Veterans Day at Safran: Recognizing U.S. military veterans

Through the following series of questions and answers, team members who served in the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard share some of their unique life experiences, memories, and perspectives.

 

• Safran Cabin: Marlon Woods, Repair Station Supervisor

What branch of the military did you serve in and for how long did you serve?

United States Marine Corps, from 1985 to 1993.

Why did you decide to serve in the military?

It was my childhood dream to be a Marine and I wanted to live that dream.  My family history is military: my grandfather served in the Army during WWII, my father served in Vietnam (Army), and other members of my family have served in the Air Force and the Navy.

How did your military service impact you as an individual?

It has shown me first hand that freedom is not free and that cost of freedom is truly high. To hear those words and I am grateful about everything that life has to offer.

In your opinion, what do veterans bring to the workplace?

We bring ownership of our actions. We have learned how to take charge of the duties assigned to us with little or no supervision.

What is your favorite memory about your time of service?

I was able to be part of history by serving in Korea during the Seoul Olympics in 1988, the Gulf War in 1990 (Desert Storm and Desert Shield) and Somalia in 1992 (Blackhawk Down).  The memories that I have make me laugh, some make me sad, and I am proud to have served in the United States Marine Corps.

 

• Safran Electrical Components: Brian McColm, Production Supervisor, Area Team Leader

What branch of the military did you serve in and for how long did you serve?

U.S. Air Force (Active Duty), 20 Years

Why did you decide to serve in the military?

Growing up around the American Legion in my hometown and listening to stories of other veterans created a sense of patriotism as well as a desire to see the world. Where I grew up in Kansas, (population of 500) there were not a lot of options, either college or farming or a college about farming. I wanted to learn a trade that was different and worthwhile in the commercial sector and as a history buff, see the world. The ticket to doing all that was joining the Air Force and learning aerospace propulsion.

How did your military service impact you as an individual?

The major impact was taking the knowledge learned and applying that to the civilian sector as a Military CFM56 engine field service representative and T700 engine depot representative. These opportunities allowed me to keep serving the military in a civilian role. This also continues on today with the products we produce at Safran. I would also say a personal impact would be a deeper understanding of the world, history, and the cultures that surround us.

In your opinion, what do veterans bring to the workplace?

I think all prior military bring a sense of mission and mission accomplishment to the workplace. Accountability and Teamwork associated with ensuring the mission is accomplished. I also believe that Veterans bring a strong sense humility and respect for all team members in the Safran workforce.

What is your favorite memory about your time of service?

Too many memories and too numerous to mention…However, I would say making lifelong friends and having that unique comradery that goes along with it.

 

• Safran Federal Systems: Jon Leombrone, Executive Vice President, Navigation Systems

What branch of the military did you serve in and for how long did you serve?

U.S. Navy – 7 years active duty and 13 years reserves.

Why did you decide to serve in the military?

I have a heritage of family members serving, with the biggest influence on my decision to serve being my sister, who was in the USAF and my grandfather, who died in WWII while he served in the Navy.  Seeing the sacrifices they made and giving back to my country were the reasons I joined the military. 

How did your military service impact you as an individual?

It had a profound impact on my life as it taught me leadership skills at a young age and enabled me to see the world and appreciate different cultures and perspectives.  Also, I deployed on my first ship during 9/11, a critical time in US history, which ingrained in me how to perform under high stress environments. 

What skills learned in the military are you able to apply at Safran? 

The list is long but the top skills are accountability, time management and most importantly, leadership.   

What is your favorite memory about your time of service? 

While I was able to travel the world and visit many places, my favorite memory was always coming home safe from a long deployment and seeing my family (and the families of my sailors) on the pier.  It provided an immediate sense of pride in what we just accomplished.

 

• Safran Landing Systems: Ray Brock, Security and Facilities Manager

What branch of the military did you serve in?

U.S. Army.

Why did you decide to serve in the military?

I had often considered it as a teenager. My family has a long history of service to our country. Every generation has served, going all the way back to my great, great, great grandfather on my father’s side, Ulysses S. Grant. My other grandfather, my mother’s father, Benjamin Foster, is buried at Normandy, France – as part of the D-Day invasion. It felt as if it were a calling, as if I was meant to do it. So I did.

What skills learned in the military are you able to apply at Safran? 

