Ryan Ray
U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham visited Florida’s capital city Tuesday while the state Supreme Court heard oral arguments that could reshape the course of her political career.
That’s not why she was at Tallahassee City Hall a few blocks from the court, though. She was in town to recognize a pair of veteran-friendly North Florida employers the day before Veterans Day, as part of a series of such acknowledgments Graham will soon conduct across her sprawling 2nd Congressional District.
The freshman Democrat recognized Lowe’s and Syn-Tech Systems, a North Florida defense contractor, before a small gaggle of reporters outside her Tallahassee district office inside City Hall.
“Serving our country in the armed services, our veterans learn advanced skills they can put to use in the workforce,” Graham said. “These North Florida businesses are stepping up to the plate and hiring these talented workers because they know they’re skilled and loyal. It’s a win-win for employers and veterans – and I’m proud to recognize them here today.”
Syn-Tech, a defense design and engineering firm headquartered in Tallahassee, said it employs 37 former military personnel. A representative of the local Lowe’s region said it has about 20 veterans on staff.
Graham’s eastern Panhandle district contains tens of thousands of active military and contractors, owing to Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City and its proximity to Eglin Air Force Base in Northwest Florida.
