Veterans have a profound impact on FWI’s workforce and culture. To highlight the importance of these contributions, we are proud to share the stories of our veteran employees and the ways we support their transition from military to civilian careers. FWI is built on the “Good of Government” and our veterans embody that purpose, showing us daily the true meaning of service and commitment. 

Supporting Veterans: Beyond Hiring & Beyond 

As a company committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity, our veteran hiring programs aim to offer meaningful opportunities and pathways for professional growth. We are proud to be a participant in the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program, which focuses on helping employers develop and implement long-term strategies for recruiting, hiring, and retaining veterans. Additionally, our involvement in the Hiring Our Heroes initiative further underscores our dedication to connecting talented service members, veterans, and military spouses with impactful career opportunities. 

We offer comprehensive resources designed to help veterans integrate seamlessly into the workplace, to include offering transition assistance programs and workshops tailored to help veterans navigate the differences between military and corporate environments. 

Voices of Our Veterans: Personal Reflections 

Recently, we launched an email engagement campaign inviting veterans working at FWI, and our team members with veterans in their lives, to share how these relationships have impacted their professional and personal growth. Here are some of their heartfelt responses: 

1. How has your military experience positively impacted your professional development?

• “In 2023, I enlisted in the Army Reserves with the incredible support of my family and FWI. My husband, a prior service Marine now serving in the Army, has been a constant source of inspiration. Growing up surrounded by military influence—uncles and family members who served—I’ve always been connected to the armed forces. However, I’m proud to be the first in my generation and the first female on my mother’s side to join the military.
  
  I’m honored to serve my country, following in the footsteps of those before me, while forging my own path as a female in the military. With the support of FWI and my family, I am excited for the challenges and opportunities ahead in the Army Reserves.” – Katie C., Army Reserves Veteran and Website and Graphic Designer
• “The Army provided me with so many career options during my time in service. I initially enlisted as a guitarist in the Army Band, which is arguably the best job in the Army. It allowed me to travel, practice and play as I wanted and create music with a great team. After 5 years, I debated returning to Phoenix, AZ where I was a musician prior to the Army but decided I should try something that I couldn’t do outside the Army, while I still had the chance.I wanted to operate an M1 Abrams tank. I submitted the request to become an Armor/Cavalry officer, and my wish was granted. I spent the next 5 years in 1st Cavalry Division, with a couple of those years in Iraq, working with a remarkable team of leaders and planners, and using some interesting pieces of equipment and vehicles. Once again, wanting to try something new, I requested to become a Public Affairs Officer. I spent the next 10 years visiting dozens of counties, working for senior Army leaders, coordinating with news media, and honing my writing and photography skills.” – Tyson F., Army Veteran and Project Manager 

• “I was born and raised in a small town called Rhode Island, the middle child of seven where ‘hand-me-downs’ were a way of life, and our one sister was my closest older sibling…awkward. Tired of this lifestyle I decided to join the French Foreign Legion. It was the realization that I do not speak French that pointed me to the US Coast Guard in 1982. It was all about the mission. Search & Rescue, Law Enforcement, Humanitarian & Environmental services all struck a chord with me. I entered the service with some core values but my time in strengthened those values every day. The synergy of effective teamwork, work ethic, attention to detail, all instilled and strengthened through my 24 years of active duty are still a part of my being.” – John B. L., Coast Guard and Senior Instructional Systems Designer 

• “The United States Marine Corps prepared me for the professional world by giving me the tools necessary to succeed and thrive in fast-paced, professional environments like FWI. It assisted in instilling discipline, educating professionalism, and introducing new perspectives and walks of life that allow for a more balanced approach in most situations.” – Alexander P., Accessibility Specialist 

• “I served active duty in the USAF from 1986 until 1996 (voluntary discharge). This was still a bit of a tumultuous time for women serving in the Armed Forces, so I don’t have much to say about my years of service, but I did participate voluntarily in the Blue Angels Marathon (26.2 miles) and Marine Corps Marathon (26.2 miles). After teaching at USAFA in uniform, I returned to teach part-time as a civilian.” – Susanne S., Air Force Veteran and Principal Proposal Writer
• “My time in the Army has been instrumental in who I am as leader. It instilled in me a strong work ethic, a sense of duty, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The challenges I faced and overcame in garrison and in combat have taught me resilience, strategic thinking, and the importance of teamwork. These experiences have greatly enhanced my leadership skills, enabling me to effectively manage and inspire teams in my professional career. The discipline and adaptability honed through my time in the Army continue to guide my approach to problem-solving and decision-making in the corporate world.” – Anthony S., Army and Army Reserves Veteran and Director of Program Management
  

