We are incredibly fortunate to have many veteran team members, who make us a better and stronger company.
As a veteran founded company, we have the sincerest appreciation for veterans and their service to our country. It’s not only enough to express our gratitude but to also celebrate their sacrifices and commitment.
This week we are sponsoring Random Acts of Flowers’ Veterans Celebration Week to surprise the many wonderful veterans in Tennessee. RAF will be delivering 500 flower arrangements with an American Flag and Pilot Company delivery card to veterans in 39 facilities in Knox, Sevier, Loudon and Anderson counties.
In honor of Veterans Day, here are two of our amazing veteran team members who are Fueling Life’s Journeys every day for our guests:
Shon Ford, Regional Manager
Shon served in the U.S. Army. He medically retired after a decade of service and was ranked SSG E6 when he left. “The decision to serve our nation will always be among my best decisions in life. I never wanted to leave the service early but a combat related set of injuries stopped my service early,” said Ford.
In 2007, Shon became a Pilot team member and now works as a Regional Manager. He takes the skills he learned in the army and uses them in his job today. “Take your attention to detail skills developed in the service and apply them to any career you choose. Much like the service, nobody can accomplish the mission on their own so embrace the team and achieve greatness together.”
What does Veterans Day mean to you?
“If I could, I would lace up those boots again tomorrow and march off to defend our nation’s freedom against all enemies foreign and domestic.”
Manny Perales, Regional Transportation Manager
Manny served in the Army Airborne Infantry for 10 years and was ranked SGT E-5 when he left the service. He credits his time serving to his discipline, accountability, teamwork, hard work, camaraderie and respect. “Be proud of your service and live exemplary and respectfully. Don’t let the accomplishments and pain you had to endure go to waste,” said Perales.
Manny became a Pilot team member in 2011 and now works as a Regional Transportation Manager. He uses his accomplishments during his time serving as motivations as he entered into civilian workforce. “Know that you are here now and any kind of pressure or obstacles as a civilian or in the civilian workplace have to throw at you does not compare to what you had to endure while serving.”
What does Veterans Day mean to you?
“It means honor our veterans that paved the way for us younger vets to be recognized. This is a time of healing and a family event where all veterans are connected somehow.”
We’d like to thank our veteran team members and all veterans for their service. Happy Veterans Day!
