Olajuwon White, who runs Alachua County's Veteran Services Office, received the Greater Gainesville Chamber's 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award. Here is what his office does.

Olajuwon White, director of the Alachua County Veteran Services Office, has received the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award.

The chamber presented it at its 2026 Veterans Appreciation Luncheon, where White was also the keynote speaker. The county announced the award in an Oct. 30 release.

White has worked with veterans for nearly 20 years, the county said. His work began after his own military service.

“My commitment to veterans began after my own military service, and it has remained at the center of everything I do,” White said. “Whether helping a Veteran prepare for employment, navigate the transition to civilian life, or access the benefits they have earned, the mission has always been the same: to serve those who have served us.”

His career

The county’s release lists these roles:

  • employment and workforce training help for veterans leaving the military
  • benefits advocacy and claims representation
  • field examiner with the Department of Veterans Affairs
  • director of Levy County Veteran Services
  • director of Alachua County Veteran Services, his current job

In his luncheon speech, White said serving veterans is about listening, building trust and making sure they do not face life after the military alone, according to the county.

Earlier honors

The lifetime award adds to two earlier ones, the county said:

  • the 2023 Veteran of the Year Award for Florida’s 3rd Congressional District
  • the Greater Gainesville Chamber’s 2024 Veteran Impact Award

What it means for you

  • If you are a veteran or a veteran’s family member: the county’s Veteran Services Office helps people get the benefits, resources and support they earned through service, the county said. You can reach White at 352-264-6739 or owhite@alachuacounty.gov.
  • This Veterans Day: the county’s free celebration runs 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Memorial Park, with breakfast for veterans, a 5K and an 11 a.m. program. Times, the 5K details and the city’s events are on our Veterans Day page.