Veterans’ Voices: Unique perspectives on teamwork

Join us as we thank and honor the men and women who have served and sacrificed in the United States Armed Forces. 

• Safran Aerosystems Services: Suzanne Fernandes, Customer Support Manager
  U.S. Air Force

Suzanne Fernandes served in the 117th Air Control Squadron, Air National Guard for three-and-a-half years. As a Surveillance Technician, Battle Management Operations, she was responsible for surveillance of the airspace and data link management. She was inspired to join the military by her grandfather who served in the Indian Air Force. 

What skills learned in the military are you able to apply at Safran? 
In the military, you have to stay flexible. Your mission is a constant, but plans to execute the mission can change. You learn to adapt quickly, make the most use of your time and execute your element in the broader equation to ensure success. This is not easy to do, but I always remind myself to stay flexible at my Safran job.

What is your favorite military memory? 
During Hurricane Helene relief efforts, my unit was deployed to South Georgia. Helping the community during their time of need was a humbling experience.

In your view, what are the top three tips for effective teamwork? 
Be honest in your communication; be accountable for your individual job duties; and build trust within your team.   

• Safran Defense & Space, Inc: Ed Fortunato, EVP Business Development
  U.S. Army

During his 20 years of service, Ed Fortunato was an Army Aviation and Acquisition officer. He viewed the military as an honorable and richly rewarding career, choosing to follow in the footsteps of his father, who served as an Army officer. 

What were your duties?
I was an operational aviation leader responsible for all aviation operations to include the maintenance of Black Hawk helicopters, training and customer support.  As an aviation program manager, I managed cost, schedule and performance of both older fleet assets and new aircraft and their systems.  I worked with industry and their suppliers to align requirements with capabilities and deliver aircraft on time.  I also had the opportunity to serve as the Secretary of the Army’s representative to Congress for aviation programs.  I interfaced with the Armed Services Committees in the House and Senate as well as the White House.

How long have you been employed by Safran and what are your responsibilities?  
I started working for Safran Defense & Space, Inc. (Safran DSI) in May when we established the new SSA (Special Security Agreement). I am responsible for helping develop the long-term strategy and business development roadmap to position Safran DSI for growth with the Department of Defense. I also help the business units with connectivity at the senior leader levels within the pentagon and industry to foster growth and partnering.

Can you share a story from your military service that highlights the power of teamwork? 
Every combat operation, every helicopter program, every piece of legislation required the hard work of a team. Individual contributions conducted with the understanding that what they did mattered and impacted a greater good.

• Safran Helicopter Engines: Richard Manaseri, Technician
  U.S. Coast Guard

Richard Manaseri, who has a long family history with the military, served in the U.S. Coast Guard for seven-and-a-half years. He was a Machinery Technician (Mechanic), with collateral duties as a Boarding Officer (Sheriff), and a Paramedic.

In your opinion, what do veterans bring to the workplace?
They bring a team-oriented focus. From Day One at boot camp, we learned that the military is a team effort. And that any differences we may have with each other get left at the gate, because we relied on that person being beside us to make it back home.

Can you share a story from your military service that highlights the power of teamwork?
It was the collective partnership shared with several other units while responding to an emergency call that resulted in the rescue of four of the five crewmen aboard a vessel that went down. The rescue was followed by a search that culminated in the recovery of the other crewman.

In your view, what are the top three tips for effective teamwork?
Respecting others as human beings. Being on time. And listening to everyone’s ideas, even the member with the least experience. They could bring to the table a different way of thinking through a problem. 

• Safran Landing Systems Wheel & Brake Services: Lance Negaard, Maintenance Technician
  U.S. Navy

Lance Negaard’s decision to join the U.S. Navy was motivated by his desire to serve his country. He proudly served as Culinary Specialist for seven-and-a-half years. In his view, veterans bring honor, courage, and commitment to the workplace.  

What skills that you learned in the military are you able to apply at Safran?
Being persistent in problem solving and just being an all-around team player.  

Did you experience a sense of camaraderie during the military? If so, in what ways? 
Yes, being in the Navy is like being a part of a massive extended family. Serving among servicemen has brought me honor and pride. #fairwindsandfollowingseas

Can you share a story from your military service that highlights the power of teamwork?
While at sea, there was a fire in the engine room, so we were called to our general quarters on the ship. Once we arrived at our stations, we donned our equipment and took our places. By working together as a team, we were able to put out the fire without causing damage to the ship or injuring our fellow sailors.  

• Safran USA: Roberto Matos, Manager, Strategic Purchasing
  U.S. Marine Corps

At a young age, Roberto Matos was inspired to join the military by his cousin who deployed during Operation Desert Storm with the U.S. Army. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from July 2001 to September 2007 on active duty as a Consolidated Automatic Support System (CASS) Technician, IMA. Additionally, he was selected to serve in the Marine Security Guard program, where he was responsible for guarding U.S. Embassies in Tegucigalpa, Honduras; La Paz, Bolivia; and Madrid, Spain.

What is your favorite military memory?
I have many cherished memories from my time in the military, but the opportunity to visit other countries at such a young age stands out. I vividly remember the adventure of taking the train from Iwakuni to Hiroshima, Japan – by myself without knowing the local language or culture. Exploring a place so unfamiliar yet beautiful was a truly special experience for me at that time.

In your view, what are top three tips for effective teamwork?
(1) Communication: The ability to listen to others and understand their perspectives. 
(2) Putting the company first: Prioritizing the company’s interests over individual needs. 
(3) Team unity: Recognizing that we are all on the same team. If we internalize the idea that we work together regardless of department or position, we can succeed more effectively.

Did you experience a sense of camaraderie during the military? If so, in what ways?
Yes, in the Marines, the “Esprit de Corps” bonds the team, regardless of background. We worked and enjoyed our time off together like a close family. I formed friendships that last a lifetime and learned to appreciate the contributions we made and continue to make to uphold the values that the United States stands for as one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.