Leadership, problem solving and how to keep it all in perspective.

In your opinion, what do veterans bring to the workplace?

Discipline, knowing the importance of teamwork, innovation and creativity, and unique problem-solving skills.

What is your favorite memory about your time of service?

The men and women that I had the absolute privilege of serving alongside. We often throw around the word “brother”, but for me it is a title reserved for those who have walked the same path, seen the same sights, persevered through loss and celebrated victories in a place where everything seemed to have one goal – to totally defeat you – and yet, here we are.  I am proud to have stood in the gap with my brothers and sisters in arms, between good and evil, bringing a sense of right and hope to those that had none.

 

• Safran Optics 1: Dan Rowell, Director of Programs

What branch of the military did you serve in and for how long did you serve?

I served in the U.S. Army as an officer for over 18 years.  I am honorably retired.

Why did you decide to serve in the military?

I decided to serve in the military initially because I wanted be a pilot when I was younger. Then I wanted to serve my country – to be part of something larger than myself, and become the very best version of myself personally and professionally.

How did your military service impact you as an individual?

Being in the military and deploying overseas challenges in ways that most don’t expect or understand.  I’ve learned to persevere, to never quit, that people can handle much more than they think they can.  The resiliency I’ve developed while in the military has been incredible.  I’ve also come to truly appreciate how fortunate we are to have the freedoms that we have but often take for granted, and to appreciate the simple things like clean water, electricity, refrigeration among others.  I’ve also learned that tomorrow is not a guarantee for any one of us.  It’s really important to not take things for granted, and to do  your best each and every day.

What skills learned in the military are you able to apply at Safran Optics 1? 

There are many, but the most important is to keep moving forward regardless of any challenge or setback and to seek ways to lift people up.  Something as simple as a smile or kind word can really brighten someone’s day more than most of us realize.

What is your favorite memory about your time of service?

I don’t have a single favorite memory.  I have some great ones and some not-so-great ones, but overall I am very proud of my military service – proud to have served our Nation, and proud to have made a positive difference in the lives of the soldiers I’ve had the privilege to work with and lead.

 

• Safran Seats: Nathan Cochran, Electrical Design Engineer

What branch of the military did you serve in and for how long did you serve?

I joined the Coast Guard in August of 1998 and served a 4-year enlistment.

Why did you decide to serve in the military?

As a young person with minimal support, I was uncertain about a career path and had little financial means. I decided to join the military in order to get money for college and to gain some time and perspective. It was peacetime when I enlisted. Therefore, I chose the Coast Guard because I felt like I could be most impactful participating in the rescue and law enforcement activities in which the Coast Guard engages. Then 9/11 rolled around kicking off the Afghan war starting with Operation Enduring Freedom.

How did your military service impact you as an individual?

My two initial goals upon joining were achieved. I gained the time and experience to narrow down a career path and the financial resources to pursue an education. This alone had a drastic impact on the course of my life. Additionally, as a young person, the life experience provided through being a part of strict hierarchical organization, separated from your previous life, with a high level of responsibility, new technical educational experiences, and working closely with others among countless other things helped shape who I am.

What skills learned in the military are you able to apply at Safran?

My degree is in mechanical engineering. However, my time in service as an electronics technician gave me the education and practical experience to function well in an electrical role as well. Being required to make decisions builds decision-making confidence. You gain experience in leadership, teamwork, communication and much more.

What is your favorite memory about your time of service?

Living and working with a team of people that you depend on can forge some great friendships. My favorite memories are good times with those good friends.

 

• Safran Test Cells: Jacob Puffer, Quality Manager

What branch of the military did you serve in and for how long did you serve?

U.S. Marines from 1994-1998.

Why did you decide to serve in the military?

My grandfather was a Marine in WW2. In addition, I was looking for challenge and direction after high school.

In your opinion, what do veterans bring to the workplace?

An understanding that what makes missions successful is everyone contributing.  

What skills learned in the military are you able to apply at Safran? 

• Leadership within a small team.
• Evaluating where and where not to take initiative.
• Simultaneously working independently and cooperatively towards a common goal.  

What is your favorite memory about your time of service?

Not a memory, but a favorite effect of being in the Marines is the instant connection I find when I meet another Marine out in the world. It always surprises me how much of a comfort it is to meet and talk to another Marine.