On Veterans Day, we pause to honor and express gratitude to the brave men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces. Their dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting our freedom deserve recognition every day, and it’s important that we not only celebrate their service but also consider the unique qualities they bring to the workforce.
Hiring veterans is an opportunity for businesses to gain skilled, disciplined, and highly motivated individuals who possess a wide range of valuable qualities. Here are just a few reasons why bringing veterans into your team can be a great decision.
Exceptional Work Ethic
Veterans are known for their strong work ethic, reliability, and commitment to achieving goals. Their training in the military fosters a sense of responsibility and determination that they bring to every role they take on. As said by Luke Phillips, Claridge operations coordinator and veteran of the US Army’s 1st and 2nd infantry divisions, “There is nothing that happens in a work day that can’t be overcome, and we can work as a team to accomplish anything.”
Leadership Skills
Many veterans have leadership experience, having managed teams in high-pressure environments. This translates to effective decision-making, team coordination, and the ability to guide others in achieving success.
Adaptability
Veterans are accustomed to navigating rapidly changing situations and environments. They have developed the flexibility and resilience necessary to thrive in challenging and unpredictable scenarios, making them invaluable assets in any fast-paced work setting. When asked, Michael Webb, Claridge’s shipping supervisor and veteran of the US Marine Corps 3rd FAST, said “to make an effective team we all need to learn different specialties and cross train with our peers, as well as know the duties of our leaders and our subordinates. This teaches the value of team versatility, and succession planning to ensure the organization can function and maintain full effectiveness.”
Strong Team Players
Service members know the importance of teamwork, and veterans often excel in collaborative environments. Their ability to work together toward a common goal makes them an asset to any team.
Technical Expertise
With specialized training in a variety of fields—from healthcare to IT to engineering—veterans often come with highly transferable skills. We spoke to Tonia Castillo, veteran of US Army 92A and Claridge contract manager, about this and she told us, “In the military I oversaw many duties: supervised all Sams-1E logistical clerks, Lean Six-Sigma, CLA (Contract Labor Assignments), requisitions audits, etc. This has given me the knowledge I need to manage contracts properly and thoroughly in my current role.” Many industries benefit from the advanced technical abilities that veterans bring, enhancing workplace innovation and efficiency.
Loyalty and Retention
Veterans are often incredibly loyal to the organizations that give them the opportunity to continue serving in meaningful ways. This commitment often leads to lower turnover and stronger employee retention.
As we reflect on the sacrifices of our veterans this Veterans Day, let’s also remember the powerful contributions they can make to our businesses and communities. By hiring veterans, we can give back in a meaningful way, while reaping the rewards of their dedication, skills, and work ethic.
Claridge is proud to have team members who are veterans and would like to recognize the following employees for their service: Tonia Castillo, Jackson McKenzie, Brad Cunningham, Venable Crye, Luke Phillips, Tyler Phillips, David Stebbins, Michael Webb, Landon Marshall, Richard George, Tyler Robinson, Kenneth Taisler, Sean Cone, Bobby Buchanan, Danny Paul, Doug Austin, Michael Bowling, Richard Weltch, Willie Lyman, Alan Tatum, James Copeland, and Ruben Rodriguez.