By Maya Rahman-Rios, Elevo, Manager, Communications
As we celebrate Veterans Day, we would like to take a moment to honor the courageous men and women who have served our country. Here at Elevo, we are proud to have veterans on our team who showcase their unique experiences, leadership skills, and dedication to lifting our students up every day. To recognize their contributions and share what it means to work with us as a veteran, we’ve asked some of our colleagues to share their stories of strength and resilience. Their service-minded outlook inspires us every day to continue carrying our mission forward.
What Does Veterans Day Mean?
Veterans Day is not just a day on the calendar. It’s also a time to reflect on what it means to have protected and served. Johnny Marquez, a Sourcing Specialist at Elevo and former U.S Army Infantryman, says “Veterans Day is about nationally commemorating and appreciating those who served in our Armed Forces, past and present. Veterans Day also highlights qualities, such as selfless service, loyalty, personal courage, and commitment to the greater good. Veterans have gone above and beyond to support and defend our nation as well as impact overall success.”
It’s this dedication to overall success that fuels the veterans on our team to make the impact they do. “The camaraderie formed in the military creates bonds that last a lifetime, profoundly impacting personal lives and careers. Many veterans bring invaluable skills to the workforce, yet their challenges can be misunderstood or underestimated,” says Sy Alli, Elevo’s Site Success Manager in Monterey County. Alli served in the USAF/USANG, and is proud to give back to his community through his work at Elevo.
The Veteran Experience
People join our nation’s armed forces for a variety of reasons, each unique to their backgrounds and experiences. For Marquez, it was an event that changed the face of the world. “The main reason why I joined was due to the events that took place on September 11, 2001,” he says.
For Alex Pacheco, Regional Program Manager in Orange County and former Marine, the opportunities he was given as an American took precedence. “I enlisted at the age of 17, having always been astonished by the distinct differences between my life in America and the lives of my family in Sinaloa, Mexico. I learned quickly from an early age to be grateful for the opportunities and resources I had my entire life. I wanted to give back to my country for these luxuries that many take for granted.”
However, life after service has proven to offer its own set of challenges. Pacheco shares, “After my enlistment in the Marines, I found a job as an operations manager with a pest control company, I was let go due to the global pandemic and had struggled finding solid employment elsewhere. As a veteran, contrary to popular belief, it is exceedingly difficult to find employment
because of the major break the military imposes on your life experiences. We think of these individuals as the toughest of the tough, but that is even more reason we should be
reaching out and checking up on them, because if we don’t who will? Our veterans deserve a shot at happiness just like the rest of us and unfortunately that transition back into the civilian world can be too difficult for them.”
How Elevo Supports Veterans
At Elevo, we pride ourselves on allowing our team members to bring their unique experiences to work. We understand that drawing from one’s background can allow them to make a positive impact on their community, changing lives in all areas. Alli says, “Many veterans carry their experiences into their professional lives, like those working at Elevo, including myself, where their discipline and leadership qualities are harnessed to create impactful changes. Elevo offers numerous opportunities tailored to veterans, emphasizing their strengths and providing a supportive environment for them to thrive.”
Along with Alli, Pacheco appreciates the opportunities Elevo provides, all while coming from a place of gratitude. He shares, “The impact my service has had on my work life at Elevo is tremendous. Every time I come onsite at any of our schools, and I see our coaches achieving our mission to transform the wellbeing of our students, it reaffirms why it is so important to be grateful for what we have in this country.
Final Thoughts
This Veterans Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to all who have served, especially those who are a critical part of Elevo’s culture and contributions. Their stories remind us of the importance of service and the power of community. As Pacheco says, “We do so, not for the
‘thank you’s’ or for the ‘you are so brave!’ comments. We all at the core understand that
we are in this for something bigger than ourselves, regardless of what paths lead to us
deciding to join the military.” Marquez concludes, “We should always remember, continue to honor, and show gratitude for those contributions for generations to come. I’m honored to be a part of a brotherhood/sisterhood that will last a lifetime.”
Thank you to our veterans for your commitment, both in uniform and to our students, and for the invaluable perspectives you bring to our team. We are honored to celebrate you today and every day.
