Sailors at the Naval Surface Warfare Center at the Navy Support Activity Panama City honored some of their own.
The center held a special ceremony recognizing veteran staff members from different military branches Monday morning.
“These people have given their heart and soul, and their lives. They put their lives on the line every time that they put that uniform on and went to work,” said NSWC-PC Workforce Development Training Manager, Pete Hamilton.
Veterans were given a coin for their sacrifice and service.
Brad Foret was among the crowd of veterans. Foret served the country for seven years. “I owe the Air Force and I owe this country more than it owes me,” said NSWC-PC Staff Member Brad Foret.
Hamilton says some people who served were not fortunate to be present. “There’s many of our fellow counterparts who would love to have been here today but they can’t because they actually made the ultimate sacrifice.”
While current staff members were recognized, a new group of employees took an oath to serve. Eight employees were sworn in.
“It is a team effort, it’s not just the people in uniform. It’s also the civilians. Whether you’re coming in wearing coveralls or a tie, we’re all working together for the same mission,” said NSWC-PC Executive Officer Capt. David Stallworth.
He says the service comes back full-circle. “We want to let them know we have not forgotten what you have done for the country, and most of them, even though they left active-duty military, they’re back here as a government sole-servant still serving their country,” said Stallworth.
This is the first time the NSWC-PC recognized veteran staff members during a staff swear-in ceremony.
