By Katie McKy
Top-tier veteran talent find their passion and niche while continuing to serve as they did in the military.
Veterans and military families have dedicated their lives and undergo great sacrifice in service to our country, and it’s clear that more of them are being brought into the civilian fold at top companies, thanks to successful, focused recruitment programs.
Army Veteran Carabajal Helps Advance Technology Innovation at Ricoh USA
As enterprise director, Ricoh Graphic Communications, Ricoh USA, Inc., military veteran Jason Carabajal is now responsible for quality testing, information technology (IT) infrastructure, customer satisfaction, and managing Ricoh USA’s design center located in Boulder, CO. Carabajal, who joined the U.S. Army in 1990, brought his previous Army experience with him along with his post-military technical background to this role and applies it every day.
By joining the Army, he joined his family’s military tradition. “Both of my parents are U.S. Navy veterans. However, I was attracted to the Army on my own after speaking with a military recruiter and learning about the opportunities for my future,” he recalls.
He was sent to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri for basic training, and was originally to be deployed to the Gulf War. However, at the last minute, he was redeployed to Germany and remained there for a couple years after the war ended.
“In 1992 I was sent to Fort Stewart, GA, for my remaining year of service, which concluded in 1993,” he adds.
Carabajal joined Ricoh via its acquisition of IBM’s Infoprint business in 2007. “I began as an intern at IBM in 1997 through INROADS. With a degree in engineering and an interest in quality testing, I was attracted to IBM for its robust technology development, which Ricoh is also known for. So I believe it was really meant to be that I became a part of Ricoh.”
He likes the quick pace and ranging tasks at Ricoh. “Ricoh values quick learners who can easily adapt to change. In my case, I’ve taken on roles with responsibilities not typical of my engineering background.”
Ricoh is a leading-edge tech company, which Carabajal loves. “With Ricoh being at the forefront of innovation, I love how there’s always an opportunity to learn something new and grow, along with the opportunity share my knowledge with others to help them grow, as well.”
Being perpetually challenged is nothing new to Carabajal. “Upon joining the Army at 18, it was scary to be told I was going to be sent to fight in a war almost immediately, and when Ricoh purchased IBM’s Infoprint business, there was naturally an uncertainty that came with that. However, in both cases, the confidence I gained from my training and faith in my abilities helped get me through those situations,” he reflects.
The military also taught him how to connect with everyone, a vital skill at Ricoh. “Being around people of different backgrounds in the military, I learned how to communicate effectively with people from all walks of life, which helped me prepare for the diversity of today’s workforce.”
Ricoh’s veterans are an essential part of its diverse workforce, and Ricoh treats them accordingly, according to Carabajal. “Ricoh is very supportive of its veteran team members. As the company has continued to evolve, I feel I’ve been given the opportunity to grow and evolve along with it, all while being able to maintain a healthy work-life balance.”
Carabajal also appreciates the trust that’s extended to him at Ricoh. “At Ricoh, I feel you have the autonomy to make decisions that will contribute to the business, and are empowered to ask questions knowing your voice will always be heard.”
To that end, Ricoh entrusted Carabajal with an intern program. “I’m particularly proud of the opportunity I’ve had to manage an intern program at Ricoh. While allowing me to expand my regular responsibilities and bring new talent to the company, it’s been very fulfilling to work with and guide college students and see them grow,” he concludes.
Learn about Exton, PA-headquartered Ricoh USA via LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. Explore careers at ricoh-usa.com/en/about-us/careers.
Army Vet Arias Manages Effective IT Operations HCA Healthcare
Before becoming a director, information technology (IT) for HCA Healthcare, Joseph Arias, MBA, BS, IFSM entered the U.S. Army in 2007 as a cannon crewmember (13B).
“Upon completion of my initial training, I reported to Schweinfurt, Germany where I was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, which was later reflagged to the 172nd Infantry Brigade. I deployed to Karbala Province, Iraq in 2008 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I exited military service in 2012 after six years of honorable service,” he details.
And, now, Arias oversees and manages effective IT operations within Medical City Fort Worth (TX) hospital to ensure strategic alignment with organizational goals and operational readiness and effectiveness.
So how did he go from what he did in the Navy to what he does now at HCA? “HCA’s mission statement, ‘Above all else, we’re committed to the care and improvement of human life,’ resonated with me while transitioning from military service,” Arias shares.
“I was looking for purpose, a sense of mission, and the mission aligned with my desire to continue to serve.”
Arias often taps the U.S. Army core values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage in his current role. “Those values shaped me to become the person and professional I am today. They empower me to deliver exceptional service to our organization and patients.”
In his role, Arias ensures the operability of HCA’s technology systems have a direct impact on patient care experiences. “I enable our care team members to provide safe and optimal care.”
