Veteran Hearts for Service
Today and every day we are thankful for those who have dedicated years of their lives to fight for the freedom and safety of our country.
World Synergy is especially thankful for the members of our team who hold service close to their hearts. A few of our members are proud United States veterans, so we asked them to share a little of what Veterans Day means to each of them.
1. What division of the military did you serve in?
Kyle: U.S. Army.
John: U.S. Army.
Arthur: U.S. Navy.
2. How many years did you serve?
Kyle: 6 years.
John: 21 years.
Arthur: 4 years.
3. What was your rank?
Kyle: 25 Bravo, Information Technology Specialist.
John: SSG – E6.
Arthur: Petty Officer Second Class.
4. While you served on active duty, what were you responsible for — what type of work did you perform?
Kyle: I was the Network Admin and managed the helpdesk team for our Battalion and Brigade. We set up a network infrastructure wherever we lived – in tents or an office setting.
John: Construction Engineering / Demolition and Explosive Expert.
Arthur: I was an Information Systems Technician at Riverine Squadron 4. We conducted security operations throughout coastal areas and on rivers throughout the world. As an Information Systems Technician, I was responsible for operating and maintaining the radio communications systems, and the mobile network systems that supported our missions.
5. What was the most meaningful or favorite place that you traveled?
Kyle: My favorite place that I was able to travel to was Germany; I lived there for about 12 months in total. It was especially meaningful because I have family there that I had not seen since I was about 5 years old. It was great to be able to see them.
John: Nicaragua – it was a humbling experience to visit a 3rd world country. You gain a better vision of just how good our lives are even on our worst days compared to the lives that many of these people live.
Arthur: During my 4 years, I spent my time throughout the Middle East. What will always stick out to me is being able to experience other cultures entirely. By experiencing other cultures, I gained a deeper appreciation for human life and the little things we tend to take for granted living in our country.
6. How did your experience while active influence your overall impression of the military?
Kyle: While serving, I realized how much leadership cares about every soldier. We were involved in everybody’s personal lives and made sure they were taken care of not just at work, but at home as well. I didn’t expect that before I joined.
John: Yes, you gain a very different view as to what the military does and how it works. The bonds that are built and friendships that are made.
Arthur: I consider anyone who is serving or has served as my second family. I formed unbreakable bonds with everyone who I served with and it extends to any new veteran I meet.
7. What does being a veteran mean to you?
Kyle: To me being a veteran means we are part of a small percentage of the population who all share something that not many people get to experience. It means having people you haven’t spoken to in years dropping everything to help you out if you ever need it. It is like having a second family around no matter where you go.
John: Being a veteran means that I chose to do what not everyone is willing to or can do, for my family, my friends, my country, and for myself. A time in my life I can look back on and say “Yes, I am proud of the time I gave”.
Arthur: Being a veteran means extreme sacrifice by yourself and your family. It means that you still get goosebumps during the national anthem. It means that even though your body is riddled with aches and pains, you would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Why? Because you love this country of ours and are proud of it. Proud of our past, present, and future military members and the sacrifices that they have made to allow us to enjoy the freedoms we have today.
