WILMINGTON — Veterans of military service working for Airborne Maintenance & Engineering Services (AMES) at the Wilmington Air Park got a special treat during their shift on Tuesday as Col. Chip Tansill, director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, and other officials honored AMES for its hiring of more than 200 veterans.
Before the ceremony, AMES Technical Operations VP Jim Savastano gave a tour to Tansill and other guests of the facilities at AMES.
Tansill then spoke to some of the veterans hired by AMES, where he praised the company for hiring so many veterans and also thanked the veterans for their service and for strengthening Ohio’s workforce. During his speech, Tansill highlighted that since he was sworn in by Ohio Gov. John Kasich last year, it has been a priority to help veterans and their families obtain jobs.
“Veterans represent the skills and discipline needed to get things done and help businesses succeed and grow,” said Tansill.
Air Transport Services Group CEO Joe Hete and State Sen. Bob Peterson also spoke to the crowd, with Peterson highlighting the veterans’ service.
“I’m able to watch my son play soccer because of you guys,” said Peterson. “You’re all able to watch your kids play football, soccer, baseball, volleyball, or whatever because of your service to this great country.”
Col. Tansill then presented the veteran employees with the OhioMeansJobs Veterans Challenge Coin, and a special pin to Vietnam-era veterans. According to OhioMeansVeteranJobs.com, employers, service providers and individuals are given the coin for making a unique contribution to the veterans community.
They could receive it for sponsoring a program or initiative for veterans, for extraordinary assistance given to a veteran, or for going above and beyond the call of duty to support a veteran.