And if you want to follow in Aria’s footsteps? He offers this insight: “Because the healthcare industry is rapidly changing, HCA Healthcare seeks talent that’s resilient, flexible, and adaptable to a fast-paced, changing environment. This enables us to pivot at a moment’s notice to meet the needs of our patients and communities.”
Empathy and compassion also matter, according to Arias. “We’re providing care for patients and their families, oftentimes with heightened emotion and urgency. The organization seeks talent that practices empathy and compassion to meet the patients, families, and their team members where they are.”
The leadership of HCA helps, too. “Our leaders empower us in multiple ways to allow us to flourish and grow professionally at levels that are comfortable to the individual. There’s a strong investment in continued education either through tuition reimbursement, online training tools such as ‘Plural Sight,’ and professional development and leadership programs,” he continues.
To that end, Arias routinely has one-to-one meetings with supervisors. “Our managers truly care about their staff,” he adds.
HCA also cares about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). “I love how HCA puts a strong emphasis on our diversity, equity and inclusion. Our DEI program is woven into the fabric of the organization through its strategy priorities of patients, colleagues, suppliers and community.”
One example of those efforts are the employee resources groups. “I participate in those efforts by chairing the local chapter of our Veterans Colleague Network. These networks aid in bringing people of similar backgrounds together to celebrate and display their unique qualities and promote the inclusion of all colleagues. To show strength through diversity, equity and inclusion brings out the absolute best of any company.”
Areas also loves that HCA Healthcare was founded by two veterans: Drs. Thomas Frist Sr. and his son. “They founded an organization with a clear mission statement and that was backed by values, many of which were instilled in them through their own service in the U.S. Armed Forces.”
HCA’s focus on values helps its quality workforce make a difference. “I enjoy the amazing people within our ranks, that every day delivers a new set of challenges, and our strong sense of selfless service. At the end of the day, I know we positively impacted the lives of our patients by ensuring the reliability of the systems and networks on which our clinicians rely,” Arias concludes.
Learn about Nashville, TN-headquartered HCA Healthcare via LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Explore careers at careers.hcahealthcare.com.
Former Marine Serrano Continues His Profound Purpose at Northwell Health
Juan Serrano, vice president of Northwell’s military liaison services at Northwell Health, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after high school in 2000. In 2009, while a section commander in Iraq, his Humvee rolled over and broke his neck. Medically discharged, he faced the dilemma that many veterans face: what’s next? How do you transition from profound, life-or-death service to a civilian life? Serrano’s answer was to find something equally profound, which he sees outside all of Northwell’s medical facilities.
“All you have to do is stand outside one of our hospitals and watch the people who enter and exit. Lives are changed. Lives are saved,” he points out.
Northwell Health recruited Serrano when he was doing public speaking and advocacy at colleges and other places. In fact, someone from Northwell’s human resources approached Serrano and told him directly that Northwell would have a job for him. “I became an adjudicator,” he remembers.
“I looked at the complexity of cases and fell in love with healing. It was just like the military, where you put someone else’s needs and wants first.”
As a military liaison for Northwell Health today, Serrano’s work still has profound purpose. “I work to create pathways for veteran families that generate opportunities. I want them to know they’re not alone in their journeys and that a bright future can await them.”
Serrano understands that suicide numbers are very high among veterans and his work lets him mitigate within Northwell Health, the largest private employer in the state of New York. He also remembers what it was like to be discharged.
“I was coming home to a place I loved, but there was uncertainty because I was 29, married, and with a four-year-old son. One day, I’d been entrusted with national security and the next day, that was over,” he recalls.
So now Serrano works to help service families to come home to an environment where they can thrive. He finds considerable overlap between Northwell Health and the Marine Corps.
“As a veteran, you want to be part of something that gives you a sense of pride and belonging like the military did. Northwell Health gave that to me and my family. It was there for me when I needed it most,” he shares.
When Serrano left service, no one had explained to him that, after 90 days, he’d lose his coverage, and that it’d take the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) about one and a half years to pick him and his family up.
“I needed medication and I needed to be seen by healthcare professionals. I was facing all of the challenges that Americans without insurance face. I went from the top of my game to being overwhelmed and anxious,” he admits.
A chance encounter changed everything. “I was taking a class, and a fellow veteran and classmate said, ‘Juan, you don’t look okay.’ I didn’t feel okay. He directed me to Northwell Health. They met me where I was. They made every possible need acceptable,” he describes.
Northwell Health doesn’t just talk the talk. “Northwell Health says that they want to support veterans every step of the way, and they do. There aren’t just words here. There are actions,” emphasizes Serrano.
