This Veterans Day we’re honoring those who served

In recognition of Veterans Day, we talked to leaders of our Veterans Network to hear their experiences serving in the military and how they leveraged these skills while working at Thomson Reuters. 

The Veterans Network is an employee-led business resource group (BRG) focused on bridging the gap between service and civilian life, while supporting those a part of the military community. 

“Our mission is to bring awareness to the workplace, and to show appreciation to those who have served or are currently serving. As a diverse and global support network assisting employees that have family or friends in the military, and local military service-related activities, we stand united in support of veterans.”

On this Veterans Day, a day the nation recognizes those who served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces, we honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice all for us freedom.

Veterans hold significant importance to the United States and the world.  Supporting veterans with resources to successfully transition to a post-service career and citizen life is how we can show allyship and appreciation for their service. We were curious how veterans working at Thomson Reuters transitioned from military duty to a civilian career, and how they appreciate others showing support for their service. Here is how Veterans Network co-chairs Brian (Ann Arbor, MI) and Mirna (Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN) answered our questions.

How did you transition to a civilian career at Thomson Reuters and join the Veterans Network?

Brian: “After working in aviation post-service, I knew I was ready for a change. One of the guys in my class worked at Thomson Reuters at the time and he was able to get me into the door where I was able to apply the technical knowledge, I had for three years as a product support representative. Afterwards, I decided to apply to a role that better suited my interests and have been a business systems analyst for the past twelve years. To this day, I am proud to represent Thomson Reuters as an advocate for veterans by attending job fairs and showing support wherever and whenever possible.” 

Mirna: “It was a no-brainer. I wanted to be part of the veteran community at Thomson Reuters and help raise awareness. Veterans share a bond and I wanted to be able to connect and help others connect – the way we think, the way we do things, the way we serve, we have a bond. We look after each other. So, to me, it is about giving back and continuing to be part of a group like that. That’s why I raised my hand to be a co-chair.”

How can others show support on Veterans Day?

Recognizing the true purpose of Veterans Day. 

Brian: “All you need to do is show up and show your recognition and appreciation.” 

A simple ‘thank you’ goes a long way. 

Mirna: “You sometimes see those in uniform in areas like airports, right? You then think to yourself ‘What should I tell them?’ A simple thank you goes a long way. If you want to take it a step further, be curious, start a conversation and try to learn a little bit more.”

Activities and events

The Veterans Network offer support for veterans and their families in key hubs, including three chapters in the United States (Ann Arbor, Dallas, Minneapolis-St. Paul) and one in London.

Throughout the pandemic, chapters hosted virtual and socially distanced events enabling continued support to the military community veterans and their families. Check out images from our in-person events from previous years below:

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