At DCG, much of our work supports Veterans and their families, and for many of our team members who have served, that mission is deeply personal. Their experience and insight are invaluable to the work we do every day.
This Veterans Day, we’re honored to spotlight some of our colleagues who are veterans, sharing their reflections on service, the lessons they carry forward, and what this day means to them personally.
What did you learn from your military experience that you carry with you today?
Amy Lexson, Senior Associate — Air Force (4 years)
The true value of discipline, teamwork, and that you can accomplish far more than you think you can: show up and get started with one task, or one step, at a time. With patience and repetition, you will have come further than you ever thought possible at the beginning.
John Diem, Senior Associate — Army (15 years)
I learned task ownership. There’s a saying in the Army that’s proven just as true in the civilian environment: “If more than one person is in charge of something, then no one is in charge of it.”
Chad Byrne, Senior Associate — Air Force (6 years)
My service taught me many things, but some things translate into every aspect of life. The first is duty; if people are counting on you and you’ve made a commitment, you just make it happen. This translates not only to work but to family life. I have a duty to my employer because we agreed on terms, and I’ll hold up my end of those terms. The same goes for family. Those lines can blur when you’ve worked with people enough and get to know them. Second is excellence; every branch teaches this from the day you start basic training. Nothing should be “good enough,” it should be up to your standard, and your goal should be “excellence.” Third is respect, both for yourself, the people you work with, and the mission you do. The military is the single most diverse group of people in the world. Everyone has their own story, and they lend their own unique perspective to the mission.
Rebecca Richey, Senior Manager — Army (4 years)
As a leader, you have to take the time to build trust and respect with your team and within your team. This doesn’t happen overnight but often has to happen pretty quickly in the military. It is important to figure out the best way to communicate (sometimes this looks different for different people), lead by example, and make people feel valued. It is inevitable in any organization that there will be some hard times and things will get tough. However, a team grounded in trust and mutual respect will stay cohesive, motivated, and resilient; they will support each other and continue to move forward with a purpose, which usually leads to mission success.
Brent Wingfield, Senior Manager — Army (7 years)
Get after it! And never quit. I learned that even seemingly impossible feats can be overcome with proper planning and execution. For me, that means enough caffeine, nicotine, and a little bit of commiserating to my dog, of course.
What does Veterans Day mean to you personally?
Rebecca Richey, Senior Manager — Army (4 years)
Veterans Day is about taking a moment to recognize and remember all those who have served and honor all those who have sacrificed their lives in service of our country.
John Diem, Senior Associate — Army (15 years)
My feelings around Veterans Day are complicated and nuanced. I really value my military service and the great people that served alongside me. That said, there were some rough times.
Chad Byrne, Senior Associate — Air Force (6 years)
Veterans Day is a reminder of what so many people sacrifice while serving. It’s not just life and limb, but it’s a sacrifice of your individual goals to achieve something larger. The cost varies, but everyone gave something.
Brent Wingfield, Senior Manager — Army (7 years)
I can’t say I’d want to do it all again… But I wouldn’t trade my time in the Army for anything. Veterans Day is always a great opportunity to reflect on everything I accomplished and overcame back then (and everything since!), and to remember the absolute Giants among men that I had the pleasure to serve alongside with in Iraq and Afghanistan. (One of them works at DCG too! @John Diem)
Amy Lexson, Senior Associate — Air Force (4 years)
The camaraderie in the military is second to no other community in the world. Veterans Day is a moment for me to be grateful I had the chance to be part of it, to appreciate the sacrifices of those serving today, and to appreciate the freedoms afforded to us by those who chose to serve.
The reflections shared by our teammates remind us why DCG’s mission matters. We’re honored to continue serving those who have served, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all Veterans today and every day.
