Voices of Our Veterans: Jason Rentmeester | Kraus-Anderson
Voices of our Veterans
Veterans Day is the national holiday designed to recognize those who have served in the US armed forces. While the holiday is just one day out of the year, our active duty Soldiers, Guard and Reserve, and Veterans serve 24/7, 365 days a year, giving and receiving a lifetime impact for their dedication. Today Veterans comprise less than 10 % of the US population, with less than 1% of the US population in active military service; https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/04/05/the-changing-face-of-americas-veteran-population/ many Americans have little or no connection to a Soldier or a Veteran, making their contributions to our democratic way of life often difficult to fathom. This month we set aside time to talk with some of Kraus-Anderson’s Veterans about their military experience, what it means to them and how it shapes their approach to work, and what we all can learn from their perspective.
Jason Rentmeester, LEED AP is Senior Project Manager at KA’s Twin Cities office.
You enlisted in the Wisconsin Army National Guard in 2001, serving 9 years including including two deployments to Iraq in 2005/6 and again in 2009/10, and attaining the rank of Staff Sargeant. What accomplishments are you proudest of about your time in the Guard?
JASON 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?
JASON RENTMEESTER: Kept my position. 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?
JASON RENTMEESTER: Proud of serving our country. Defending it against Terrorism. Camaraderie.
What positive message would you like to share in terms of the people and the culture you experienced during your deployment?
JASON 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?
JASON 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 processing the events of recent weeks/months in Afghanistan. What advice would you offer to them?
JASON RENTMEESTER: Your service was not in vain. Be proud of what you have done and carry those relationships and life lessons forward.
You personally and through KA have provided support to other veterans including through organizing pheasant hunts and other gatherings with vets. What’s some of the feedback you’ve gotten from these events?
JASON RENTMEESTER: Appreciation.
What advice would you offer to their friends, families and business associates to be better allies to Veterans?
JASON 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?
JASON 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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