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Veterans Park on Okaloosa Island is open, featuring 8 statues honoring military women

Veterans Park on Okaloosa Island was officially unveiled on Thursday, and features 8 bronze statues honoring women who have served in the United States military. It was a packed house at the Convention Center as an estimated 500 guests arrived to take part in the event, including 5 rows of special guests and local dignitaries. […]

Veterans Park on Okaloosa Island was officially unveiled on Thursday, and features 8 bronze statues honoring women who have served in the United States military.

It was a packed house at the Convention Center as an estimated 500 guests arrived to take part in the event, including 5 rows of special guests and local dignitaries.

The event was led by Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel, who spearheaded this project and helped make it a reality.

Speakers included:

  • Kay Yarbrough, Daughters of the American Revolution
  • General Scott Cain, 96th Test Wing Commander, Eglin Air Force Base
  • Colonel Allision Black, 24th SOW Vice Commander, Hurlburt Field
Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel

Following the indoor event, the crowd made their way to the 17.5-acre park situated on the Choctawhatchee Bay just behind the Convention Center.

  • The park is home to native wildlife and vegetation and features a self-guided walking tour to view all of the statues.
(left) Colonel Allision Black, 24th SOW Vice Commander, Hurlburt Field (right) General Scott Cain, 96th Test Wing Commander, Eglin Air Force Base

A ribbon cutting was held that featured a host of locals involved with making the project come to life, followed by a fly-over from Eglin.

Margaret Corbin – Revolutionary War, Army

The women honorees include:

  • Margaret Corbin – Revolutionary War, Army
  • Cathay Williams – Civil War, Army
  • Lenah Higbee – World War I, Navy
  • Jacqueline Cochran – World War II, Air Force Reserves
  • Jonita Ruth Bonham – Bovée, Korean War, Army Air Corps / Air Force
  • Sharon Ann Lane – Vietnam War, US Army Nurse Corps Reserve
  • Leigh Ann Hester – Persian Gulf War, Army National Guard
  • Naseema – War in Afghanistan, US Air Force

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