Thank a Veteran Today

November 11, 2015

On Veterans Day, we honor all the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who have served our country. 

Caterpillar is proud to announce today that we have been named as a 2016 Military Friendly® Employer by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs® and Military Spouse. Award criteria included the strength of company military recruiting efforts, percentage of new hires with prior military service, retention programs for veterans, and company policies on National Guard and Reserve service. 

"I am humbled that Caterpillar is considered an employer of choice by many veterans,” said Human Services Division Vice President Kim Hauer. “We have hired veterans, as well as veteran family members, into a variety of positions at Caterpillar, and we find that from production positions to management, their experiences and backgrounds position them to bring a unique perspective and approach to their work. This diversity of experience and thought is a competitive advantage for Caterpillar.” 

We asked some veterans, "How can other employees thank you on Veterans Day for your service?" 

“I believe employees can thank veterans by simply telling them, ‘Thank you for your service.’ This small gesture always makes my heart swell with pride. I am very proud of my time in the United States Marines Corps and appreciate when people thank veterans for protecting this great nation we live in. I feel very fortunate to work for a great company that recognizes its veterans through the Caterpillar Armed Forces Support Network (CAFSN) Employee Resource Group and other events Caterpillar hosts to attract/retain those who served. I was very surprised this year when Ed Rapp (my group president) invited veterans in his area to a Veterans lunch to learn about our time in the military and to thank us for our service. It's no wonder that Caterpillar was recognized as a 2016 Military Friendly® Employer! Semper Fidelis!”

Justin Sanchez
Product Support Team Lead and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

“It's exciting to be part of a time in our history where veterans are so warmly recognized for their service.  When pondering ways to thank a veteran, consider asking them to share with you a unique experience they had or their favorite memory from their time serving. I always found myself in odd situations and locations from being on a team responding to a satellite spinning out of control in outer space, being in the Republic of Georgia just before their country was invaded, and supporting airborne operations for D-Day anniversaries in the Normandy region of France.”

Rachael Fehl
HR Supervisor and U.S. Army Veteran

“Veterans Day honors those serving and those who have served. It also honors veterans and non-veterans alike who give back to other veterans and their community in so many ways. From support to Honor Flights for Veterans, to Red Cross support, to the local Peoria homeless veterans support day, to mentorship to veterans in transition to civilian careers. We all do so much that reaches so many. Today we honor veterans, but I'd just like to say thank you to all at Caterpillar for broad support you provide to your communities, and today specifically to veterans. Thank you and – HOOAH!” 

Steve Mahoney
Executive Leadership Advisor and U.S. Army Veteran 

Take time this Veterans Day to remember and thank a veteran for serving our country and protecting our freedom.