Service. Mission. Country. You likely identified immediately (and correctly) that these three words can be associated with our nation’s military personnel. They also succinctly describe a core co-op ethos.
While veterans are innately motivated to serve, in a similar vein, electric co-ops are guided by foundational principles that put community first. After all, electric co-ops were founded to bring electricity to rural areas where there was none. In doing so, they powered local economies and helped them to thrive.
I believe this close connection to an essential mission is why there are so many veterans in the utility industry and why they’re such a great fit for electric co-ops.
Today’s veterans are often skilled and sought-after because of technical expertise and exposure to advanced technology during their years of service. Many veterans have experience in engineering, communications and cybersecurity, which are all beneficial for the utility industry.
Medina Electric Cooperative is proud to employ veterans, and we’re especially grateful for their contributions to the co-op and to our community. We are also proud to have one veteran serving on our board of directors.
Leadership and Team-Building
Our veteran colleagues joined the co-op equipped with training in leadership and teamwork. That’s because while on duty, servicemen work closely together; their lives depend on it. This fosters a high level of self-discipline, personal responsibility and passion for excellence.
The utility industry is increasingly complex and is undergoing profound transformation. While there are the traditional engineering and operational aspects of the utility industry, it now also encompasses technology, cybersecurity and the electrification of the transportation sector.
Veterans are adept at responding to changing conditions and learning and adapting to new technologies, which is essential in our evolving industry.
Mission-Oriented Outlook
Working for an electric co-op is more than a job. There’s a clear mission in the work—to help our members and the community. We have a strong sense of commitment and responsibility to our members.
It’s similar to the sense of duty and responsibility that veterans experience in the military. They feel deep, personal responsibility and commitment to their country and to the co-op members we serve. Servicemen are goal-oriented, wanting to do right by their community and their friends and neighbors.
Giving Thanks
May is Military Appreciation Month, and at Medina EC, we’re grateful for the men and women who serve to protect our rights. We’re also proud to have veterans within our ranks, and we’re proud to serve the military families within our community. But beyond our gratitude, we demonstrate our deep appreciation through our actions and ongoing commitment to all who serve and their families.
At the national level, electric co-ops support the Vets Power Us program, which recruits and honors veterans and their families. This effort involves partnering with other electric co-ops across the country along with the departments of labor and defense, the Veterans Administration, and other agencies to bring vets to the energy industry.
This month, I hope you’ll join me in recognizing the sacrifices our military families have made to our great country—and the many contributions they continue to make to our wonderful community.
Veterans, we salute you,
Trey Grebe
