There’s a quote about military service that has always stayed with me. It has special significance as we approach Veterans Day here in the United States and pause to reflect on the contributions the men and women of our armed forces have made to our country.
“To those who have fought for it, freedom has a flavor that the protected will never know.”
Writer P. McCree Thornton is responsible for those exact words, although a similar sentiment has been attributed to others throughout the years, beginning with a similar quote from 19th-century French author Guy de Maupassant. It captures how those who served or are part of military families know the price of duty. Many of us have lost friends or family members or have seen others we love suffer life-changing physical and emotional injuries. We think about them and our experiences every day.
But Veterans Day is a chance for the entire country to remember that freedom is not free. So many of their fellow citizens have made tremendous sacrifices that enable us to continue having the privileges we all enjoy today.
Going Beyond Thanks
In recent years, I’ve seen a growing, positive recognition among the general public about what the military does to protect all of us. For instance, when I was a Navy lieutenant in the 1980s, I never had people acknowledge me or want to shake my hand. But today, there’s been a profound cultural shift. Everyone seems to say, “Thank you for your service.”
It’s welcome. I’m sure it comes from the heart and isn’t something just said reflexively anytime people see a person in a military uniform. I don’t think there’s any veteran who doesn’t appreciate hearing it.
But as I contemplate Veterans Day’s true meaning, I wonder if we can expand that sentiment and add something even more meaningful. Maybe we could say: “Thank you for your service, and how are you doing?”
There’s real power in that idea of “and.”
Being Present Makes a Difference
The sad reality is that too many of our veterans are struggling. They face a disproportionately high incidence of homelessness, alcoholism, substance abuse, and other mental health issues often associated with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Those problems particularly plague younger veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. It also helps explain the tragedy of suicide among veterans. An estimated 17 vets take their lives each day.
We can make a difference by being more present for the veterans in our lives, really listening to what they share with us, and becoming advocates for public policies that support them. We can all have a more tangible impact.
And that’s why I’m so proud of Boomi. We believe in deeds, not just words.
Boomi Veteran Academy
When I left the Navy, I re-entered the civilian world with life skills that guided my business career. (You can read more about some of those experiences here, here, here, and here.) But, like many veterans, I initially felt lost after leaving the highly regimented military environment. I didn’t know what I was going to do or even where to start. The transition is not easy.
I began to find my way when I started taking classes toward a master’s degree in business administration. But many veterans don’t have similar opportunities or the vision to see what’s possible. They don’t feel set up for success.
We launched the Boomi Veteran Academy in 2018 to help address that. Vets and their spouses participate in a free internship program where they receive an introduction to the IT field and the Boomi integration platform. They learn from industry-leading professionals and leave with valuable skills that make them attractive candidates for Boomi, our approximately 800 partners, and tens of thousands of global customers.
Veterans bring discipline, attention to detail, and a supreme work ethic to every challenge. At Boomi, we help them learn the technical skills that make them more employable. We expose them to a potential career path they may not have considered. More than 200 veterans and spouses have been certified through the program – providing a chance to improve the trajectory of their lives.
Assigned to the USS New Jersey, Rob Evans served as a turret officer and Tomahawk missile engagement planner. His father was a career naval officer.
Providing Pathways for Veterans
It was a privilege to share this story with Montel Williams’ show “Military Makeover: Operation Career“, which highlighted our veteran-friendly culture and the Academy. They told the compelling stories of two Boomi employees: Rachel Jimenez, who graduated from the program and now is the Academy administrator, and Tyeshia Pegram Fornville – about how they’ve successfully bridged the gap from the military to IT. You can watch the clip here:
My hope is that other businesses will see what we’re doing at Boomi and join us in the effort to provide pathways for veterans and their families to viable, sustainable careers. It’s also not just about helping people transition away from the military. We’re proud to support reservists like Tyeshia, who balance their roles at Boomi while continuing to serve our country.
Boomi is consistently honored for innovation, remarkable growth, and our award-winning workplace culture. Our veterans contribute to all of that as we tap into a fantastic pool of untapped talent.
The proof is how Tyeshia, Rachel, fellow Boomi Veteran Academy graduate and volunteer firefighter John Villani, and many others, have become super-valuable employees for Boomi, our partners, and our customers. It’s rewarding to know we’ve played a role as a springboard to their post-military success.
Providing opportunities like these is the best way to truly thank veterans for their service.