Memorial Day Voices of Our Veterans: Jason Rentmeester
Memorial Day is the federal US holiday honoring the military personnel who died while serving, observed on the last Monday of May. It is also a day to recognize those who currently serve in the military, and is considered to be the unofficial beginning of summer. While this holiday is just one day out of the year, our active duty Soldiers, Guard and Reserve, and Veterans serve 24/7, 365. Today, in honor of the holiday, we are revisiting the Voices of Our Veterans series. Read on to learn how KA Senior Project Manager Jason Rentmeester served our country and his experience in the workforce after doing so.
You enlisted in the Wisconsin Army National Guard in 2001, serving 9 years including two deployments to Iraq in 2005/6 and 2009/10. What accomplishments are you most proud of?
RENTMEESTER: I would just wrap it all into life lessons. I learned a lot about myself, my limits, leadership, relationships, the world, difference cultures and ultimately how good we have it here at home.
What was your relationship with KA during those deployments?
JASON RENTMEESTER: First deployment was during college, I had an internship lined up but ultimately ended up getting deployed. KA honored the internship with a full time position upon my return and completion of my last semester of college. Second deployment was two years into my career here at KA.
How did KA support you as an active duty veteran during those times?
RENTMEESTER: They kept my position and stayed in touch during deployment via email, cards and care packages.
What stands out in your memory of your time in deployment? What are you most proud of?
RENTMEESTER: The camaraderie I experienced with my fellow soldiers. I am proud of serving our country and defending it.
What positive message would you like to share in terms of the people and the culture you experienced during your deployment?
RENTMEESTER: There are good people everywhere. It’s too easy to lump people into categories or pre-judge them. We all want to do good by our families, neighbors, country and so on.
What did you gain from your military service? How have those assets helped you in your work at KA?
RENTMEESTER: Leadership. Drive. Fortitude. Values, I really like the values the Army instills and have chosen to use them as my own: LDRSHIP (Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.)
Many veterans are struggling with current events and in general. What advice would you offer to them?
RENTMEESTER: Your service was not in vain. Be proud of what you have done and carry those relationships and life lessons forward.
You have provided support to other veterans personally and through KA, including organizing pheasant hunts and other gatherings with vets. What’s some of the feedback you’ve gotten from these events?
RENTMEESTER: People are very appreciative of the effort.
What advice would you offer to their friends, families and business associates to be better allies to Veterans?
RENTMEESTER: Keep it simple. Say thank you. Participate where you can. Look for opportunities that you would enjoy.
Anything else you’d like to say?
RENTMEESTER: I am so appreciative of what people do for our veterans. I saw it when I was in service and still see it today. Way different than in the 60’s. In today’s world of polarization on many issues, I think one thing we can all agree on and get behind are the warriors who have stepped up to stand in the gap. Thank you for your service.
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