Veterans Day
2024
This Veterans Day, we’re especially proud to celebrate the veterans on our JHL team. Their courage, dedication, and commitment to service continue to inspire us every day.
We’re grateful not only for their sacrifices in uniform but also for the integrity and hard work they bring to JHL.
Omar Felix
What inspired you to join the military, and what branch did you serve in?
I wanted to leave the City of LA, explore the world and joined the Marine Corps
What does Veterans Day mean to you personally?
A day to remember all active service members that are actively serving, members that are stationed away from their families and willing to make the ultimate sacrifice with their lives on the line.
How has your military service shaped who you are today, both personally and professionally?
Helped me mature fast, common courtesy and respect all strangers while visiting other countries, and to all my fellow Marines that came together from all walks of life for the common goal set forth.
What values or lessons from your time in the military do you carry with you at JHL?
Honor, Courage and Commitment
If you could describe your military experience in one word or phrase, what would it be?
Semper Fi
Raul Hernandez Jr
What inspired you to join the military, and what branch did you serve in?
I chose to join the military because after high school, I wasn’t entirely sure what career path to pursue. I wanted to explore options beyond what was familiar. Growing up in Colorado, I felt a strong urge to experience life outside my hometown and challenge myself in new ways. Joining the United States Marine Corps gave me the perfect opportunity to do just that.
What does Veterans Day mean to you personally?
Veteran’s day is a moment to reflect on the people who have served and the sacrifices they made. It is a day to appreciate the experiences and sacrifices we made and recognize the quiet resilience and dedication that came with military service. It is a personal reminder of the shared bond and respect among those who have chose this path.
How has your military service shaped who you are today, both personally and professionally?
It shaped me by instilling a strong sense of discipline, resilience, and the importance of perseverance, regardless of the challenges. Personally, it taught me to stay focused and work effectively with other under pressure. Professionally, it gave me strong leadership skills, attention to detail, and a dedication to finishing what I start.
What values or lessons from your time in the military do you carry with you at JHL?
My military experience which is rooted in the Marine Corps values of Honor, Courage, Commitment shapes my work at JHL. Honor drives me to uphold JHL’s commitment of doing the right thing, always, Courage empowers me to tackle the challenges we face everyday in the construction work field, and Commitment ensures I deliver high standards while fostering teamwork and strong relationships with our clients.
If you could describe your military experience in one word or phrase, what would it be?
Unforgettable camaraderie.
Heather Gutierrez
What inspired you to join the military, and what branch did you serve in?
I knew I was not prepared to go to college right away. I took French, Russian, and Spanish and I wanted to be a linguist in the Air Force. Went in Open General and ended up a 60 gunner. The crossed trained into Occupational Health & Safety in the Air Force.
What does Veterans Day mean to you personally?
It reminds me to take a moment and say thank you to those that served before me.
How has your military service shaped who you are today, both personally and professionally?
It gave me focus and taught me that I can accomplish anything I put my energy into. It also created the reality that family can be deep or deeper with those you serve with.
What values or lessons from your time in the military do you carry with you at JHL?
Part of what attracted me to JHL was the core values. They correlated to those in the Air Force. Both organizations start their core values off with Integrity. I also carry the true kinship or family connection with my coworkers at JHL.
If you could describe your military experience in one word or phrase, what would it be?
Exceptionally formative
Bill Rider
What inspired you to join the military, and what branch did you serve in?
Family members who have served since WWI, I served in the AF.
What does Veterans Day mean to you personally?
A day that was brought about to thank the “living” Veterans for their service and contributions to our National Security. Obama passed into law a proclamation calling on the people of the US to observe a dedicated two-minute national moment of silence on Veterans Day. In the Colorado Mtn. Standard time, that two minutes is from 11:11 am to 11:13 am.
How has your military service shaped who you are today, both personally and professionally?
Taught me about professionalism, team work and what it means to always be there for others. Discipline is about staying on track, being devoted to all.
What values or lessons from your time in the military do you carry with you at JHL?
I still give my all!
If you could describe your military experience in one word or phrase, what would it be?
Commitment!
Joshua Shursen
What inspired you to join the military, and what branch did you serve in?
I love my country and wanted to serve in the highest capacity. I served in the Marine Corps.
What does Veterans Day mean to you personally?
It is a recognition to the millions of Americans who volunteered their life in defense of our great country selflessly!
How has your military service shaped who you are today, both personally and professionally?
It made me understand good things come from hard work and to respect for all who came before me. Taught me discipline and dedication, never to quit and to be relentless in anything I want to achieve.
What values or lessons from your time in the military do you carry with you at JHL?
Integrity, honor, and having a sense of urgency.
If you could describe your military experience in one word or phrase, what would it be?
Necessary
Dan Mcbride
What inspired you to join the military, and what branch did you serve in?
The Challenge of getting out of my comfort zone (U.S. Army)
How has your military service shaped who you are today, both personally and professionally?
Personally, it has helped me see another side of myself. Professionally, it has helped me to understand that no job is too big or too small to accomplish.
What values or lessons from your time in the military do you carry with you at JHL?
Believe in yourself, Work as a Team, Move with a purpose
If you could describe your military experience in one word or phrase, what would it be?
Adventurous