Recognizing the service of Metro’s military veterans

Ahead of Veterans Day tomorrow, I want to thank Metro’s veterans and those who continue to serve in the military. As the daughter of an Army veteran, this day has always held special meaning for me and my family. I’ve always been proud of my dad’s service, and I’m grateful to work alongside so many colleagues who have served our country.  

On Monday, I joined employees and members of Metro’s Leadership Team at Atlantic/Central Base for our annual Veterans Day flag raising ceremony. Together, we honored our veterans, recognized their families’ sacrifices, and heard how military experiences continue to shape our colleagues’ lives and work. 

Some of our veterans

Bus Operations Training Superintendent Cameron Boosman spoke about his daily commitment to practicing patience, kindness, and care after two tours in Afghanistan during his five and a half years in the Army. He described how that effort has become a strength he brings to interactions with riders, trainees, and colleagues. Over his 10 years at Metro, Cameron has grown from operator to supervisor, chief, and superintendent. I’ve seen the calm, steady approach he brings to difficult situations, and I appreciated hearing the personal effort behind it. 

For Ed Green, a first-line supervisor on the Bus Operations Training team, leadership means setting an example and supporting the people around you. Ed served four years in the Navy, working in aviation fueling. He comes from a family with service across the Navy, Army, and Air Force, and he carries lessons about teamwork and responsibility into his work at Metro. He also reminded us that supporting veterans is a commitment that extends beyond their time in uniform. 

Transit Operator Holland McGraw shared his path from joining the Army in 1999 to serving with the 2nd Ranger Battalion, completing Ranger School, and deploying to Afghanistan and Iraq. After leaving the Army in 2004, he earned degrees in history and library science before joining Metro in 2015. Holland spoke about the importance of teamwork and letting actions speak louder than words—lessons he carries into his work today. 

I’m grateful to Cameron, Ed, and Holland for sharing these parts of their lives with us. Military experiences can be deeply personal and complicated, and sharing them is not always easy. Listening helps us better understand our colleagues and appreciate how a commitment to service can continue throughout a person’s life. 

Those who did not come home

Following their remarks, Cameron, Ed, and Holland helped raise the U.S. and Prisoner of War and Missing
in Action (POW/MIA) flags. As we honored those who served, we also remembered service members who were held prisoner or remain missing, and the families who still wait for answers. It was a moment to recognize both the pride and the loss that Veterans Day can hold for those in our community. 

To our veterans and your families: Thank you for your service, your sacrifices, and the many ways you contribute to Metro and our communities.