On Tuesday, November 10, the City of Richmond hosted a special Veterans Appreciation Coffee and Communication gathering. Participants connected and heard from Human Resources Director Trinija Martin, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Operations Al Wiggins, and Mayor Danny Avula. Director Martin and DCAO Wiggins' remarks as prepared can be found below. 

Trinija Martin, Director of Human Resources

Good morning, everyone, and happy Veterans Day! 

Before we begin today's celebration, I ask that you rise for the posting of the colors, presented by the Richmond Police Department honor guard.

It is truly an honor and a privilege to stand before you today, not only as the Director of Human Resources for the City of Richmond, but also as a proud veteran of the United States Army.

I have to tell you, there’s something special about being in a room filled with individuals who understand what it means to serve something greater than themselves.

Veterans Day is more than a date on the calendar. It is more than a federal holiday, a ceremony, or a moment of recognition.

It’s a reminder that the freedoms we enjoy every day have been protected by ordinary men and women who made extraordinary commitments. Men and women who raised their right hands and took an oath to support and defend the constitution of the United States.

I know that commitment personally. As a United States Army veteran, I understand that military service is not simply something you do. It becomes part of who you are.

The army taught me discipline, resilience, accountability, courage, and the importance of teamwork. One of the greatest lessons it taught me was that leadership is not about rank or title. Leadership is about service, responsibility, and taking care of people.

Those lessons have followed me throughout my life and continue to shape how I lead today.

As we celebrate Veterans Day in the city of Richmond, I'm especially proud of the veterans who continue their commitment to service through careers in local government. You are living examples of what it means to carry the spirit of service beyond the military.

You have exchanged one form of public service for another, and our city and our communities are stronger because of it.

As we begin today's celebration, let us do so with gratitude in our hearts, pride in our nation, and renewed appreciation for the men and women who have worn the uniform.

From one veteran to another it is an honor to stand among you. Happy veteran's day and may God bless our veterans our military families the city of Richmond and the United States of America

It is now my distinct pleasure to introduce a leader who understands the importance of service, community, and our freedoms. Please join me in welcoming the Mayor of the City of Richmond, Dr. Danny Avula.

Al Wiggins, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Operations

Thank you, Mayor Avula, Director Martin, and our Richmond Police Department Color Guard for helping make this morning special.

With everything going on in the world, we are reminded of the dedication of those who answer the call to serve, often far from home and family. Today, we thank our veterans and recognize the families whose support makes that service possible.

I deeply value my eight years in the United States Air Force. It taught me discipline, accountability, and how to work with people from different backgrounds toward a shared goal. Those lessons have helped me in every workplace since. I often say that if the Air Force were a nonprofit, I would send them a check every month. That is how much that experience means to me.

Our veterans bring those same strengths into our workplaces and communities every day. To each of you: thank you for your service and for everything you continue to contribute.

Let’s carry that spirit into how we support one another, share what we know, and help each other succeed. That is how we build a stronger team and better serve Richmond.

Please stay, enjoy the refreshments, thank a veteran, and connect with someone you don’t know. Thank you for being here and for all you do.