Colleague Spotlight: Celebrating Veterans

Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11 to celebrate the bravery of military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. In honor of this national holiday, I spoke to three colleagues who served to learn more about their service, their personal significance of this day, and how their experience has impacted their careers.

Craig Fulton

Senior Vice President, IT Nation

Tell us a little about your service.

• Duration of your service: I joined the Marines a couple of weeks out of high school in 1993 and served for 5 years as an admin clerk and small computer systems engineer.
• Your reason for enlisting: This is a crazy reason, but I chose the Marines because there was no wait. Shocker, right? They also offered the widest job specialty based on my scoring for the military aptitude test. I also hoped they’d toughen me up.
• Location of service: I was in Parris Island, South Carolina; Havelock, North Carolina; and Toledo, Ohio.
• Your role during service: Admin clerk and small computer systems engineer (aka in the rear with the gear)
• A memorable experience from your service: No single experience stands out, but I learned a lot about leadership and traditions. It all made me who I am today.

What does Veterans Day mean to you? 
It feels great to be recognized as one of the thousands who made the sacrifice to serve my country. It is a day and a time to give thanks!

How has being a veteran helped you excel in your career? 
It has given me great leadership experience that has helped me perform at a level that has gotten me to where I am today.

If you could share something about your experience as a veteran, what would you share? 
I have noticed that since leaving the Marines in 1998, I am seeing more appreciation for veterans now than ever. Also, a huge fan of that 10% discount at Lowe’s!

What do you plan to accomplish in the next five years? 
Get a retail business off the ground with my wife and children.

Davina Collins

Solution Partner Event Sales Manager

Tell us a little about your service.

• Duration of your service: I joined the Marines right out of high school at the age of 17 and served four years of active duty.
• Your reason for enlisting: I knew from an early age that I wanted to join the military. I chose the Marines because I heard they were the toughest, and I thought, “I can do that!”
• Location of service: I served in Okinawa, Japan; Camp Lejeune, and Cherry Point, North Carolina, as well as one tour in Iraq.
• Your role during service: I was a sergeant and MOS 1142 electrical equipment repair specialist.
• A memorable experience from your service: There are so many amazing experiences, but the comradery is something unique to the service. I still remain close with many of my brothers and sisters in arms.

What does Veterans Day mean to you?
Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by brave individuals and thank those who volunteered to protect our country and freedom.

How has being a veteran helped you excel in your career?
Veteran education benefits covered the cost of tuition courses that helped get me into the tech industry. Just like any experience, being in the military gave me a new perspective on overcoming obstacles. I feel more resilient, disciplined, and resourceful.  

If you could share something about your experience as a veteran, what would you share?
It’s nice to feel appreciated! I’ve been honored to serve our country, and now I’m honored to be a veteran.

What do you plan to accomplish in the next five years?
My goal is to gain experience in leading projects, working with major clients, expanding my responsibilities within my current role, and making a positive impact here at ConnectWise!

Jason McNew

Principal Solutions Advisor

Tell us a little about your service

• Duration of your service: I joined in 1996 at age 23, a few years out of high school. I was in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard (PA ANG) for 13 years.
• Your reason for enlisting: I was directionless in my early 20s, so the military seemed like a good opportunity to grow up. I always liked airplanes and technology, so the Air Force was an obvious choice.
• Location of service: I joined the Pennsylvania Air National Guard at Willow Grove. I was also a member of the 171^st Air Refueling Wing (171 ARW) in Pittsburgh and spent about 18 months on active duty in the White House Communications Agency.
• Your role during service: For my first six years, I was an A-10 crew chief, and then I cross-trained in Electronic Systems Control.
• A memorable experience from your service: There were many. Sitting in the dark on the flight line in Kuwait, watching F-15s come back from combat missions was really neat. Another eye-opening experience was seeing the hardened aircraft shelters that had been attacked by allied forces during the Gulf War.

What does Veterans Day mean to you? 
Veteran’s Day means thinking about the incredible sacrifice that many of our vets have made, and the injuries (both mental and physical) that they must live with. I had it easy.

How has being a veteran helped you excel in your career?
Discipline and organization more than anything—and knowing the difference between a “job” and a “mission.” A job is just a paid gig—a mission is something where failure is not an option.

If you could share something about your experience as a veteran, what would you share?

Military service is a lot like civilian life, where you get out of it what you put into it. Take advantage of the learning and educational opportunities!

What do you plan to accomplish in the next five years? 
To really hone my public speaking skills.