Veterans Day is special to the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC) population. The Center is blessed to be comprised of 30% veterans in the employee ranks. MMAC has recognized veterans every year for a long time, and this year’s celebration was a huge success.
Darren Masters, Management Analyst in the Quality Systems and Business Resources Staff (AMC-3) and US Navy veteran emceed the event. It all began with the playing of our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which was provided by Stuart Nibbelin, Information Engineer IV from AMK-223. He sang bass with the men of the Texas State Men’s Choir and set the stage for the rest of the celebration.
Up next, MMAC Director Michelle Coppedge welcomed four-year-olds from the Launching Pad Child Care Center, who recited the Pledge of Allegiance. What a great way to bring focus to why men and women serve our great country. Special thanks go out to Lynda Mhoon, Director of the Launching Pad for allowing the children to participate.
Michelle Coppedge then shared a message of appreciation for the veterans of our population, and their family members, who provide vital support through it all. She said, “Veterans are crucial members of our society who have come together to help shape and defend our nation.” She continued, “This year, the Center celebrates its 75th anniversary and from the earliest days, veterans have played a huge role in the Center’s success. In fact, the Center began performing the earliest forms of Air traffic control and logistics support for the US Army.”
The event continued with some testimonies and “sea stories” from several veterans who work on the Aeronautical Center. Short video segments were played from Kelly Sweeten – Aviation Safety Inspector (AFS-640), Onekia Smallwood – Quality Management Systems Specialist (AAM-003), Mike Murphy – Management and Program Analyst (AFB-540), Sharra Dahlvang – Legal Instruments Examiner (AFB-715), Robert Jones – Electronics Technician Instructor (AMA-310) and Laurie Wichryk – Contract Support (AMC-001).
Their stories were followed by an entertaining video of all military anthems, complete with lyrics. Kevin O’Connor, Deputy Director of the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center closed the event out, showing appreciation for our veterans. He said, “Thank you for your service, your sacrifice and your love for this country! And thank you to Kelly, Onekia, Mike, Sharra and Robert for sharing your stories with us today – it is fun to learn more about each of you and to listen to you reflect on your time serving our country.” He added, “Special thanks to Laurie – who also did a great job of sharing her insight of what the family members of our military service members endure.”
Kevin tasked audience members with a challenge – to find a veteran today, or any day, and to extend five words that they never tire of hearing – “Thank you for your service.”
