Today, we honor all Veterans who have served and sacrificed to keep our country safe. Our founder and a Veteran himself, Jim Haslam II, has a special message for all active-duty military and Veterans today.
To celebrate and show our gratitude for all Pilot Company Veterans, we are spotlighting a few of our Veteran team members.
Brandon Manning — IT Department
“I served in the U.S. Navy from March 2005 to April 2015. I enlisted as an Information Systems Technician, where my primary duties were system administration, IT Security, and RADIO communications. I did two assignments supporting the global war on terrorism – one to Djibouti, Africa and one to Baghdad, Iraq. I also went on two deployments while aboard the USS JOHN C STENNIS to the Persian Gulf.
I learned a great deal while I was in the service, both professionally and personally. I was taught how to lead by example and the importance of teamwork. I learned about responsibility and accountability, as well as self-discipline and control. I also learned the value of time and how precious it is. I spent a lot of time away from family and friends, so I have a greater appreciation for the time I do get to spend with them now.
Veterans Day is a day to celebrate and pay homage to those that have served in the military, both past and present. It is about reflecting on each servicemembers courage and patriotism, and to honor the commitment they made to our great nation. As a Veteran myself, I make it a point to thank a fellow Veteran for their service, as well as reach out to some of the brothers and sisters I have previously served with – who I’ve developed a lifelong bond with – to thank them for their service and their friendship.”
Yolanda Smith — Store #638 in Caldwell, ID
“I joined the U.S. Army in 1976 and served for three years and eight months. During my time in the Army, I was a truck driver in Alabama, Oklahoma, and abroad in Germany. I joined the Army because I knew it would be a good career. I was looking for a way to make my life better – to take care of myself.
While in the Army, I learned that you have to meet your commitments. You have to do your best every day. I left to become a mom – I wanted to commit to that role.
I’m proud to be a Veteran. Veterans Day make me proud to see everyone come together to support our country and honor those who protect us.”
Paul Sonnier—RTM Transportation
Paul served in the US Army from 1988-1993 as a Generator Mechanic and Fuel Truck Driver for Cobra Attack Helicopter Battalion. During his service, Paul was stationed at Fort Richardson in Alaska, Fort Dix in New Jersey, Fort Belvoir in Virginia, Fort Polk in Louisiana and Fort Hood in Texas.
From his time in the Army, Paul learned discipline, hard work, the value of your word of commitment, teamwork, and leadership.
Paul says: “Veterans Day is a day of honor, for those who volunteered to serve, who wrote a blank check to the United States of America and all of its citizens, for an amount up to, and including their life, if needed. We did what we did for the protection of all, and I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.
To say thank you to all Veterans and military members today, we invite all active duty and military Veterans to have a meal on us! Veterans who are authenticated with ID.me in the myRewards PlusTM app can save an exclusive offer for a $10 free meal credit.
To learn more about our Veterans Day deal, how to get authenticated through ID.me or our commitment to giving back, visit our recent blog post.
