When it comes to her career success, Susan Williams attributes her professionalism, time-management skills, and self-motivation to her six years spent in the U.S. Air Force. Williams, a Community Services Coordinator for Roanoke Cooperative, served as a Morse Systems Operator as part of her military service.
“Being a part of the military taught me how to be disciplined in my work,” said Williams. “I was fresh out of high school when I enlisted, so I had zero experience in life. I also had the pleasure of traveling, so it was a wonderful experience!” Transitioning from the military to the civilian workforce can be daunting, noted Williams, but she argues that it does not have to be: “Electric cooperatives need veterans to help power rural America.”
Carlton Hill, a Network Engineer for Roanoke Cooperative’s broadband operation, Fybe, enlisted in the Army out of high school. He served four years at Ft. Bragg, NC, as a communications specialist, becoming airborne qualified. In 2003, he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. While there, he supported the execution and delivery of a multi-relay satellite network spanning several continents. He deployed again in 2004, this time as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In Iraq, he was part of the 35th Signal Brigade, which deployed the largest tactical communications network in military history. He supported multinational forces in joint security, liaison, and communications operations across various areas in southeast Asia before returning home in 2005. Hill attributes his military experience to opening up a world of meaningful career opportunities in network communications, which is what ultimately led him to work for Fybe.
“Working for a broadband company serving rural America gives me a similar sense of duty that I had in the Army,” he said. “At Fybe, we work as a team to help accomplish goals and get the job done.”
As mission-driven organizations, electric cooperatives exist to power communities and empower member-owners to improve the quality of their lives. “The connection between military veterans and electric co-ops is a natural one,” said Marshall Cherry, CEO. “The sense of service enables every co-op employee to perform their duties with a unified sense of purpose.” And Cherry thoroughly understands the connection: he served in the U.S. Army National Guard for eight years.
“During my time in the military, I had the privilege of working with an Aviation Unit based in Salisbury, NC,” said Cherry, “where I served as an automated logistical specialist in the unit's warehouse after completing basic and advanced training in South Carolina and Virginia. This role allowed me to play a crucial part in ensuring the smooth operation of the unit by managing and coordinating the supply chain, ensuring that essential equipment and materials were readily available for missions and training exercises. My time in the military has instilled in me a strong sense of discipline, teamwork, and dedication, qualities that continue to shape my approach to work and life.”
Service with purpose
No matter which branch of the military someone has served, electric cooperatives resonate with veterans. Not only is Roanoke Cooperative mission-driven, but it also promotes the use of advanced technology. From cybersecurity and broadband to the many facets of beneficial electrification and turning data into actionable insights, technology plays a significant role in operating Roanoke Cooperative.
Roanoke Cooperative and Fybe employees also operate in challenging circumstances to power and serve thousands of households in rural North Carolina. Roanoke Cooperative employees work diligently to maintain service for their member-owners no matter what challenging circumstances arise. They continue to do all they can to keep the lights on throughout hurricane season, ice storms, floods, and amidst global health crises. Today, Roanoke Cooperative honors its employees who served in the military and thanks them for their continued service.
