Dec 01, 2023 | Inside Thomson Reuters

The Veterans Network is a business resource group with the mission of raising awareness in the workplace and demonstrating appreciation for those who have served or are currently serving. As a diverse and global support network, we stand united in supporting veterans, active duty members, and employees with family and friends in the military, along with local military service-related activities. All employees, including allies, are welcome to join us, regardless of military service or connections.

The Veterans Network also supports individuals transitioning from active duty to civilian life and the workplace. Members of the Veterans Network inform and assist managers and team members at Thomson Reuters regarding the roles and responsibilities of today’s active duty, Guard, and Reserve employees and address questions related to military matters.

We have local chapters of the Veterans Network in the United Kingdom and United States.

Matthew, a member of the United Kingdom chapter, shared why business resource groups are impactful in the employee experience: “I am the co-chair of the Veterans Network and believe our business resource groups are essential to fostering the work culture we aim to enjoy in the office and while working from home. I joined Thomson Reuters Corporate Europe division in 2022 as an Associate Sales Executive, working with Legal and Risk solutions for New Business clients. I have also been a Royal Naval Reservist since 2015, serving at HMS President in London. Business resource groups like the Veterans Network allow us to advocate for various topics we value as communities and create space for collaboration and crucial conversations.”

Toi, a Product Support Specialist in Tax and Accounting in our Dallas office, shared her experience as a chapter co-lead: “I became a co-lead of the Veterans Network to give back to my fellow soldiers still serving, the veterans who have served, and their families. I also felt I could bring value to the network as I have served and can share my perspective on what that experience was like. It’s truly an honor to be part of an organization that allows us to give back in so many different ways, especially through our business resource groups.”

Events Throughout November

Throughout November, the Veterans Network chapters hosted various events to honor Veterans Day/Armed Forces Day. One event was our annual flag-raising ceremony at our Minneapolis-St. Paul office in honor of veterans and their families. The flag used previously flew over a base in Afghanistan, where a former colleague was deployed. He generously donated the flag to Thomson Reuters, and we are proud to raise it each Veterans Day.

For Veterans Day on November 11th, one of our colleagues Greg, shared what Veterans Day means to him. “I have been working at Thomson Reuters for nearly three years as a Sales Executive within the Tax & Accounting Professionals division.

Veterans Day is a profound day of reflection for me, a time to honor the deep bonds and resilient strength that my fellow Marines and I shared as we faced the harsh realities of conflict in Afghanistan and Iraq. It is a day to pay homage to the valor and sacrifices of all who have worn the uniform, a silent tribute to the indomitable spirit of those I served with, particularly the ones who did not make it home. This day is a poignant reminder of the cost of the freedoms we hold dear, earned through the bravery and resolve of my brothers and sisters in arms. Veterans Day is a moment for our nation to reflect on the true price of peace and liberty. It represents more than just a calendar date; it embodies a pledge to honor our collective history and protect the future that we fought for.

I joined the Veterans Network because I believe in actively participating in veteran events and groups. I have always been deeply involved in the veteran community. Upon joining Thomson Reuters, I was thrilled to discover that there was a business resource group for veterans and their supporters. The Veterans Network has allowed me to remain active as a veteran while working, which has been incredibly fulfilling. Knowing that the company cares about me not only as an employee but also as a veteran, and allows us to organize events throughout the year to support veterans and our local community, is truly inspiring.

As a co-lead of the Veterans Network, I want to encourage other veterans and supporters to consider getting involved. It’s a wonderful opportunity to plan events, support veterans and their families, and create a stronger connection with our company and colleagues at Thomson Reuters.”

Our Dallas chapter hosted guest speaker Kara Houser, an Account Executive and Law Firm Consultant at Thomson Reuters, who is also the granddaughter of WWII veteran First Lt. Wallace King (Ret). Kara accompanied her grandfather and other WWII veterans to Normandy, France as part of the Battlefield Return Program with the Best Defense Foundation. Best Defense has taken over 350 WWII veterans to Normandy, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Pearl Harbor, Iwo Jima, Guam, Saipan, and Tinian for reunions and commemorations.

Our Ann Arbor chapter hosted a lunch to honor those who have served which included a live in-person/virtual session after the lunch with special guest speaker Doug “Odie” Slocum, Brig Gen (Ret) who shared his thoughts about Veterans Day and veterans in the workplace. Retiring as a Brigadier General in 2019, Doug “Odie” Slocum has 35 years of experience with the United States Air Force and the Air National Guard.

In the United Kingdom throughout November, the team held our long-standing tradition of supporting the 2023 Virtual Poppy appeal with all funds being raised for the Royal British Legion. Teammates also cycled over 100 miles from London to Brighton in support of BRAVEHOUND, which provides companion dogs for UK veterans to overcome physical and emotional trauma.

Veterans Events Throughout the Year for 2023

The Veterans Network chapters also host various events throughout the year which included:

• Fundraisers for local veteran charities
• Representing Thomson Reuters in the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization
• Virtual discussion on common legal and mental health issues facing veterans and the development of Veterans Treatment Courts throughout the United States
• Participating in the Memorial May Relay
• Hosting an annual veterans’ golf tournament in Ann Arbor
• Hosting the annual Red, White, and Brew event in Ann Arbor to kick-off Memorial Day – it included opportunities for reflection on the significance of Memorial Day along with lots of food, music, and games

Who can join?

All current Thomson Reuters employees are welcome to join the Veterans Network from across the organization. Colleagues are welcome to participate in any capacity, whether they want to be added to our email list to stay up to date on Veterans network happenings or join a committee to help bring an upcoming event to life.

To learn more about our business resource groups at Thomson Reuters, check out our Inside Thomson Reuters page!