HIRE CALLING Newly hired veterans share stories of military service By Vineta Plume While on a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan, U.S. Army reservist Chad Heidtman saw firsthand the capabilities of Boeing products such as the AH-64 Apache and CH-47 Chinook helicopters, the F-15E jet fighter, and the C-17 Globemaster III airlifter. Now a contracts administrator for the F-15 program in St. Louis, he credits these “four masterpieces” for his safe return home—and for inspiring him to pursue a career with the company that builds them. Heidtman is one of many veterans recently hired by Boeing, which has since 2011 added nearly 3,800 self-identified veterans to its ranks. Throughout the United States, Boeing actively recruits at military-targeted job fairs and on-base transition assistance sessions. It also supports the White House–led initiative “Joining Forces,” which helps connect veterans and military families with resources to find jobs. To further attract veterans to its workforce, Boeing in 2011 launched the Boeing.com transitioning military careers website and a skills translator tool to help current and former service members transform their service work experience and training into career opportunities with Boeing. “We’re working very hard not only to recruit veterans but also to make it easier for them to match their skills and experiences to our needs,” said Tony Parasida, senior vice president of Human Resources and Administration. In addition to leadership capabilities and experience working with teams, veterans bring diverse perspectives that complement Boeing’s culture of collaboration and innovation, he said. Nichole Parr, who served five years in the U.S. Navy before joining Boeing Capital Corp. as an Aircraft Technical Service project manager in 2011, said she often draws on her military experience to guide her on the job. “Many times there are high-stress situations, when delivery of an aircraft seems impossible, that I remember my military training and am better able to deal with finding other solutions.” Jay Sheer, hired in 2011 as an Apache Systems training instructor with Learning, Training and Development in Mesa, Ariz., after 20 years’ experience working with Apache aircraft in the Army, considers landing a job at Boeing a matter of pride. “I have seen what the selfless service of those who work here has provided the warfighter and can say I’m proud to be part of the Boeing team.” Today, more than 23,000 self-identified veterans help make up Boeing’s team—and many continue to serve in the U.S. National Guard and Reserves. On the following pages, meet some recent hires who describe in their own words what their service has meant to them as they transition into new careers with Boeing. n vineta.z.plume@boeing.com For more stories of service, visit www.boeing.com/tribute. 44 BOEING FRONTIERS / NOVEMBER 2013
Frontiers November 2013 Issue
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