Colleague spotlight: Celebrating veterans

In honor of Veterans Day, recognized annually on November 11 to honor military veterans of the United States Armed Forces, I spoke to three colleagues who served to learn more about their service, the significance of this day for them, and how their experiences have impacted their careers. 

Carissa Mero
Sales Executive – Acquisition

Tell us a little about your service.

On my 18th birthday, I engaged a recruiter. And on November 11, 2011, I swore into service. I chose to go into the United States Army after my grandfather passed—I wanted to honor him, as he was the only member of my family in the service. I served as a human resource specialist at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. One of my most memorable experiences was probably when we went to NTC for pre-deployment training in Fort Irwin, California.

What does Veteran’s Day mean to you?

For me, Veteran’s Day is a day to honor those who served, and it’s the bare minimum offering for those who dedicated copious amounts of time, energy, and physical and emotional exertion throughout their time in service. It’s a day for recognition. 

How has being a veteran helped you excel in your career?   
As a woman in service, typically, the experiences are hit or miss, and I was lucky enough to have several wonderful mentors who made sure I was successful. Throughout my time, I earned two Army Achievement Medals and 1 Army Commendation Medal, and it was because I had so many people in my corner making sure I was set and making sure I had so much exposure to different opportunities. 

If you could share something about your experience as a veteran, what would you share?  

My experience as a veteran hasn’t been any different than my experience as a civilian—I operate day-to-day as usual. I would say that being a veteran, I do consistently miss being in the service and think about my time in, and I also think of all of the friends I made along the way.   

What do you plan to accomplish in the next five years?   

I’m hoping to have my athleisure brand off the ground, be making five figures monthly, and continue being happy.

Sabrina Thorps
Software Support Specialist II

Tell us a little about your service.

I started out in a pre-enlistment program when I was in the 11th grade. I joined on September 9, 1996, after graduating high school, and I served for about six years active and two more years inactive. I always wanted to join the military during my high school years. I was originally looking into the Air Force or the Army. Then, one day, a Marine recruiter showed up at my house in his dress blues uniform while I was sitting on the porch. He had my attention as soon as he stepped out of the car. After listening to him and doing research on my own, I knew that if I was going to be a part of something great, I wanted to make sure I chose the best and, at the same time, wear the best.  

Throughout my tenure, I served in Parris Island, SC; Okinawa, Japan; Albany, GA; and Miramar (San Diego), CA, as a Small Computer Specialist and Communications Center Operator. One of the most memorable experiences for me was when I went through a leadership course in Albany, GA. My staff non-commissioned officer (NCO) was not convinced that I was ready to go through the leadership course—they wanted me to just sit in the office and fix computers.

But I wanted to go out to the field and learn how to be a successful leader. When he finally approved me to go through the leadership course, I was the only Marine who held the Class Commander’s position until the end and became the class honor graduate. I received a Gung Ho Award and a Certificate of Commendation. When my Staff NCO heard the news, he went to our officer and said, “Guess who got honor grad?”  

What does Veteran’s Day mean to you? 

To me, Veteran’s Day is a day when we all come together to honor those who have served and sacrificed their lives for our country. Although this should be done every day, Veteran’s Day gives Veterans an extra moment to pause, reflect, and share on the good old days. Some days are good to remember, and some are hard to relive. Nevertheless, it is a day that makes us feel incredibly special.  

How has being a veteran helped you excel in your career? 

The positive things I learned in the Marines have stayed with me throughout my career: leadership skills, discipline, self-control, problem-solving skills, conflict resolution, etc. I have applied these skills to my everyday life, as well as my career, and this has helped me to earn the trust I needed to excel in great opportunities.

If you could share something about your experience as a veteran, what would you share? 

I would share the inner feelings that I still have when I was in service: honor, courage, and commitment. There are not enough benefits or military discounts in the world that can override those three words that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

What do you plan to accomplish in the next five years?  

I plan to become a certified ConnectWise Automate professional accomplish other personal goals in family, business, and education, and visit other countries.

Sean Lardo
Economy Evangelism Director

Tell us a little about your service.

I joined in April 1994, left for basic training in November 1994, and served nine years in the United States Army. I enlisted because I had my first daughter that year, and I needed something to be proud of for my own accomplishments and to find a direction in my life. I joined the Army to do demolitions—what 18-year-old boy doesn’t want to blow things up? 

My permanent duty stations were at Fort Bragg, now Fort Liberty, NC, and Crane Armory, Pittsburgh, PA, along with various deployments to Bosnia, Central America, etc. I started in demolitions, then worked as a diesel mechanic, and spent the better part of my career in ammunition, range, and weapons training for the battalions I served under. Really, whatever they told me to do. 

One of my most memorable experiences was November 9, 1994, at Fort Leonardwood, MO. We had shakedown for basic training, and the whole post came to watch us roll in the mud, do pushups, sit-ups, and run in place for what felt like three days while doing inventory of our clothing and gear. I had never done so many mule kicks in my life.  

What does Veteran’s Day mean to you?  
Serving and being a veteran is a feeling of something bigger than you. It always gives a better perspective and is humbling.   

How has being a veteran helped you excel in your career?  
How do I count the ways? First, to lead by example, the soft skills of leadership, extreme ownership, and drive—along with the worldliness, critical thinking, and creativity required to work with and accomplish the hardest of challenges with people from all walks of life. Selfless service. 

If you could share something about your experience as a veteran, what would you share?

Disney World only gives veteran discounts on Tuesdays—just saying! 

What do you plan to accomplish in the next five years?   
Over the next five years, I plan to simply keep pushing myself to achieve anything that is laid in front of me while enjoying my life day-to-day. I have learned to embrace the here and now, and the future I will deal with later.