Claxton honored for service to Carl Vinson VA

The Carl Vinson VA Medical Center honored Harriett Claxton for her years of service helping with the VA’s Memorial Day and Veterans Day programs.

Keith Griffin, chief of the VA Center for Development and Civic Engagement, said the VA recognized Claxton during the VA’s Veterans Day program in November.

“When I was putting the program together, it hit that this would be the first Veterans Day program where Mrs. Claxton was not apart of it,” Griffin said. “I thought it would be a time to honor and acknowledge the great community service she had done over the years.” 

Griffin knows that for more than 20 years, Claxton was always part of the Veterans Day programs and the Memorial Day programs held at the VA. She always led the crowd with the Pledge of Allegiance and the American Creed.

“For us to have the first VA program where she was not a part of, was significant,” Griffin said. “It was truly an accomplishment to have her for so many years filling into that role. Her absence was felt and she will be truly missed. I cannot tell you how much she has done for veterans in this community. She was always instrumental for the programs being such a success.”

Griffin said Claxton had a lasting impact on the veterans and employees at the VA.

“She had a lasting impact on everyone,” he said. “I am so used to hearing Mrs. Claxton’s voice.”