Today, Thursday, November 11 is Veteran’s Day. We take this time to thank those who have served our country, including many employee-owners at Parametrix. In this article, learn more about several veterans at Parametrix.
Jennifer Dvorak | Senior Engineer | Puyallup, WA
What did you do in the military?
I was a civil engineer, building and fixing things like hangars, pavements, fuel tanks, water treatment plants, and supporting a host of expeditionary work in Korea and Turkey.
How long did you serve?
Just under 10 years, mostly in active duty and then some active reserve as well.
Why did you choose to go into the service branch you did?
There were two women in my dorm who were in ROTC, one in the Air Force and the other in the Army. After yelling “Huh!” with my Army ROTC friend while marching, I decided the Air Force just seemed more consistent with my interests. But even the Air Force was a stretch for me… my whole family thought I was headed to some remote country with the Peace Corps someday. Needless to say, I shocked people with the Air Force decision!
What does Veteran’s Day mean to you?
It’s an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifice of those who have fought and served, and the causes for which we send them to battle. But it’s also very important for me as a citizen to reflect deeply and carefully on the history and outcomes of war, and to ensure that we are extremely careful in our use of violence.
Steve Olling | Senior Consultant | Seattle, WA
What did you do in the military?
Helicopter Crew chief and Aviation Platoon Sergeant.
How long did you serve?
20 years – National Guard.
What was your favorite moment during your service?
Logging many exciting flight hours.
Did anyone else in your family serve?
Yes, my brother, father, one grandfather, several cousins and uncles from World War I through the present.
Why did you choose to go into the service branch you did?
Initially for the adventure and service to my Country. I stayed because I enjoyed the hard work and comradery
What does Veteran’s Day mean to you?
It is a time to reflect on the sacrifices that many people have made to serve and protect our Country in time of peace and war.
How has serving in the military influenced your career?
I learned a great deal of discipline and patience in just about every decision I make and gained an understanding of to how to properly listen to and respect my peers.
What did you learn while serving in the military?
Leadership, honor, preparedness, and respect.
What can others do to show their support to veterans?
Just reflect on their sacrifices, understanding not everyone holds the same view of the military. Remember that it’s not about our government or politics, but about the individual service members.
Michael Horntvedt | Senior Consultant | Seattle, WA
What did you do in the military?
I was a weapons loading trainer where we loaded missiles and 20mm rounds on the F-15
How long did you serve?
I was in for 3.5 years because the Reagan administration had an early out program as a way to reduce costs.
What was your favorite moment during your service?
So many good times with so many people who I would not have ever met without spending time in the service. It was an honor to have met people from all walks of life and know that we were committed to each other and the country.
Did anyone else in your family serve?
My favorite uncle served in the Marine Corps.
Why did you choose to go into the service branch you did?
A friend asked me if I wanted to join up with him and I spontaneously jumped in.
What does Veteran’s Day mean to you?
This is a day to recognize all the people who actually joined the military to defend our rights as outlined in the US Constitution. They sacrificed a major part of themselves in the belief that they were making this country and hopefully the world a better place.
How has serving in the military influenced your career?
While in the service I had a chance to grow up a little and decide that I really wanted to make a difference in the world. I recall making my career decision while waiting for the next load crew to come through the hanger for their testing. It was a great way to pause while serving my country and to get financial assistance for my college.
What did you learn while serving in the military?
A person’s accent, skin color, origin, or sex does not define them – their actions do.
What can others do to show their support to veterans?
Simply respect the people who have been through a conflict and be open to understanding their story.
Gabriel Shields | Senior Engineer | Salt Lake City, UT
How long did you serve?
I joined after my sophomore year in college in August 2010 and am still serving
What was your favorite moment during your service?
Some of my favorite memories are actually from boot camp, they say, “it’s the most fun you never want to have again.” In the military, you have the opportunity to go through challenging circumstances and bond with those who share in the experience. Later, I was serving in the Department of Public Works in Kuwait during historic rainfall around Thanksgiving in 2018. The base flooded, the power grid shuttered from a fire at an electrical substation, and later as the waters receded, many buildings began to show signs of mold. I spent the 2018 holidays with some great friends as we worked our way through adversity together. We had long days, we were admonished for not working fast enough, and we made mistakes along the way. In the end we made the repairs to the base, mitigated future flooding, and grew close together as a team. These are the memories I cherish from my time in the service.
How has serving in the military influenced your career?
Serving in the Army National Guard has given me an abundance of opportunities to grow from my comfort zone, achieve success and sometimes fail forward. I have found my voice, my confidence, and my approach to life through the experiences I’ve had in the Army. I have also had the opportunity to be mentored by countless leaders before me to learn about so many various approaches to the art and science of leadership.
What did you learn while serving in the military?
Having been exposed to dozens of Army units in my career, I have experienced firsthand the value that diversity, equity, and inclusion bring to an organization. Like Epictetus, I’m a firm believer that we were given two ears and one mouth and should use them in that order. I’ve learned that many perspectives exist and almost unequivocally I have more to gain from listening than speaking. I’ve had the opportunity to interact with innumerable people connected to the Department of Defense and I’ve learned that we all see the world differently and establish our own priorities accordingly. My experience has enabled me to connect with people from all walks of life and grow my capacity for empathy. Finally, through these experiences, I’ve learned to pursue gratitude for what I have in life.
Anything else you would like to add?
Veterans and service members are truly a cross section of the United States, we don’t fit into any one political, religious, or cultural box.
We obey orders from the chain of command, but our allegiance is to the Constitution.
We belong to a large organization that has unique challenges, but also challenges faced by most all organizations. We are not exempt from mental illness and we struggle with violence and injustice in our ranks. We are truly and genuinely an organization built upon stewardship and we are working hard to increase mental health, eliminate suicide, and eliminate verbal and physical acts of sexual violence.
Mike Celt | Senior Surveyor | Boise, ID
What did you do in the military?
US Air Force – PMEL (Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory) Technician.
How long did you serve?
6 years active duty.
What was your favorite moment during your service?
Lots of great experiences… probably graduating Basic Training stands out as big moment in the journey.
Did anyone else in your family serve?
My dad (enlisted Navy) and older sister (enlisted Air Force).
Why did you choose to go into the service branch you did?
I enlisted right after high school and asked a lot of people what branch to serve… Air Force was the easy choice for me. They had the best housing & food halls!!
What does Veteran’s Day mean to you?
I’m always very humbled by everyone’s appreciation of veterans. Veteran’s day has actually become my favorite holiday!!
Are there any Veteran’s Day traditions/events you participate in?
My wife always makes a big deal of it and takes me out for a free V-day breakfast and/or dinner every year. A few years ago, she took me to the New York City Veteran’s Day parade… which was amazing to see! I also try to take the day off if possible & prior to Covid, I was a regular volunteer at our local Veteran’s Day parade.
How has serving in the military influenced your career?
The Air Force was a great transition for me to get out and see the world and gain lifelong skills, training & experiences. During and after my service, I took advantage of college tuition reimbursement programs, which paid for most of my post-secondary degrees leading up to my career as a Professional Land Surveyor.
What did you learn while serving in the military?
Among other things… how to fold my underwear into perfect 6” squares!
Anything else you would like to add?
I think a lot of young people don’t consider military or other civil service options after high school and jump too quickly into college. For me, it was a great experience to figure out a direction for my life and give me some time (and $$) to really concentrate on my career path.