Working now at Northwell has amplified Serrano’s effectiveness. “I could do the advocacy before Northwell, but with Northwell by my side, I don’t just talk about the issues; I address them.”
The Marines and Northwell have even more in common, as well, thereby making an easy leap from service to a corporate career. “In the military, regardless of your occupation, you’re taught to adapt and overcome, to be compassionate, and to always uphold the true essence of integrity and respect. These are the same qualities of this organization.”
Serrano found that this overlap made it “very easy” to transfer the experience and training he learned in the military into healthcare. And that’s not all that he loves and appreciates about his career and employer. “We focus on the health and well-being of this Servicemembers Community, ensuring that our interactions aren’t only transactional, but also personal, leaving no one in this community behind.”
And the veterans at Northwell Health are leading the change, he further points out. “During the past decade, we’ve hired hundreds of veterans every year. ‘Thank you for your service’ needs to mean more. Here, at Northwell Health, this is what ‘more’ should look like.”
Learn about New Hyde Park, NY-headquartered Northwell Health via LinkedIn, Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram. Explore careers at jobs.northwell.edu.
Army National Guard Vet Flores Serves Civilian Colleagues in HR at Alpha Baking
One could say that Gabby Flores is an alpha professional, since her military occupational specialty was an 94Alpha land combat electronic missile repairer and now she works at Alpha Baking Company, Inc. as an human resources (HR) generalist.
“As a 94A, my duties were to perform direct and general support level maintenance to missile systems such as TOW, ITAS, Bradley, and Javelin. I also dipped my toes in recruiting for the U.S. Army National Guard, which was a very rewarding experience,” she explains.
And how did that lead to HR? “I believe HR is my way of serving people on the civilian side.”
Working in HR has Flores cognizant of Alpha’s history and connected to its workforce. “The history of Alpha Baking is what attracted me, but the people are what keeps me here.”
Alpha’s history sounds scripted by Hollywood, with equal parts courage and craft, as Samuel Rosen, its founder, apprenticed with a baker in Germany at age nine and made his way to New York at age 13. Rosen reached Chicago, IL in his early 20s, founding the S. Rosen brand that eventually blossomed into Alpha, acquiring other iconic brands along the way, such as Mary Ann, which bakes the poppy seed hot dog buns for the world-famous Chicago-style hot dogs.
Alpha also bakes wax-wrapped Pullman buns, named after the Pullman railroad cars where they were once served. Alpha has recently moved into brioche buns, too. Expansion is enabled by HR, and Flores is at the hub of that. Expansion is also good news for those looking to be hired and make a difference.
“We’re evolving and growing as a company, and we constantly look for natural leaders and people who want to make positive changes,” notes Flores, whose skills she learned in the military have served her well at Alpha.
“I learned discipline, resilience, quick decision-making, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively regardless of the environment.”
Alpha is happy to leverage her skill set for further success and is seeking to do the same with other skilled veterans. “I have a great deal of support here to perform my daily duties. The company has also been extremely supportive of my military career, and they encourage a healthy work-life balance. My experience is welcomed and acknowledged,” Flores reflects.
That all manifests itself in terms of the respect tendered to her. “You get to meet everyone and anyone; no title is too big to talk to you.”
Flores, in turn, can be there for her colleagues. “What I enjoy most is having the ability to help employees. What may seem like a small issue to us can be life-changing for someone else. I’m able to be present and make myself available. It’s definitely a rewarding career,” she shares.
It’s rewarding in other ways, too. “Alpha Baking is the type of company that empowers its employees. I can continue serving and taking time when needed for my military training, I’ve been able to do it all here: have a successful career, serve my country, and be a mother.”
Learn about Chicago, IL-headquartered Alpha Baking via YouTube, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Explore careers at alphabaking.com/careers.
Navy Veteran Aviles Helps Federal Clients at KPMG
Jesus Aviles, MSM is an associate, consultant at KPMG, which works in an array of sectors, from finances and government to energy and even sports. Aviles works in the federal domain as a consultant focused on business architecture, continuous process improvement and organizational transformation. Prior to KPMG, Aviles served in the U.S. Navy.
“I had the honor of serving five years on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower CVN 69, participating in Operation Inherent Resolve, as an aviation ordnanceman (aircraft weapons specialist, AO) in the weapons department. I’ll always cherish my time in service where I encountered countless incredible individuals who embody patriotism and service.”
The transition from the Navy to KPMG was made easy by Avile’s Navy training. “In the Navy I acquired invaluable skills such as thinking on my feet, paying close attention to detail, and collaborating effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, communication styles, and cultural or religious beliefs. I gained insightful knowledge about people management, various leadership styles, and effective communication techniques.”