2. How has the company supported your transition from military service?

• “FWI has been a key part of my journey. As one of the few companies that truly understands and supports the military community, their dedication to veterans and active-duty service members has been invaluable. Their commitment to helping military families transition and thrive in civilian careers has made a huge difference in my life.” – Katie C., Army Veteran and Website and Graphic Designer 
  
• “FWI could not have been a better career transition for me. I’m now the Marketing Director for III Armored Corps on Fort Cavazos, which is an organization that I was a part of for the last 15 years. This has been a wonderful opportunity to come back home to my Army Family.” – Tyson F., Army Veteran and Project Manager

• “I have only been with FWI for just over 2 years, and it was the act of a former shipmate, Tim Hilty, that got me here. That is the intangible, “not in the brochure,” benefit of military service life. The People. Our connections will last a lifetime regardless of how often we see or talk with one another. The military community within the FWI organization also resonated with me and I hope will be as strong as the life we once led in uniform.” – John B. L., Coast Guard and Senior Instructional Systems Designer 

• “FWI has especially assisted in my transition as a disabled veteran in providing a great and accepting workplace that thrives on diversity and the happiness of its teams. The best part about FWI is that it allows me to better serve other individuals with disabilities in the community.” – Alexander P., Accessibility Specialist 

• “FWI has played a pivotal role in my transition to the civilian sector, providing me with valuable opportunities to lead teams and cultivate the skills of my project managers. The company’s supportive environment has enabled me to apply my military-honed leadership skills effectively, while also encouraging personal and professional growth. Through FWI, I’ve been able to expand my expertise in project management and develop a new generation of leaders within the company.” – Anthony S., Army and Army Reserves Veteran and Director of Program Management

The Impact of Veterans in Our Lives 

Veterans not only influence workplaces but also enrich the lives of those around them. Employees were also invited to share how a veteran has made a positive impact in their lives. Here are some touching stories: 

3. How has a veteran had a positive impact on your life?

• “My father, Gene Buckley, served 25 years in the U.S. Navy. Growing up, I saw firsthand his commitment to the greater good, both through the Naval Reserves and as a letter carrier. I also saw that service and sacrifice can be rewarding. Through the Navy he made his closest friends, saw a world far beyond his mail route, and ensured the health and well-being of my mother after he passed away.” – Michael B., Speechwriter 

• “My story isn’t about my personal experience in the military, but rather about growing up surrounded by it. My father was a retired Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy and a Pearl Harbor survivor. I also had two uncles who perished with the USS Oklahoma, and my grandmother was a Gold Star Mother. The military’s influence in my family doesn’t end there; when I married my husband, I learned that his father was a ball turret gunner in a B-17 bomber and survived being a POW in Germany during World War II. It’s no surprise that the military has profoundly shaped our lives.I grew up hearing tales of battles fought against Germany and Japan, surrounded by artifacts from both Europe and Japan. These stories highlighted the sacrifices our families made for the country we cherish. Later on, both my husband and I found ourselves in civilian and contractor roles supporting the U.S. Navy, a continuation of our pride in serving our country and supporting the Fleet. Hearing all these narratives reminds me of the bravery and selflessness of our military members, who have served to ensure we enjoy the freedoms we hold dear.” – Helene J., Program Manager 

• “My dad, Neal, is not only my favorite veteran but also my favorite person (don’t tell my husband and kids!) Serving in the Army until 1991, he shaped my life in countless, meaningful ways. He instilled in me the value of integrity and a strong work ethic, showing me that success is rooted in dedication, persistence, and being true to your word. He emphasized the importance of education, especially history, which he continues to impress upon me today. Financial independence was another lesson he prioritized, teaching me how to make sound financial decisions and prepare for the future. He also showed me how to stand up for myself—physically, if needed, but more importantly, by fostering resilience and the courage to face life’s challenges head-on. Most importantly, my dad taught me the value of family. This Veterans Day, I’m reminded of how much of who I am I owe to his guidance and example. I’m proud of his service to our country and beyond grateful for his love and dedication to myself and my family.” – Susan P., Chief Operating Officer 

