AUSTIN – Just before today’s celebration of Veterans Day and in the midst of the national recognition and support of veterans through the month of November, military veterans employed with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) were honored during a special ceremony and celebration of their service.
The OAG employs approximately 300 veterans who represent all branches of the U.S. Military, and spouses and children of service members. Several veterans employed with the OAG are recipients of the Silver Star Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart.
“Veterans day is an opportunity to take a moment and recognize so many men, so many women, so many unknown warriors who have sacrificed and selflessly served to protect us and defend freedom.” Said First Assistant Attorney General Jeff Mateer. “I encourage you to take a few minutes, find out about their stories and then, I encourage you to thank them.”
Stormy Kelly, a 29-year veteran of Texas law enforcement and the Director of the OAG’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, provided a speech at the event. Prior to her career in law enforcement, Chief Kelly served in the United States Navy for seven years in Texas, California and Atsugi, Japan, and was a Petty Officer 2nd Class Air Traffic Controller.
Attorney General Ken Paxton has made hiring veterans among his top priorities. Currently, veterans comprise more than seven percent of the OAG’s total workforce.