Aviles has also found similar camaraderie in both the Navy and at KPMG. “In the Navy, you create a bond with other servicemembers, and your command department becomes your family. You work with these people every day, you deploy with them, you learn to trust them and you serve together. I feel the same type of camaraderie here with my team.”
Aviles was drawn KPMG’s strong reputation for providing development opportunities and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts while also prioritizing good leadership and transparency in the face of economic uncertainty. Aviles does his DEI part. “I serve as a chapter leader in the firm’s pride@kpmg (LGBTQ+) business resource group (BRG) and actively participate in both the Veterans and Somos (Hispanic/Latinx) BRGs.”
Aviles has seen that empowering veterans is a priority at KPMG. “In my time here, they’ve offered immense support and opportunities. If I want to acquire new skills or participate in multiple projects for personal and professional growth, then I’m encouraged to do so. The diverse range of clients I work with present numerous learning and development opportunities.”
Aviles has seen KPMG leadership continuously promote learning, growth, networking and development. “I’ve never encountered discouragement toward personal advancement. Additionally, the company reinforces the importance of taking paid time off, and prioritizing self-care and mental health.”
KPMG promotes a healthy work-life balance by offering hybrid schedules, including opportunities for both remote work and in-person collaboration sessions, according to Aviles.
“This approach allows for flexibility while still prioritizing the needs of our clients. Moreover, the firm boasts an innovative learning and training facility, KPMG Lakehouse, situated in Orlando, FL, which further enhances our professional development experience,” he points out.
That’s not all KPMG offers. “You’re given the autonomy to learn, grow, tackle challenges, and establish both personal and professional relationships with your peers and clients. You can even transition into other areas you may decide to explore. We’re equipped with ample resources to prioritize our personal growth and successfully advance our careers,” he continues.
Interested? Here’s what KPMG looks for in its hiring: “My company highly values individuals with analytical problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and people skills. In addition, a collaborative mindset, the ability to work well with a team, and the adaptability and flexibility to thrive in a constantly changing environment,” he outlines.
If hired, then you might achieve the same pride about accomplishment that Aviles has achieved. “I love to be a young, Latinx, gay individual who steps in to facilitate, teach and deliver results,” he concludes.
Learn about New York, NY-headquartered KPMG via LinkedIn, X, YouTube and Facebook. Explore careers at kpmg.com/xx/en/home/careers-at-kpmg.html.
Recruiting Veteran Talent
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are roughly 17.9 million veterans in the country, with just more than 6% of them Hispanic. When it comes to age, 9.2 million of veterans are older than 65 while 1.6 million of them are younger than 35. In addition, compared to non-veterans of the same age, veterans who work full-time have higher earnings.
The unemployment rate for all veterans (2.8%) was lower than the rate for non-veterans (3.6%) in 2023, and, more specifically, the unemployment rate specifically for Hispanic veterans (2.9%) was also lower than the rate for non-veterans (3.6%) in 2023. Plus, the latest unemployment rate for all veterans (3%) and for Hispanic veterans (3.3%) is also lower.
This all reflects successful veteran recruitment programs that are bringing more battle-borne talent into the fold. In fact, building on that in 2024, a key trait of successful veteran employers will be focused strategies, especially in recruitment. According to recent data, the best employers for veterans have dedicated recruiters for veterans and their spouses, as well as proactive recruitment and retention. Veteran recruiters continue to be essential to help veterans and spouses transition to civilian jobs, especially for those without professional networks. Effective veteran employers stand out with proactive practices like SkillBridge internships and registered apprenticeship programs.
Captions & Callouts:
A veteran of the U.S. Army, Jason Carabajal is the enterprise director for Ricoh Graphic Communications, Ricoh USA, Inc.
“Being around people of different backgrounds in the military, I learned how to communicate effectively with people from all walks of life, which helped me prepare for the diversity of today’s workforce.”
A veteran of the U.S. Army, Joseph Arias, MBA, BS, IFSM is a director, information technology (IT) for HCA Healthcare at Medical City Forth Worth (TX).
“I was looking for purpose, a sense of mission, and the mission aligned with my desire to continue to serve.”
A veteran of the the U.S. Marine Corps, Juan Serrano is the vice president of Northwell Health’s military liaison services.
“In the military, regardless of your occupation, you’re taught to adapt and overcome, to be compassionate, and to always uphold the true essence of integrity and respect. These are the same qualities of this organization.”
A veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard, Gabby Flores is a human resources (HR) generalist at Alpha Baking Company, Inc.
“I believe [human resources (HR)] is my way of serving people on the civilian side.”
A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Jesus Aviles, MSM is an associate, consultant at KPMG.
“I’ll always cherish my time in service, where I encountered countless incredible individuals who embody patriotism and service.”