orange County moving, this includes freeways and express lanes, bus and rail transit, rideshare, commuter rail, environmental programs and active transportation.