Voices of our Veterans 2022

Veterans Day is a national holiday designed to recognize the honorable men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces. While the holiday is just one day out of the year, our active-duty Soldiers, Guards, Reserves, and Veterans bravely serve 24/7, 365 days a year.

Today, Veterans comprise less than 10 percent of the U.S. population, with less than 1 percent of the U.S. population in active military service. Many Americans have little or no connection to a Soldier or Veteran, making their contributions to our democratic way of life often difficult to comprehend.

Like last year, we talked with some of Kraus-Anderson’s Veterans about their military experiences and how it shapes their approach to work and life.

CODY DARLING, ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGER

What prompted you to enlist in the military? What did your time in service look like?

The military roots run deep in my family. I was born on Robins Air Force Base in Georgia, where my dad served his enlistment. My older brother has served in the Air Force for 13 years and is currently stationed in England. I joined the Air Force National Guard after I graduated high school, so I could share in the privilege of serving my country, as my family had done, and figure out the civilian world at the same time. After completing basic training, I went straight to Mississippi to continue technical schooling for Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC), Radio Frequency Transmission Systems. My responsibilities included deploying and maintaining radio communication to our jets, so they could contact individuals on the ground and fulfill missions. I served for seven years, including a deployment to Jordan in 2017.

In regard to your service, what are you most proud of?

It is no surprise that those who serve their country make sacrifices — family separations, isolated tours of duty, long and difficult hours with no extra pay — but we do it proudly.

What’s one thing you wish civilians knew about the military’s people and/or culture?

We sign up and become family. In the days spent away from home, during deployment or training, all you have is each other. Some of the Wingmen I served with are still my best friends today. Our mission is to provide a safe environment for the people back home. It doesn’t matter what branch you enlist in, we’re all fighting for a common goal.

What lessons did you learn when serving in the military? How have those lessons benefited your work at Kraus-Anderson?

My deployment to Jordan and return home taught me to appreciate how great we have it here. In terms of work, the military really shapes who you are, from the time you arrive at boot camp to the time you’re honorably discharged. The accountability, leadership, and discipline learned are key attributes of life, both personal and professional.

What advice would you offer to friends, family members, colleagues, and community members to help them better serve as allies to Veterans?

Thank them for their service and remind them that we have the world’s greatest military. Veterans do not join the military for attention. They sign up to help serve and protect our country and allies.

In what ways does service impact you and your loved ones? 

I always appreciate the times when my brother, dad, and I are in the same room and talk about our experiences in the Air Force. Being away from family and friends is challenging, but it’s usually rewarding. Fun fact: When I was deployed, a girl sent me homemade chocolate chip cookies. Now, we’re married. A way to a guy’s heart is through his stomach… especially when that guy is in the desert.

MATHIAS TOBIN, PROJECT ENGINEER

What prompted you to enlist in the military? What did your time in service look like?

I don’t have a specific reason why I joined the military. Maybe it’s because I grew up in an ultra-competitive family, watched too many action movies as a kid, or maybe I just thought I’d look good in a uniform. I joined the Marine Corps in 2015 and spent five years in an aviation unit in San Diego, aside from my deployment aboard a ship for eight months. After the Marine Corps, I moved back to the Midwest and joined the Wisconsin National Guard. I serve in the Engineering Battalion.

How has Kraus-Anderson supported you throughout your service?

The Human Resources team is great to work with when it comes to answering questions about coordination between military and civilian insurance benefits, as well as days I am unable to work due to my service. They’re responsive and helpful!

In regard to your service, what are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of the growth and maturity I’ve had as a person, the larger perspective I’ve gained, and my ability to help those around me. I’ve shown my daughter the importance of seeing something through to the end when you’ve made a commitment.

What’s one thing you wish civilians knew about the military’s people and/or culture?

It’s not all bad and it’s not all good. There are extreme highs and extreme lows and every person that serves has a unique experience. Everyone enlists for a different reason, but no matter what that reason is, it ends up being for the military members who serve by your side.

What lessons did you learn when serving in the military? How have those lessons benefited your work at Kraus-Anderson?

The vast majority of lessons I’ve learned while serving are transferable to both my personal and professional life— leadership, a strong work ethic, and an appreciation for the good in our lives. The lessons I value and most frequently fall back on from my time in service are:

• Making no decision is still a decision: When a decision needs to be made, make the best one with the information and resources you have at the time. Not making a decision or taking action when you need to is worse than making the wrong decision.
• Someone always has it worse: Many people experience stressful times throughout their careers. However, it’s important to be grateful for and to remember that I have the ability to come to work, provide the necessities for my family, and enjoy time outside of work. Not everyone is as fortunate.
• Respond, but do not react: Emotions can cloud your judgment. As hard as it may be, take the time to separate your emotional instincts and respond in a way that best aligns with the result you are trying to achieve*.

*This does not apply when trying to tell my daughter “No.”

What advice would you offer to friends, family members, colleagues, and community members to help them better serve as allies to Veterans?

In my experience, Veterans respond differently and one piece of advice isn’t applicable to all. Some Veterans enjoy talking about their time in the service with anyone, while others are more reserved. If you’re aware that they served, I suggest thanking them. You’ll know if it’s something they want to talk further about. If it’s a close friend or family member, ask but don’t push. They’ll share what feels comfortable.