Employees at Lockheed Martin’s Huntsville site are celebrating a population crucial to their work – veterans and military service members. This is being done in recognition of World Space Week.

World Space Week is an international space event recognized by the United Nations and commemorated in over 95 nations to celebrate science, technology, and space.

As a leading aerospace and defense contractor Lockheed Martin employs 2,933 people in Alabama – 562 of whom are veterans or current military members, according to the company.

In total, Lockheed Martin employs approximately 114,000 people – and roughly 1 out of every 5 employees has served in uniform.

To honor these veterans Lockheed Martin employees gathered to assemble 350 paracord bracelets that will be donated to Operation Gratitude for distribution to active-duty military members.

Paracord bracelets have a minimum breaking point of 550 pounds and are used for a variety of life-saving purposes out in the field, such as building a makeshift shelter, making a sling or splint or using as sewing thread or a fishing line.

Jeff Kepley, Program Management Vice President, at Lockheed Martin stated, “This project spoke to us, as a company committed to supporting the warfighter in all we do, and as a consistent employer of veterans. Our Huntsville team understands the importance of supporting our military and I’m proud of them for jumping at the opportunity to take part in directly impacting the lives of those who serve.”

Operation Gratitude supports active-duty service members and first responders with care packages to express the gratitude of American citizens to those serving on the front lines.

The goal is to make sure those who serve know they are appreciated and have a connection to home and the ones who love them. You can learn more about this program at www.operationgratitude.com.

David Palmore is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News