Veterans Continue to Serve at Anniston Army Depot

The Anniston Army Depot in Alabama is a hub for veterans to continue serving their country. Over 900 veterans are employed at the depot, with various backgrounds and specialties from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Army Reserves, and National Guard. These veterans have served in various capacities and have been asked to share their stories and experiences.

Key Takeaways:

• Broderick Bland, a 21-year Army veteran, started his military career in college, studying electronics, but chose logistics as his specialty. He served in Panama, Korea, Kuwait, and the Pentagon, where he was part of the U.N. Peacekeepers.
• Danny Thornton, a veteran with 20 years of service, has experience in the Army, Air Force, and Marines. He served in various roles, including as a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force, and retired in 2003.
• Shawana Thomas, a 13-year National Guard veteran, joined the service late in life to enhance her educational and career opportunities and to be a role model for her children.
• Hector-Lopez Diaz, a 23-year Army veteran, served as a supply sergeant and continued to perform similar job duties at the Anniston Army Depot.
• Erik McClellan, a 10-year Army veteran, served as a cavalry scout and performed reconnaissance missions. He credits the military for its true purpose - keeping their nation free.
• Brenda Surles, a 5-year Air Force veteran, credits family pressure for her decision to join the military. She credits her decision to see the world and reach one of her goals.
• Willie Buford, a 22-year Army veteran, followed a family tradition in serving in the military. He enjoyed meeting people from various backgrounds and experiencing cultures while deployed overseas.
• Kenneth Burton, a 20-year Army veteran, served as a supply sergeant in Texas, where he worked with Col. Ray Odierno, who later became the Army's chief of staff.
• DeAnda Cook, a 22-year Army veteran, served on active duty, in the National Guard, and the Reserves. He credits the military for providing an adventure and camaraderie with fellow Soldiers.
• Floyd Green, a 22-year military veteran, served 20 years in the Army, including in the 82nd Airborne Division. He transitioned into the Army Reserves in 2000.
• Roderick Trammell, a 4-year Marine veteran, chose the military for a challenge and to serve with friends. He served as a heavy weapons gunner and assisted in Operation Comfort, providing services to the Kurdish people.

Statistics:

• Over 900 veterans are employed at the Anniston Army Depot.
• 21-year Army veteran Broderick Bland served in Panama, Korea, Kuwait, and the Pentagon.
• 23-year Army veteran Hector-Lopez Diaz served as a supply sergeant for 20 and a half years on active duty and two and a half years in the Army Reserves.
• 20-year Army veteran Kenneth Burton served as a supply sergeant in Texas.
• 22-year military veteran Floyd Green served 20 years in the Army and transitioned into the Army Reserves in 2000.
• 22-year military veteran DeAnda Cook served on active duty, in the National Guard, and the Reserves.

Sources:

• "U.S. Army" news release, Anniston Army Depot, Ala., Nov. 5
• No external sources were mentioned in the text, but the article is copyrighted by HT Media Ltd.