Rep. Cammack Names Olajuwon White 2023 Veteran Of The Year

GAINESVILLE, FL – Today, Congresswoman Kat Cammack announced this year's Veteran of the Year as Mr. Olajuwon White, the Director of Veteran Services for Levy County and a U.S. Navy veteran. 

Mr. White currently serves as the Director of Veteran Services for Levy County, Florida. In this role he works to help veterans with casework related to compensation, pension, burial benefits, educational assistance, and more. In 2023, Mr. White received the 2023 Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce's Veteran Impact Award, the National Association of Counties Achievement Award, and a Levy County Certificate of Appreciation. 

Mr. White began his career as a Hospital Corpsman in the United States Navy, certified as an independent duty corpsman and surgical technician. Following his military service, Mr. White worked with Alachua County as a Senior Veterans Claims Counselor, working with hundreds of veterans to file claims and leading educational sessions for veterans and their dependents on information from the Department of Veterans Affairs. He also has experience working with the VA as a field examiner in Tampa. 

Outside of his professional capacity, Mr. White works hard to engage veterans in Levy County and the surrounding area, turning what was once a quiet area for our heroes into a vibrant community where veterans know they'll receive the attention and support they need at the local level. 

"I'm honored to announce Mr. White as the 2023 Veteran of the Year," said Congresswoman Cammack. "He served our nation honorably during his time in the Navy and has since committed his life's work to supporting our nation's heroes. He is well known in the North Central Florida veterans' community and has become a familiar face many know and trust. Florida is home to over 1.3 million veterans, which is why it's so important that we have the services and support our men and women need after their time in the military. Mr. White goes above and beyond each day and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor. He has an undoubtedly bright future ahead and I look forward to celebrating him and all of his hard work early next year." 

Congresswoman Cammack has flown a flag over the U.S. Capitol in Mr. White's honor and has entered his service into the Congressional Record. A ceremony formally recognizing this honor will take place in January. 

2021's inaugural Veteran of the Year Award honoree was the late Corporal Duane Dewey, a 1953 Medal of Honor recipient and Korean War veteran. Last year, Congresswoman Cammack honored Ansil Lewis, a retired Sergeant Major in the United States Marine Corps and the president of the Veterans Council of Clay County. 

Congresswoman Cammack thanks the community for submitting their entries for this year's Veteran of the Year and looks forward to continuing this tradition for years to come. 

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