JOIN US IN SALUTING THE VETERANS OF ESSENTIAL
At Essential, we feel very grateful that we employ so many veterans who bring their dedicated, courage and spirit to our company. This Memorial Day, we want to take time to recognize and give a special thank-you to all of the veterans who work within our Essential Utilities family.
We are thankful that they are part of our team. At Essential, we will always strive to create opportunities for our veterans and continue to embrace and honor the incredible work they've done for our nation.
We hope you enjoy meeting some of our Essential employees who have bravely served our country and shared their stories with us. Thank you to all veterans in our Aqua, Peoples and Essential families, for your hard work and bravery.
JOHN AULBACH (CENTER), PRESIDENT, AQUA VIRGINIA (VIRGINIA)
MILITARY BRANCH: UNITED STATES ARMY - INFANTRY
RANK: COLONEL
YEARS SERVED: 1981–2011
MOST INTERESTING DEPLOYMENT/ASSIGNMENT:
My most interesting and demanding assignment and deployment was in 2005 to Iraq commanding a brigade military transition team embedded with an Iraqi light infantry brigade. While interesting, it was also challenging to execute a complex mission across language and cultural barriers.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A VETERAN?
As a veteran I am proud to have served and am grateful for the opportunities provided to me to develop within my chosen careers. Additionally, I have deep respect for veterans’ families who bear extreme hardships and am grateful for my wife and children who have been supportive of my profession.
HOW HAS BEING A VETERAN AFFECTED YOU PROFESSIONALLY?
The ability to work in and lead large organizations built confidence in my own professional skill sets, as well as the ability to draw the maximum effort from each member of a team to accomplish a mission or assignment. My military experiences directly influenced my civilian career and the ability to be successful.
MONICA MAZZCCUA, ACCOUNTS RECIEVEABLE COORDINATOR, AQUA
MILITARY BRANCH: AIR FORCE (STATIONED IN LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE IN VA)
RANK: MILITARY POLICE OFFICER
YEARS SERVED: JOINED IN 1999 AND SERVED FOR 6 YEARS
MOST INTERESTING DEPLOYMENT/ASSIGNMENT:
While stationed at a military base in Langley, VA, me and other offices heard across the radio to be on the lookout for a person of interest heading towards the base who was carrying a weapon. Shortly after the call, said person of interested charged through the base gate and fought my fellow military police offers and I. Ultimately, the person of interest was arrested.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A VETERAN?
Being a Veteran means to me that I answered the call to stand among the bravest men and women in our Nation to protect our Nation.
HOW HAS BEING A VETERAN AFFECTED YOU PROFESSIONALLY?
Super hard to reacclimate into civilian life. When you are leaving the military, you are 10 years behind where you would have been. Always remember to be flexible. You might feel a job is beneath you – but just be flexible - further your formal education. Use the GI bill. Get your references before you get out of the military. Use any connection you can – network!! And don’t be embarrassed to use them! Stay motivated. Don’t give up. Reimagine what may work for you. You will always land on your feet. For her specifically - maintaining professionalism. Keep a certain level of respect for others. How you carry yourself is important. She is used to being with a group of winners. Sometimes you don’t always feel A1 every day but stay organized and motivated. Doing the same tasks all day can be mundane but stay focused.
RICKIE DANIELS, FACILITY OPERATOR III, AQUA NORTH CAROLINA
MILITARY BRANCH: UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
RANK: LANCE CORPORAL
YEARS SERVED: FOUR YEARS ACTIVE DUTY
MOST INTERESTING DEPLOYMENT/ASSIGNMENT?
My most interesting deployment was with a Joint NATO exercise that took place in Norway in the winter. We had to take winter training for months beforehand. The Norwegian people I had the pleasure of meeting were fantastic hosts and very polite to the American troops.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A VETERAN?
I’m proud to have had to opportunity to serve in the Marine Corps and help safeguard the freedoms we have in the USA.
HOW HAS BEING A VETERAN AFFECTED YOU PROFESSIONALLY?
Being in the military taught me respect and responsibility, which I put to use in my personal and professional life to this day because they serve me well.
KIRKLYN FIELDS, FACILITY OPERATOR III, AQUA NORTH CAROLINA
MILITARY BRANCH: UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
RANK: SERGEANT
YEARS SERVED: 13 YEARS WITH AN HONORABLE DISCHARGE
MOST INTERESTING DEPLOYMENT/ASSIGNMENT?
I am a Veteran of the Gulf War (Desert Shield and Desert Storm).
MARK PIETRONE, MANAGER, FACILITY AND SECURITY, PEOPLES NATURAL GAS
MILITARY BRANCH: UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
RANK: SERGEANT (0331 MACHINEGUNNER) (SECURITY FORCES)
YEARS SERVED: 4 YEARS
MOST INTERESTING DEPLOYMENT/ASSIGNMENT:
Deployed to the 31st MEU (SOC) based out of Okinawa and participated Cobra Gold a mutli-national military exercise.
During deployment was afforded opportunity to attend WWII pacific Theater battlefield studies of Peleiu and Iwo Jima on the actual islands of the Pacific.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A VETERAN?
Difficult question – honestly never really thought of myself as a veteran. I guess when I think of a veteran I think of all those who did not make it back home from where ever they might have been be it in peacetime or in war, their fellow service members who were by their side and all of the families dealing with the unknown while they are away. The reality is they went to work that day knowing there would be danger and went anyway or had no idea and handled it as best they could.
I feel have a strong sense of honor and pride to have served and fellowship with others who have so maybe that’s it to me?
