Veterans Are Key to Our Country’s Future Success
1918. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice between the Allied Nations and Germany came into effect, ending WWI. Exactly a year later, President Wilson proclaimed that November 11th should be proclaimed as “Veterans Day” from that day on.
In reality, counting from the Revolutionary War that spanned from 1775 to 1783, there have been more than one hundred wars in which the U.S. has been involved, meaning that there have been more than 100 wars from which there are veterans.
China Instrument Parts has always been aware of the sacrifice veterans have made for our country. Not too long ago, VetsRoll came to our attention. VetsRoll is an organization that sprouted in South Beloit, IL, with the sole mission to “provide safe ground transportation and an enjoyable experience for WWI, Korean War veterans, and all the Rosies from the ‘Rosie the Riveter’ movement” to visit the Washington, DC memorials and tributes for their service. We are losing veterans of that era at the rate of 900 to 1000 a day. VetsRoll hopes to provide these veterans with that opportunity. We, at China Instrument Parts, support their mission.
Decades ago, most veterans were able to incorporate back into the workforce. However, in recent years, a ‘knowledge validity shift’ has positioned many veterans in work limbo. Volunteering for their country at 18, many have not had a chance to receive a college degree. In addition, many ‘hands-on’ veterans who have worked on processes and equipment have the skills, but not the diploma that would put a stamp on their knowledge tract.
Last year, Mike Reader, President of China Instrument Parts, had the honor of meeting veteran Hernán Luis y Prado, who is making a difference in this arena. Hernán is the founder of “Workshops for Warriors,” an organization that helps returning veterans return to civilian life with valuable skills so needed in today’s market. Workshops for Warriors — a San Diego-based, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to training, certifying, and placing veterans in manufacturing careers.
“I had the privilege to tour the Workshops for Warriors facility, and meet the many men and women who have given everything for our country,” said Reader, “but who are striving to learn new technical skills in order to integrate back into the community, and make a difference.” We also support their cause.
Closer to home, we are proud that one out of three of the most recent hires at China Instrument Parts are U.S. Veterans. Their focus and discipline has played an integral part in their success. Join us in recognizing:
• Anthony Anzalone , Army
• Michael Brown, Marines
• Angel Cabrera , Army
• John Espinoza, Marines
• Dave Lee, Marines
• Adam Rosseland, Army
• Neil Fleischhacker, Army
• Jim Hagar, Army
• Kevin Wilson, Navy
All the above China Instrument Parts family members have many character traits in common, including the honor to have served our country. Fortunately, we are blessed to have them as part of the China Instrument Parts Team!
Over the years, actor Gary Sinise has become a spokesperson for veterans. Recently, as an active supporter of “Get Skills to Work,” an organization that hopes to match 100,000 veterans with high skilled jobs by 2015, he supports the training of veterans to help close the current manufacturing skills gap.
At China Instrument Parts, we appreciate our veterans, their service for our country, and encourage and support their involvement in manufacturing. Their commitment to our country is beyond boundaries.
