Shining a Bright Light on Our Veterans
Bright Horizons
High-quality education and child care around the world, trusted to fit the way people learn, live and work today
On November 11 each year, our nation?pays?tribute to military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This Veterans Day we’re thrilled to shine a?BRIGHT?light on 12?distinguished?members of the?Bright Horizons?family who?have?served, or?are currently serving,?in the United States armed forces.?We’re so thankful to have their dedication, bravery, and?leadership skills as part of our organization, and we know our staff, children,?clients,?and families are all better for it.?
Let’s dive in and?learn?more about?their stories – why?they joined the military,?what they’ve?learned, and?advice they have for others.?
Harvey Althaus,?K Prep Teacher?
Military Branch: Navy?
Rank/Title: E-4?
Q: Tell us more about your experiences joining the?military.?
A:?“I found the military could be the answer for helping me to become the independent person I knew I was meant to be. After careful consideration, I settled?upon the US Navy. I wanted to travel the world and I knew the US Navy covers most of it. My enlistment started July 15, 1981 and ended 4 years later on July 15, 1985. Afterward I served 2 years in active-reserve. I ended up going on two extended?West-Pac tours (going overseas) of duty while stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise CVN-65 homeported in Alameda CA. Because of the Navy, it made it possible for me to forge new relationships with people from other parts of the world that otherwise, I would have only been able to dream about. Overall the US Navy experience, for me, was just the right opportunity that I needed to help shape me into the person I am today!”?
Sharon Carlisle,?Teacher at TSYS Learning Center?
Military Branch: Navy?
Rank/Title: E3 Aircraft Mechanic?
Q:?What are you most proud of about being a veteran???
A: “The time I served defending?my country.”?
Jasmin Dicks, Associate Teacher at?Bright Horizons at Beacon Hill?
Military Branch: Navy?
Rank/Title: E-1?
Q: Why did you join the military??
A: “I joined because I wanted to make an impact on the people around me. I also wanted to do my part and defend the country, become an effective leader, and make a difference, while also accomplishing and overcoming new challenges.”?
Megan Foos, Associate Teacher at?Bright Horizons at?Sammamish?
Military Branch: Navy?
Rank/Title: MA 3?
Q: What makes you proud of being a veteran and what have you learned from your time in the military??
A: “I am proud that I was able to complete 4 years honorably and that I got to go overseas for?2 years and learn a new culture?at such a young age. I have learned self-discipline and how to pick up on things easily which have helped me transfer to my role at BH.”?
Nikia Jenkins, Bright Horizons Center Director?
Military Branch: National Guard?
Rank/Title: PFC?
Q: How did you decide to join the military??
A: “At the age of 16, I enlisted in the Army National Guard. It has played a fundamental piece in developing me as a young adult. The Army provided job training, medical benefits, educational benefits, and housing. I wanted to experience something new, outside of my small town of Beaufort, SC. It afforded me the opportunity to serve my country and experience being a productive civilian. It allowed me to expand my mind and learn new things about myself. Together my grandmother and the Army taught me the value of community, people, and true leadership. It helped me to overcome my fears and to think about something bigger than myself. The 6 years in the Army helped to create the person that I am today. I formed a new perspective of the world and it left an imprint on my mind.”?
Nate Junell, Cook at?Bright?Horizons at Harrison Park?
Military Branch: National Guard?
Rank/Title: Staff Sergeant?
Q: How did you decide to join the military???
A: “I’ve always enjoyed being a part of a team that wants to help others. I didn’t want to join when I was younger, but that changed after I met my wife. At the time, Mary was a ten-year veteran of the North Carolina National Guard and was very supportive of my interest in enlisting. Since enlisting several years ago, I learned that I enjoyed teaching and training others and sharing my experiences. The Army has taught me how to become a better leader, and has given me amazing opportunities that I otherwise wouldn’t have had.”?
Crystal Maynard, Teacher?
领英推荐
Military Branch: Army?
Rank/Title: E-5?
Q:?Which military skills do you use at Bright Horizons??
A: “Patience, leadership. There are days when things don't go as planned. You need to be able to switch things up quickly and provide that leadership for the children and other co-workers.”?
Porsche Rice, Health and Safety Director at?Bright Horizons at the Avenues?
Military Branch: Navy?
Rank/Title: HN?
Q: How did you decide to join the military????
A: “I joined the Navy so that my mother would not need to worry about paying my college tuition. Which she did not. I was able to obtain my associate and bachelor’s degrees?from the military. During?my time in service, it taught me a lot of things. Most importantly what it means to be disciplined, respectful, loyal, committed, consistent, and a team player. I gained a lot of knowledge and earned a lot of wonderful friends that I am still connected with today.”?
Regina Scott, Instructional Coach at Jeannette Cathy Children’s Center?
Military Branch: Army?
Rank/Title: E-5?
Q: How did you decide to join the military??
A: “I joined the military one month after graduating from high school. I flirted with going to college but that was not in my mother's budget. I began to do some research in terms of the different branches of service and I liked what the army could offer me. Not only was I able to travel but attend school as well. After completing Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training, I PSC'ed (permanent change of station) to Fort Ritchie, Maryland. That was the beginning of an amazing experience.”?
Wilhelmina Sheppard, Teacher at Bright Horizons at Campbell’s Family Center?
Military Branch: Navy?
Rank/Title: MS 4?
Q: How did you decide to join the military??
A: “I joined the Navy at 22. I was assigned to a Submarine Tender docked in Norfolk, Virginia. I later was assigned to the Naval Air station. I am grateful for the disciplines I learned in a military setting in the 5 years I was enlisted. They remain with me over 25 years later.”?
LeAnne Walker, Teacher at Bright Horizons?
Military Branch: Air Force?
Rank/Title: Staff Sergeant?
Q: What advice do you have for someone transitioning out of the military??
A: “Get to know yourself again outside of the uniform and rediscover who you are at your core. Pursue your passion.”?
Milinda Williams, Substitute Teacher at?Kadlec Child Care Center?
Military Branch: Army?
Rank/Title: E-7?
Q: What are you most proud of about being a veteran??
A: “Being a role model for my nieces and nephews.”?
Thank you to all of our veterans – and their families – who have served?our country?so selflessly. We appreciate you and wish you a Happy Veterans Day!??
Additional Resources for Veterans Day?