Employee Spotlight: Views from a Veteran
In recognition of Veterans Day, we extend our heartfelt thanks to those who have served and continue to serve for their dedication and sacrifice in ensuring the safety and security of our country. Veterans hail from diverse backgrounds and walks of life, and their service has made a significant impact on our nation.
At BHN, we are honored to celebrate and show appreciation for our team members and their families who are veterans. We recognize the many traits and skills that military service instills in those who serve, such as discipline, teamwork, leadership, and resilience in the face of adversity. These values are reflected in BHN's guiding principles of compassion and kindness, accountability, respect, and drive for continuous improvement. We are proud to highlight the contributions of four women veterans who are members of BHN's Human Resource Department and Cladi, a manager in the Facilities Department.
Rachel Sanders, Career Cultivator
Branch: Army
Job Assignment: Human Resource Specialist/Manager
Length of Service: 4 ½ years
I was raised as an "Air Force brat" due to my father's 20-year service as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Major. Following in my father's footsteps had always been a dream of mine, leading me to enlist in the Army at the age of 25. My motivation to join the Army stemmed from this dream, and it proved to be a divine order as everything in my life fell into place and I grew so much while serving.
My 8-month deployment in 2018 to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel allowed me to form lifelong friendships, for whom I am very thankful. Though being away from family was difficult, the camaraderie formed with my battle buddies is something I will never forget. We became a family and looked out for each other. Although many of us have honorably separated or retired, we keep in touch regularly via social media.
What I appreciate the most about my time in the military is the invaluable opportunity it provided for me to serve our country, my fellow service members, and foreign military allies. It was during my service that I experienced significant growth, cultivating qualities like discipline, leadership, teamwork, and resilience that continue to have a lasting and positive impact on my life.
In the military, I had the privilege of making a positive impact on the lives of others on a daily basis, and I saw how my contributions mattered. These experiences shaped me in profound ways, and I’ve been able to transfer these skills and values into my current role as a Career Cultivator here at BHN. Working at BHN allows me to carry forward that sense of purpose by serving our staff within the Career Pathways Program. I find great fulfillment in supporting them as they navigate their personal and professional growth journeys. This work is not only personally rewarding but also a way for me to give back and continue making a meaningful impact, just as I did during my military service. It’s remarkable how my military experience has transformed my life in a variety of ways, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to pay it forward at BHN.
Margaret Kutscher
Branch: Army
Job Assignment: Food Service Specialist
Length of Service: 3 years
One reason that I decided to enlist in the military is due to my family's military background and sense of patriotism. My father and brothers served, and joining the military offered many opportunities, such as furthering my education, traveling, and meeting new people. Coincidently, my birthday falls very close to Veterans Day, which makes the occasion even more special for me. Being part of the military community provided a strong sense of teamwork as we lived and worked together towards a common goal. I am grateful for the friendships I made during that time and appreciate being able to stay in touch with them through social media. Serving in the military gave me a better understanding of the sacrifices made by those who serve every day, and I believe we owe them our freedom.
Toni Hendrix, Vice President of HR
Branch: Army
Job Assignment: Military Police
Length of Service: 4 years active duty, 3 years in the National Guard
I joined the military because I wanted to explore the world, and they guaranteed me an assignment in Europe. I was stationed in Germany and lived in a hostel with a German host family. Being able to live abroad and immerse myself in German culture was truly eye-opening. Not only did I learn the language, but I also gained a new perspective on diversity (different from the issues in the US). In my free time, I took tours around Europe and even visited a concentration camp in Germany. These experiences allowed me to reflect on the value of living in a free country like America.
My military experience has taught me the importance of empathetic leadership, strategic thinking and always being a few steps ahead. I feel fortunate for the doors that the military has opened for me and continues to open for others, such as the ability to expand my education, acquire new skills, and explore different cultures by traveling and meeting new people.๏ปฟ
Cladi Rodriguez, Facilities Manager
Branch: Air Force
Job Assignment: Military Police
Length of Service: 10 years active duty
I served in the Air Force for ten years as a Military Police officer, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant with combat veteran status due to multiple deployments. My main job was military police, with a small tour in special forces training Iraq police in small arms fire, police tactics, hand to hand combat, rout clearing, and building clearing.
My initial motivation for joining the military was to gain a background in policing to help me transition into the MA State Police. However, after serving for a decade, I discovered my true passion for carpentry and decided to pursue that. My military service helped me in many ways, especially by strengthening my leadership skills, improving my ability to work in a team setting, and helping me understand my strengths and weaknesses.
These lessons have all played a role in my current position as Facilities Manager at BHN. I could go on and on about all the great things the military has taught me, but I can confidently say I wouldn’t be who I am today without the skills I learned while serving.
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Ji8ธฃภ๛สำฦต, Inc.
417 Liberty Street | Springfield, MA 01104
(413) 301-9355
