Thank You to Veterans Nominated by Members of our Community

Dr. Courtney Holmes, D.Min, BCC, LCSW, QCSW, MAC


As told by nominator

Tell us about her family.

Courtney is a veteran and currently serving in the Alabama Air National Guard. She is married with 4 children and a local business owner. She lives in Rincon and children are educated in the Effingham County school system.

In what branch of service is she serving?

She has been serving for the past 22 year. She was enlisted for 20 years at the 165th Airlife Wing and an officer in the Alabama Air National Guard.

How does she give back to the community?

She gives back by partnering with those in the community, church,, through her service, and through her sorority of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Can you include what she may recall as her most memorable experience during her time of service?

When she was a part of the receiving of the local young man here in Effingham County who was bought back from oversees and she was a part of the parade to salute his body.

What advice would she give about serving her community?

It should be something that everyone is required to do if they are able. This has been the best experience of her life and that the military support her through understanding strategic and organizational leadership, breaking generational curses, and give a sense of proud about your country.

Kenneth Fells

Tell us about your loved ones

I have been married for 6 years July 21st. My wife is a hairstylist. We have 3 boys, KC 5 years old, Kash 3 years old, and Kodi 7 months.

In what branch of the military were you in?

Navy

How do you give back to the community?

Works security to Hope City Church keeping the church safe and secure while the community enjoys service. Also, the owner of Make It Snowcone serves snow cones and cotton candy to the community.

What was your most memorable experience during your time of service?

The first I experienced the flight deck in the middle of the ocean. It felt like surfing on a your personal surfboard. I was so scared and noodle legs that could not stop shaking. But after repetition, the flight deck was a piece of cake.

What advice would you give about serving your community?

I love community and the people loves us back. Thanks Effingham.

Dr. Nicole Washington, DHA, RN, BSN


As told by nominator

In what branch of service was she in?

Dr. Washing served as a Captain in the United States Air Force as a Surgical Nurse for 11 years. She played a crucial role in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, where she awas instrumental in saving the lives of countless Airmen and Soldiers.

How does she give back to the community?

Nicole, who now has a Doctor of Health Administration degree, gives back to our community daily through her current position as Director of Quality at Effingham Health System. Although she has been retired from service for several years, she also continues to give back to the Veteran community in both Effingham County and Port Wentworth. She actively serves with the Rincon VFW Post 12149 and enjoys attending events hosted by other Veterans groups throughout the state.

Can you include what she may recall as her most memorable experience during her time of service?

Dr. Washington's most cherished memories from her time in service include transporting soldiers who needed to be transferred from Korea to Hawaii for rehabilitation. She found this experience particularly impactful because it allowed her to see these soldiers as human beings rather than just soldiers. She treasured the opportunity to get to know them on a personal level, providing them a safe space to be themselves.

What advice would she give about serving her community?

Dr. Washington believes that serving in the military has been one of the best experiences of her life. She continues to live by the Air Force core values: integrity, service before self, and excellence in all you do. Her advice is to embrace these values in every aspect of life and community service.

Kevin Diaz


As told by nominator

Tell us about his family.

Wife- Angela Diaz. Daughter -Alexa Diaz, Parents - Angel and Marie Diaz

In what branch service was he in and what organization does he work for?

United States Marine-Retired & US Customs and Border Protection-Active

How does he give back to the community?

Has served in a combined effort for over 25 years protecting the United States both domestically and abroad.

Can you include what he may recall as his most memorable experience during his time of service?

Has served in a combined effort for over 25 years protecting the United States both domestically and abroad.

For the Marine Corps - The Marine Corps Crucible is a 54-hour field training exercise that tests recruits' physical, mental, and moral abilities. It's the final event of boot camp recruit training and is considered a defining experience.

For US Customs and Border Protection - Kevin has shared a story with us about when he was at the border and a little eight-year-old was being sent across the border to meet some family member on the East Coast. She was terrified and crying so Kevin spoke to her in Spanish. He then gave her his phone and put a movie on in Spanish to comfort her and had to explain to her in Spanish, that the female officers were going to help her take a bath, give her some fresh clothes, and that they will not hurt her. After all of that, he saw that she got onto the bus that would take her to her destination.

What advice would he give about serving his community?

This is direct quote from Kevin: “ A veteran’s pride resonates in the honor of serving a community that they have dedicated their lives to protect, defend and uplift.”