After spending four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, Robert Mulvihill joined Sparklight earlier this year as a field technician in Gulfport, Mississippi – bringing with him the same discipline he honed as a Lance Corporal serving in combat operations in Afghanistan.
“What I learned from my service that stayed with me is simple: tact, professionalism, and discipline,” Mulvihill said. “My military training taught me to see any job through to the end.”
Shane McNaughton served eight years in the Iowa Army National Guard as an E4 specialist, developing the adaptability, determination, discipline and organization that make him a valuable asset to Sparklight as an advance technician in Sioux City, Iowa.
Joseph Gonzales, who served 14 years in the U.S. Navy before joining Sparklight two years ago, now works as a system technician and drop bury coordinator in Nampa, Idaho. His military career, which he continues as a reservist today, allowed him to successfully transition to his new role with the internet service provider.
“The military gave me the opportunity to work with various teams in different environments. Through teamwork and communication, we were able to perform and complete any task that was given,” Gonzales said. “Working for Sparklight is similar in that it thrives on teamwork and communication.”
Mulvihill, McNaughton and Gonzales are just three of the more than 200 veterans currently working for Sparklight and its associated brands. The company has made a concerted effort to increase veteran hiring by offering referral incentives to associates; partnering with Veteran Readiness & Employment and the Wounded Warrior Project; and participating in Hire Heroes virtual career fairs for veterans and family members. According to the latest numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for veterans is approximately 5.5 percent.
“Military experience fits in well with our company culture, which is based on a ‘Stronger Together’ philosophy and is committed to giving back to the communities we serve,” said Peter Witty, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, who served as an officer and helicopter pilot in the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm. “We are grateful to our veteran associates for the service and sacrifices they’ve made for our country, and we’re thankful to have them as a part of the Sparklight team.”
The company donated $5,000 earlier this year to Folds of Honor, which provides educational scholarships to the children and spouses of fallen and disabled service members, and is donating another $5,000 this month to Operation Gratitude, which sends 300,000+ care packages to military members deployed overseas, to their children left behind, and to first responders, new recruits, veterans, wounded heroes and their caregivers.
Veterans are invited to learn about open positions at Sparklight by visiting www.sparklight.com/about/careers.