• “Former USMC Sergeant and Texas Department of Public Safety Special Agent Criminal Investigations Division Dustin Lee Slovacek was simply known to me as Dustin—my son Brian’s best friend. On July 17, 2001, Dustin and Brian entered the Delayed Enlistment Program in the Marines; requiring parental consent due to their age. On the evening of September 10, 2001, families of these Marine recruits gathered to learn about their upcoming journeys as Marines. The next morning—historically—the world changed.During his Marine Corps service, Dustin earned the rank of Sergeant as well as the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and numerous other awards. Dustin began his career with the Texas Department of Public Safety in 2007; where he served as a trooper, a member of the regional SWAT team, commercial vehicle inspector and special agent in the criminal investigations division. On September 12, 2021, Dustin passed away unexpectedly from complications of COVID-19 that was contracted while deployed to the Texas-Mexico border in support of Operation Lone Star. He was 37 years old.I am honored to have known Dustin, and I am honored that he shared his testimony of faith with me in recounting his experience during a SOG-gunfire exchange, “a gunshot fired by the suspect was deflected by two rifle magazines” affixed to the front of his body armor. Dustin confided that after prayer this experience occurred, solidifying his faith. Dustin Lee Slovacek carried the load.” – Rhonda S., Transcriptionist 

• “My grandfather, Edgar, served in the Navy in World War II and in the Air Force in Vietnam (was never called up for Korea). He enlisted underage for World War II and was a refrigerator tech on the USS Biloxi. He likes to joke that one of his cleaning solutions contained alcohol and that other Sailors would come and threaten to throw him overboard if he didn’t share. He didn’t see much combat but he was in Tokyo Bay for the surrender and visited Hiroshima shortly after the drop. He captained a PT Boat (very small) across the Pacific to come back home, at the age of 18 or 19.He later returned to military service as a pilot. He flew the C-130 Hercules in Vietnam and would go on to develop a new landing technique that probably saved a few lives. He then served as second-in-command at Wright-Patterson and plenty of other assignments as a test pilot. He flew all kinds of new aircraft and even trained a few astronauts who wanted to work on their fly-by-instruments. He retired as a Colonel and worked as a private pilot for a little while. He is loved in his community and his community takes care of him, too. My fiancée says, “he sounds like you” and I couldn’t imagine a higher compliment.” – Sam S., Technical Writer/Editor 

• “My grandfather, William Fitzpatrick, served in the Army Infantry from June 1944 until the end of World War II, fighting in Germany at the Battle of the Bulge and earning a Purple Heart. Later, he and my grandmother lived close by, and he was the rock of our family. A skilled woodworker, he showed my brother and me the meaning of hard work by example. I also proudly honor my cousins Shawn, Kevin, and Little Bruce, as well as my Uncle Bruce—all veterans who have served with distinction.” – Nick S., Recruiter 

• “My grandfather, Lieutenant Colonel Billy Mack S., served as an anesthetist nurse in the U.S. Army with unwavering dedication and honor. His military career was a testament to his commitment to his country and his exemplary care for his fellow soldiers. He instilled in me the value of hard work, emphasizing that success is earned through diligence and effort. His disciplined lifestyle was a model for me; he believed that self-discipline was the cornerstone of achieving one’s goals. From maintaining a daily routine to always being punctual, he showed me that orderliness is not just about keeping things in place but about creating a structured environment that fosters productivity and peace of mind. His influence has shaped my character profoundly, teaching me that the principles of hard work, self-discipline, and orderliness are not just military virtues but essential skills that lead to a fulfilling and successful life.” – Hannah S., Transcriptionist 

A Legacy of Service and Growth 

FWI is proud to stand alongside our veterans, recognizing their invaluable contributions and ensuring their skills and experiences are leveraged to foster professional and personal growth. Our commitment is to continue creating an environment where veterans feel seen, supported, and celebrated for both their past service and their current impact. 

As we share these stories, we are reminded of the resilience, dedication, and leadership veterans bring to every aspect of our company and community. We are grateful for their service and proud to support them as they continue to make a difference in the professional world. 

To Our Veterans and Those Who Support Them – Thank You!