In honor of Veterans Day, we sat down with USACE Market Leader and Army Veteran Craig Bryant.
As a new employee at Mead & Hunt, Craig quickly found a sense of community in the Veterans and Military Employee Resource Group, among other veterans and employees with family members in the armed forces. The group’s mission is to highlight the experiences of veteran employees to increase their visibility and sense of belonging at Mead & Hunt. This year the group decided to donate to an organization that is making a difference for military families, the Fisher House.
The Fisher House provides a critical service by easing the burden on military families facing long-term health challenges, allowing them to focus on supporting their loved ones. This mission aligns with the values of our Veterans and Military Employee Resource Group, and the members were proud to donate $3,000 to the Fisher House scholarship fund.
Craig, with firsthand experience as an Army veteran, deeply appreciates the importance of support systems like Fisher House. Continue reading to learn more about Craig’s service and how veterans can find their place in the AEC industry.
Q: Why is supporting the Fisher House Scholarship Fund important to you?
A: The Fisher House provides a place to stay for families who are going through medical treatment, whether it’s at a military medical facility or at a VA facility. A lot of times, families have to travel a long way to receive care, so staying nearby the facility, often on the installation, is helpful. For a family that has a service member or any family member who’s in the hospital for an extended stay getting treatment, this support is critical.
Donating to the Fisher House Scholarship Fund is a great opportunity to provide for those families when they need it most. Even though you may leave the uniform and change your appearance, you never leave your family behind.
Q: How does Mead & Hunt support military veterans and employees?
A: I transitioned out of the military after 20 years in the Army when I came to Mead & Hunt. This is my first civilian home base, and I really, truly hope it’s my last. Everybody has been very understanding and supportive during this transitional time.
Mead & Hunt makes Veterans Day a paid holiday for all veteran and military employees. It’s great to have an extra day to spend with my wife and kids. For me, knowing that Mead & Hunt recognizes our contributions to our country and gives us a day to spend as a family to reflect on our time in the Army, it’s great, and I appreciate that.
Q: How does Mead & Hunt’s project work support the military?
A: At Mead & Hunt, the federal projects we build aren’t just buildings on a military installation somewhere—they’re not just another bathroom or another barracks. These facilities that we produce for the military are a part of our country’s national defense. The opportunity for someone like me, who spent 20 years of their life very dedicated to that to work, to come to a firm where folks understand the greater purpose of those facilities and projects has been tremendous.
Q: How can veterans contribute to success and innovation in the AEC industry?
A: Veterans can provide direct feedback about the importance of federal projects. We can help the team realize that you’re not just building an office or s structure. You can explain what this building is going to be used for and the real value of it.
Another thing is that veterans bring is a unique perspective, whether they served four years or 20 like me. Veterans think outside the box and find solutions, even in the most difficult circumstances.
We have had distinctive experiences that people who haven’t been in the military have not. And in a world where diversity of thought is so important, that differing perspective allows you to say, “Hey, have we thought about that?”
The other important piece for every veteran I know is to be seen as members of our team and to contribute to our teams’ success. The teamwork aspect is something that we understand from day one, and so we always bring that dedication. I know I bring the same feeling of camaraderie and respect to my team and the work that I do for Mead & Hunt as I did for the Army.
At Mead & Hunt, I found an identity with my team—when the company wins, we all win. I don’t know anybody who works harder than a veteran. It’s just something that’s ingrained in us.
