This Veterans Day, we spoke with our veterans to learn more about their time in the service and the skills they gained that serve them in the corporate world. Their dedication, exceptional teamwork, and commitment to the mission drive ECS to deliver on government and commercial projects and programs day-in and day-out. With over 18.8 million veterans in the United States, ECS is committed to serving these men and women as a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) partner.
For those men and women transitioning from the military to the corporate world, finding fulfillment can be a challenge. Service members are always working towards the success of their mission and their team, which can be difficult to find in a run-of-the-mill position. Research shows that when your work enables you to earn your success and serve others, you are more likely to find fulfillment in your career.
STEVE HITTLE, ECS CISO
Branch: Army
Years of Service: 1993-2000
Rank: Staff Sergeant
What is one great lesson from the military that you rely on in civilian life now?
To this day, I look back at my time in the Army to draw the confidence I need to overcome obstacles. During basic training, service members are pushed to their mental, physical, and emotional breaking points. In that experience, I learned to multitask, pay attention to detail, and hold myself to a high standard.
As a young squad leader, I learned to be responsible not just for myself, but for the success and failure of others. I developed leadership skills and learned to put the mission first, which means putting your team first and working with people of diverse backgrounds, strengths, and abilities to get the job done. This has carried me throughout my career.
Darin Chinavare, Field Support Representative for M-SHARP
Branch: Marine Corps
Years of Service: 1984-2014
Rank: Master Gunnery Sergeant
What is one great lesson from the military that you rely on in civilian life now?
As a newly promoted non-commissioned officer, I learned that there are always two sides to the story or problem that you are dealing with. If you have the time and patience to hear both perspectives, the details and an actionable solution can be worked out. Both as a Marine and in the corporate world, taking this time to hear out my teammates has made a world of difference.
Steven Sessamen, Field Support Representative for M-SHARP
Branch: Marine Corps
Years of Service: 1985-2005
Rank: Gunnery Sergeant
What is one great lesson from the military that you rely on in civilian life now?
While I was serving in the Marine Corps, I learned to always appreciate what you have and to never stop learning. During my travels, I learned how lucky I am to be an American citizen, with all of the rights that come along with it. Spending time in places where freedom is not a guarantee taught me about the privileges that I enjoy every day, which makes me appreciate what I have in my country. Applying that lesson to everyday life allows me to live in the present moment and keep a positive outlook.
Bob Shields, ECS Vice President, National Security and Intelligence
Branch: Navy
Years of Service: 1972-1999
Rank: Captain
What character traits did you gain in the military that benefit you now in the workforce?
In the Navy, I learned to take care of your people and they will take care of you. I was fortunate to be a member of superb crews, very similar to the great people I work with at ECS. I also learned that it is important to gather all of the facts in a situation before acting, and then to move smartly toward your mission objective, remaining flexible when the plans need to change.
