Okaloosa County unveiled two life-sized bronze statues honoring women veterans during a Veterans Day ceremony Tuesday afternoon at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center on Okaloosa Island.

• The statues recognize Marine Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, who died during the 2021 evacuation of Kabul, and an Iroquois warrior woman who served in the War of 1812.

“We love our veterans in Okaloosa County and we want to make sure they feel our appreciation with this event,” County Vice Chairman Carolyn Ketchel said during the ceremony. “We are also very proud to unveil two magnificent statues of women veterans that will be added to the Women Veterans Park.”

The ceremony, which began at 1 p.m., featured the Thunderbird Honor Guard led by Kirby Locklear, an invocation by Deacon Michael Brown, and the national anthem performed by Lainey Whitten. Alex Alvarez of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians led a Native American flag song.

Lt. Gen. Bradley Heithold, U.S. Air Force retired, delivered the keynote address. Heithold, who spent 44 years in uniform and commanded the Air Force Special Operations Command, emphasized the importance of honoring veterans’ sacrifices.

• “Let’s build a nation that’s worthy of all those sacrifices,” Heithold said. “Let’s together build a nation worthy of those sacrifices. One that embraces unity, cherishes our freedom, and stands for justice for all.”

Gee, 23, served with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit as a maintenance technician and helped evacuate Afghan women and children during the withdrawal from Afghanistan. She was among 13 U.S. service members killed Aug. 27, 2021, when a suicide bomber struck outside Kabul’s airport.

Six days before her death, Gee posted a photograph of herself holding an Afghan infant on Instagram with the caption “I love my job.” After her death, the photo went viral. The statue unveiled Monday depicts that same photograph.

The second statue depicts an Iroquois warrior woman, representing at least five Native American women who received military pensions for serving during the War of 1812: Polly Cooper, Susan Jacob, Dinah John, Julia John and Dolly Schenandoah. Though officially listed as cooks in pension records, many fought in combat alongside their husbands.

County Commissioner Drew Palmer, who served four years in the Air Force, introduced Heithold and spoke about the ceremony’s importance.

• “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.”

Palmer noted that Okaloosa County has 21% of its population as veterans, compared to the national average of 6%.

The statues will be added to the Women Veterans Park on Okaloosa Island at a later date, joining two others unveiled in June. The park will then have 12 women veteran statues total.

Ketchel said the committee hopes to add a Rosie the Riveter statue on U.S. Highway 98 pointing to the park once the Brooks Bridge replacement is complete. The committee also plans to add a pavilion and restrooms to the park.

• “The work of this committee is not finished,” Ketchel said.

Three groups had benches unveiled at the park the week of Nov. 11: The Center for Lifelong Learning, Republican Women of Okaloosa Federated and Women Veterans Group Air Force Enlisted Village.

Rep. Jimmy Patronis addressed attendees via video, thanking commissioners and volunteers for organizing the program.

County Commissioner Paul Mixon gave the benediction.