Veterans Day is a special time in which we honor our servicemen and women who dedicated their lives to keeping our country free. The greater Arlington area has more than 18,000 Veterans. The Chamber decided to highlight and share the wisdom of our Veterans on our Facebook page this past week. We recognized Jack Webb from Edward Jones – Jack Webb Financial Advisor, Jeannie Deakyne from TCU Neeley School of Business, Chaplain Rich Stoglin from The Stoglin Group, Jim Ross from Jim Ross Law Group and Paul Fulks from 3Di Sign & Design.
Question: What message would you like to convey to other greater Arlington businesses about what it means to be a veteran?
Jack Webb (United States Army): To me being a veteran is a great honor. I was blessed to serve under and beside some of the most talented women and men in the world. For my business, it means wanting our processes to be “dress right dress” and “squared away.”
Jeannie Deakyne (United States Army): Serving as an Army officer was one of the most important, humbling parts of my life; to this day, that service to country is a big reason I continue to seek out opportunities to shape our community. Being a veteran means I find value in being honest and following through on my goals and promises. It means embracing diverse ideas and opinions, knowing that we can accomplish more together as a team. Most importantly, it means having a sense of honor in everything that I do – from my relationships with family, friends and business partners, to the integrity of the causes that I serve.
Chaplain Stoglin (United States Navy): As veterans, we are well disciplined with a strong work ethic, sense of loyalty, respect of God, country and others.
Jim Ross (United States Marine Corp): I’m proud to have served our country. Being a veteran means that I am a part of the brotherhood and sisterhood with every member of the military who has and will serve our country. Each of whom appreciates the service and express their appreciation with loyalty.
Paul Fulks (United States Navy): The unselfishness that being a veteran shows is instrumental in running your business. Being willing to sacrifice your life for your country and fellow citizens should be carried over into your business practices in your communities.
Question: What advice would you give to those wanting to enter the military?
Webb: When I joined in 1989, I chose a military job that had no real civilian counterpart. My job was to basically blow things up using missiles or artillery. Today, I encourage individuals to explore things in technology, medical, logistics or other roles that can be rolled into something outside of their military experience. No matter what choice is made there are so many aspects of veterans that are great and should be noticed by future employers. Things like: being on time, leadership skills (I was a leader at 19 over 3 other soldiers), organizational skills, and simply working within a hierarchy.
Deakyne: There are several “good” reasons to join the military – but make sure that at least one of them really motivates you. A sense of patriotism or duty, a life of adventure, or skills for a career post-service can all be found in today’s military. The military provides advanced technical training in a variety of career fields and offers premier post-secondary educational benefits (my husband and I both earned our bachelor’s and master’s degrees completely debt-free thanks to West Point, Army ROTC, and the Post-9/11 GI Bill). The military can also teach a capacity to know how to accomplish priorities on time, in spite of tremendous stress, and to stay with a task until it is done right.
Stoglin: Research military occupations to see how they align with civilian positions so upon discharge it will be easier to transition and gain employment. Become physically fit, the life you save may be your own. Become an avid reader because readers are leaders.
Ross: Make sure you process that decision fully. While the military was great for me and helped me mature and grow as a person, it’s not for everyone. It is challenging and demanding and you will need to understand that going in. If you decide to enter, take full advantage of the life experiences the military offers.
Fulks: Go Navy!
Question: How has being a veteran helped you in your business endeavors?
Webb: Without a doubt, it has helped me overcome the difficult moments in starting my own business. Things that I’ve already mentioned like organizational and leadership skills are key. But more importantly, the tenacity to keep going when the times are challenging. To look at those challenges through a vigorous solution-based mindset. I’ve jumped out of helicopters and planes with no broken bones, now that’s a challenge…
Deakyne: The leadership training that I received – and put into action during combat – as an Army officer was second to none. Military service taught me how the initiative, self-discipline, teamwork, and an excellent work ethic will help drive success in any business environment. Many of these skills are exactly what DFW-area companies are looking for when they connect with TCU Neeley Executive Education for our leadership development expertise. Adaptive leadership, how to build effective teams, strategic planning, and financial acumen, are the core of our custom and open enrollment programs – and are the hallmark of today’s military leaders.
Stoglin: As a Veteran owned business one of my greatest assets to enhance is believability, approachability, and deliverability. All of which, is centered around networking within the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce and being heavily involved in the local Arlington community; while mentoring other Veterans to do the same.
Ross: As a veteran, I’m generally given the privilege of instant credibility and respect. The military also provided me with life experiences and confidence that have been key as I have grown my business.
Fulks: Learning to live, and work, with people from different backgrounds and serving next to them has been so instrumental in my abilities to meet people and to network. There is not a person that I meet that I don’t love. That comes from being a veteran and having to work with, and care about, people from every walk of life. I have learned that life is precious and you should take advantage of every moment to let someone know how you feel. Being a veteran gives me a greater appreciation and love for others.
The Chamber proudly supports our military and our Veterans! One way that we like to showcase our Veterans is during the Small Business Awards. During our annual Small Business Awards we honor for-profit, nonprofit and veteran-owned businesses. Our past veteran-owned winners are: iKids Pediatric Dentistry, Active Family Wellness, Jim Ross Law Group, 3Di Sign & Design and JDog Junk Removal. If you are a small business owner or know a small business owner, please click here to nominate an organization for our Small Business Award.
On behalf of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, we thank all of our Veterans for your service to our country and to our community. Without your bravery and support, we could not be successful. Happy Veterans Day!