During its seventh annual Veterans Day appreciation event, OCTA paid homage to employees who served in the military. OCTA Director Greg Winterbottom, CEO Darrell Johnson and Deputy CEO Ken Phipps took part in the ceremony on November 9.
OCTA employs 102 veterans from the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines, representing more than 7 percent of the workforce. Eighteen have served more than 10 years. Veterans fill many positions at OCTA, including coach operators, dispatchers, maintenance workers and administrative employees.
Johnson said that honoring veterans is a tradition he’s proud to continue since the OCTA Veterans Day ceremony began in 2010. “Thank you for all of your service in the armed forces of the United States and thank you for being an outstanding team of employees at OCTA,” said Johnson. “I’m glad we get to recognize all of you for all that you have done. This is something I look forward to every year.”
In 2012, the Southern California Army Advisory Council recognized OCTA as a military-friendly employer for its efforts to actively recruit 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 bring aboard veterans and coordinating events with military organizations to help veterans transition from active duty service to careers in the transportation industry.