Serving was always something I wanted to do and would never have been able to if not for the love and support of my wife. Looking back at my deployment and other long periods of time away I realize I had it easy – sure I was heading off to places unknown to do who knows what and where but I was with so many others in the same situation. My wife on the other hand was left behind in a strange house not knowing anyone around her with a newborn baby – to me that’s pure strength and courage.
HOW HAS BEING A VETERAN AFFECTED YOU PROFESSIONALLY?
It’s a difficult transition but eventually it all comes together. Use those intangible skills they taught us like leadership, motivation, courage, initiative and all the others on the poster. Funny thing is they aren’t just words or tag lines they’re actual skills you now know by using them every day. Also, it might feel like you are starting all over again, which can be frustrating given the amount of responsibility you had while in, but be patient - improvise, adapt and overcome (more tag lines) and eventually it will pay off.
CHARLES MELOCHE, WASTEWATER PLANT SUPERVISOR, AQUA INDIANA
MILITARY BRANCH: UNITED STATES ARMY MILITARY POLICE
RANK: E-4 (SPECIALIST 4)
YEARS SERVED: THREE YEARS ACTIVE DUTY AND THREE YEARS) RESERVE DUTY
MOST INTERESTING DEPLOYMENT/ASSIGNMENT?
I was stationed at Ford Gordon, Georgia for all three of my active duty years. My most interesting duty was military prisoner escort to places such as Fort Leavenworth KS (the big house) and Fort Riley KS (Retraining Prison)
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A VETERAN?
I come from a military family and I am very proud of my family’s military history and am proud to have done my part in serving this great nation. Veterans Day is special to me, but I also try to honor veterans all year round.
BRENT C. REEH, CTX AREA MANAGER, AQUA TEXAS
MILITARY BRANCH: UNITED STATES AIR FORCE RESERVES
RANK: MASTER SERGEANT (E-7)
YEARS SERVED: 21
MOST INTERESTING DEPLOYMENT/ASSIGNMENT?
Most interesting deployment was to NATO Air Base Aviano AFB, located in northeastern Italy.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A VETERAN?
Although I spent more than 20 years in the armed service, I have a difficult time considering myself a veteran - maybe it’s because I consider myself too young to be a veteran? The real veterans are those who didn’t return from the war. It’s about duty, honor, love of country, sacrifice and respect. I proudly served my country for what I was trained to do.
LAWRENCE WEAVER, FIELD SUPERVISOR III, AQUA PENNSYLVANIA
MILITARY BRANCH: UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
RANK: SERGEANT
YEARS SERVED: SIX YEARS
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A VETERAN?
The question of what being a veteran means to me brought a flurry of emotions. Pride, to be able to stand up and defend this great country, which I grew up loving as part of a family full of veterans. Sadness, as it makes me reflect upon the comrades who paid the ultimate sacrifice defending this great country. Uncertainty, in thinking did I do enough when I was there? I feel humbled to have had the opportunity to serve next to so many Marines who volunteered on their own accord to protect this great nation. Being a veteran, I’m honored to have had the opportunity to help protect those freedoms like so many others did before me.
HOW HAS BEING A VETERAN AFFECTED YOU PROFESSIONALLY?
Being in the Marines affected me in more ways than I could have ever imagined. I learned that you have the power to overcome adversity no matter how big or how small the obstacle. Everyone plays a role in success no matter the scope of their job. Perseverance is possible in any situation. The unofficial motto of the Marine Corps, Improvise, Adapt, Overcome, has served its “family” well and has given its “brothers and sisters” the tools to succeed. Stay calm under pressure and you will be able to handle whatever comes your way, and be clear of mind to understand what is going on and how to correct it. Learn from one another as everyone is an expert in something. Respect is earned, not demanded.
JACOB TUNE, FACILITY OPERATOR II, AQUA TEXAS
MILITARY BRANCH: UNITED STATES ARMY
RANK: E-1
YEARS SERVED: TWO AND A HALF YEARS
MOST INTERESTING DEPLOYMENT/ASSIGNMENT?
I did a 12-month tour at 348th Quartermaster Co., Camp Humphreys, South Korea, 1994–1995.
HOW HAS BEING A VETERAN AFFECTED YOU PROFESSIONALLY?
I acquired the ability to adapt and overcome any obstacle.
ROGER TUPPS, REGIONAL SUPERVISOR, AQUA NORTH CAROLINA
MILITARY BRANCH: UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
RANK: MASTER SERGEANT
YEARS SERVED: 20 YEARS
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A VETERAN?
I’m proud to have served my country.
HOW HAS BEING A VETERAN AFFECTED YOU PROFESSIONALLY?
I believe the military really helps with being able to deal with different situations that arise. It also teaches healthy work ethic.
JOHN ANDREWS (MIDDLE ROW, 3RD FROM THE LEFT), VICE PRESIDENT CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT, ESSENTIAL UTILITIES
MILITARY BRANCH: UNITED STATES ARMY
RANKS: CAPTAIN
YEARS SERVED: FIVE
MOST INTERESTING DEPLOYMENT/ASSIGNMENT?
Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti to restore the county’s democratic government. Spent 6 months in country where my responsibilities ranged from managing the airport in Cap-Haitien (northern Haiti) to coordinating with Royal Caribbean to borrow its private beach at Labadee to provide rest and relaxation for 800 soldiers a day.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A VETERAN?
Being a veteran has taught me the incredible sacrifice required to ensure the health and prosperity of our democracy. Despite the challenges we face in our society, we are fortunate to have a volunteer professional military willing to stand up to any foreign threat to our freedoms and way of life.
HOW HAS BEING A VETERAN AFFECTED YOU PROFESSIONALLY?
The Army taught me that every individual has strengths and weaknesses that affect the overall mission. As a leader, it is your responsibility to determine how to leverage these individual strengths and minimize these weaknesses to be successful as a team.