Disney Honors Veteran-Turned-Cast Member in a Special Way

The Walt Disney Company’s Heroes Work Here program is one that was set up to honor the United States Armed Services. Per the website, Disney “recognize[s] the commitment and dedication it takes to serve your country, both as military personnel and military spouses, and value[s] the leadership skills and sense of purpose it has instilled.” Disney has set up a program offering these veterans and their spouses jobs with the Mouse House. The company has hired more than 12,500 veterans since the program’s launch in 2012.

It’s a commitment the Mouse House strives to, and recently, they honored a veteran and Cast Member who has been with Walt Disney World since the opening day of the best Disney World Park.

Veteran of the Vietnam War and opening day Cast Member for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Peter Olivo, was honored during National Military Appreciation Month. Olivo served as a U.S. Army infantry soldier; he received a Purple Heart for his service and injuries sustained during that time. When it comes to his Disney career, Olivio helped open Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in 1998, and then worked as an attraction host for more than 25 years.

On the eve of his retirement, Olivo was presented with a “special American flag flown over the theme park” during a special sunrise ceremony. As Disney Parks Blog shared, he was accompanied by “his wife, Virginia, also a Disney cast member, Walt Disney World Resort Ambassador Ali Manion, Disney’s Animal Kingdom vice president, Sarah Riles, Disney SALUTE Veteran affinity group co-chair Cappy Surette, and friends and fellow cast members.”

The photos are moving, and it’s certainly a wonderful way to honor the sacrifice and service of the brave men and women who serve in the United States Armed Forces.