COLUMBUS, Ohio –
Associates attended a Veterans Information Fair and special program to celebrate and honor those who have served in the US military throughout the day Nov. 7 at the Defense Supply Center Columbus.
“There’re a lot of veterans on DSCC,”
Morale, Welfare and Recreation Family Advocacy Program Manager Michiel DeVito said. “
Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime’s workforce is comprised of approximately 40 percent veterans. We want to make sure our associates know the resources available to them locally.”
Vendors at the Veterans Information Fair hosted by MWR provided resources to assist veterans. The fair was held in the Operations Center Buckeye and Cardinal rooms.
Associates lined up to receive their Veteran ID cards issued onsite by the Franklin County Recorder’s Office. The cards allow veterans to receive discounts at various businesses around the local and regional area.
Additional vendors included the Chalmers P. Wylie Veteran Affairs Ambulatory Care Center, Army and Air Force Exchange Service Veteran's Online Purchasing, Ohio Department of Veterans Services, Military Veterans Resources, Disabled American Veterans, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Social Security Administration, Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion Department of Ohio, 9th Legal Operations Detachment, American Veterans, Survivors Outreach Services Program and United Service Organizations.
Following the fair, associates transitioned to the Operations Center Auditorium to hear the story of a Columbus native and wounded warrior retired Army Capt. Karen Roddy-Spikes.
She took those in attendance on a walk through the history of World War I and Veterans Day, touching on the theme “Understanding Veterans Qualities.”
Veterans Day is commemorated on the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I. On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, the battlefield of Europe fell silent after more than four years of fighting.
“This year is especially significant,” said Terri Hilton, Equal Opportunities Office Veterans Employment Program chair at the Defense Finance and Accounting Service - Columbus. “This year marks the 100th year since the armistice was signed.”
During the presentation, Roddy-Spikes defined a veteran as someone who wrote a blank check one day to their country and highlighted a few of the qualities veterans bring to the workforce: leadership, strong work ethic, core values, the ability to handle stressful situations, self-direction and motivation.
Roddy-Spikes also shared her personal story from joining the military through her separation and current battles she faces.
“[Roddy-Spikes] graciously embodies and exemplifies all the qualities that we treasure in veterans and in each other,” EEO VEP Executive Champion Mike Gordon said.
Roddy-Spikes spent more than 23 years serving her country and deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, sustaining injury while assigned to the 1397th Transportation Battalion serving in Kuwait.
“When you run into other wounded warriors don’t take for granted everyone is okay; we go through a lot,” Roddy-Spikes requested of the audience as she concluded her presentation.
Gordon echoed Roddy-Spikes in his closing remarks reminding all to hold each other up and support one another.
DSCC’s Equal Employment Opportunity Veterans Program promotes, supports and mentors veterans who work on the installation.
The Central Crossing High School Color Guard Team presented the colors. The Defense Federal Community Choir sang the national anthem and Columbus Veteran Affairs Chaplain Carla Cherry gave the invocation. A special musical selection was performed by DLA Land and Maritime associate Wynueco Washington.