👥 Who: Okaloosa County officials, including Vice Chairman Carolyn Ketchel and Commissioner Drew Palmer, along with local veterans and civic groups
🪖 What: Veterans Day ceremony and statue unveiling honoring women veterans
📅 When: November 11, 2025, at 1 p.m.
📍 Where: Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center on Okaloosa Island
🎖️ Why: To honor and recognize the service and sacrifice of women veterans throughout U.S. history
Okaloosa County, Florida – Okaloosa County will honor Veterans Day this year with a veteran appreciation event and the unveiling of two new life-sized women veteran statues that will be added to the Women Veterans Monuments at Veterans Park. The ceremony will take place on Monday, November 11, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center on Okaloosa Island.
The Veterans Day event will feature remarks from local veterans, elected officials, and community leaders, followed by the unveiling of statues representing Sgt. Nicole L. Gee of the U.S. Marine Corps and an Iroquois Warrior Woman who served during the War of 1812. These additions highlight the contributions and sacrifices of women who have served in the U.S. military throughout history.
Honoring Women Veterans
Sgt. Nicole L. Gee served with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit as a maintenance technician. She also played a critical role in the 2021 evacuation of Kabul, helping to coordinate support for Afghan women and children. On August 27, 2021, Sgt. Gee was killed in a suicide bombing that killed 18 U.S. service members during the evacuation. The statue commemorates her service and sacrifice, ensuring her story is remembered by the community.
The Iroquois Warrior Woman statue represents Native American women who served during the War of 1812. While official records often listed them as “cooks,” many served in combat alongside their husbands or in other critical roles. The statue is symbolic, as no known images of these women exist from that time, and it honors the broader contributions of Iroquois women to U.S. military history.
Community Involvement
Okaloosa County Vice Chairman Carolyn Ketchel said the event demonstrates the community’s support and respect for veterans. “We love our veterans in Okaloosa County, and we want to make sure they feel our appreciation with this event,” she said. “We are also very proud to unveil two statues that will be added to the Women Veterans Park, continuing our tradition of honoring those who have served.”
District 5 Commissioner Drew Palmer, a former U.S. Air Force service member with over two decades of experience in the defense industry, emphasized the importance of publicly recognizing the contributions of service members and their families. “Recognizing the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families is not only meaningful, it’s essential,” Palmer said. “This event is a powerful tribute that reflects Okaloosa County’s deep appreciation for their service and the enduring value they bring to our community.”
The statues will be added to Veterans Park at a later date, along with two others unveiled in June, bringing the total number of women veteran statues at the park to 12. In addition, new benches honoring local and civic groups will be installed at the park during the week of November 11. These benches will recognize The Center for Lifelong Learning, the Republican Women of Okaloosa Federated, and the Women Veterans Group of the Air Force Enlisted Village.
Veterans Park
Veterans Park on Okaloosa Island was established to honor the service and sacrifice of both men and women from all branches of the U.S. military. It features life-sized statues of service members from different eras, along with commemorative benches and plaques recognizing local groups that support veterans. The park serves as a space for reflection, remembrance, and education about the contributions of military personnel throughout U.S. history.
The Veterans Day ceremony and unveiling of these statues provide an opportunity for community members to come together to honor women who have served, celebrate their achievements, and ensure that future generations remember their contributions.
For more information: Contact the Okaloosa County Public Affairs Office at (850) 689-5000 or visit https://www.myokaloosa.com.
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
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