While Memorial Day is set aside to reflect and remember those service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, it is also a perfect time to honor our veterans who have served and who continue to serve our communities through public service.
In the most recent edition of the union magazine, we put a spotlight on OCSEA members who are veterans and how they continue to serve as public employees and union leaders.
“Service Before Self” is one of the three core values of the United States Air Force, and something OCSEA activist and veteran Chris Hagner continues to live by, even 28 years after leaving the USAF Reserve. "We’re public servants. We’re here to serve the people," said Chris, who is the proud president of Chapter 4210 and Maintenance Mechanic in the Mount Vernon City water plant. He just recently celebrated his 24th anniversary with the city.
For veteran Tyrone Grant, a Customer Service Specialist with the Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services, service to community is just a part of his makeup. He learned the importance of giving back from his mother and grandmother who taught him the value of a tightly knit community and helping those in need, from your neighbors to those you don’t even know. Serving in the military was just another brick in his wall of service, he says.
“I really enjoy helping the public. I like working with the community and giving back any way I can,” said Tyrone.