6 Veterans Share the Value of Military Experience
Nov. 11, 2021
BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina knows hiring veterans brings in people with proven skills. As one of the largest employers in the state, we work with military organizations throughout South Carolina to support and promote our veteran hiring practices.
Almost 600 BlueCross employees have military connections representing every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Several of them share how their military experience prepared them for careers with BlueCross.
U.S. Air Force
Roselyn Rogers served eight years in the Air Force. There she experienced new challenges, different cultures and life lessons.
“Military personnel bring a unique perspective to any organization. They can lead, follow direction and always understand it takes teamwork to complete the mission or task,” says Rogers, a managed care systems support analyst at BlueCross.
U.S. Army
Terry Archer, an executive assistant in private finance, served eight years in the Personnel Action Center. He says this experience was a lot like working in private finance today. His military experience helped him figure out what he wanted to do for work.
“I have taken all of the experience I gained in the military and tried to bring that to my employment here. I am dependable, focused and a team player. My military experience has helped to shape the person I am today,” Archer says.
U.S. Coast Guard
Don Edwards, vice president for Medicare Advantage marketing, served 10 years in the Coast Guard as a flight engineer/aviation engineer.
“Veterans have been tasked with responsibilities that are mission critical many times during their tenure that require teamwork. Most are placed in leadership roles early and are taught how to lead based on understanding diversity of people, projects and the overall job,” says Edwards, who also has four years of service in the Army Reserve.
U.S. Marine Corps
Lindsey Bible, a Medicare Advantage marketing compliance manager, has been working with BlueCross for 20 years. He served for 10 years active duty in the Marines.
“Being a Marine was probably the best thing that ever happened to me as far as my personal growth. The training was challenging, both physically and mentally. That taught me many things about myself that continue to serve me today. Veterans understand discipline and structure. They are also familiar with change and how it affects their role in an organization. The leadership skills acquired by veterans can be vital. As I was taught in the Marines, to be a good leader, you must be a good follower,” says Bible.
U.S. National Guard
Courtney Nipson, a staff development specialist, served in the National Guard for eight years as an information systems operator/analyst.
“My experience in the National Guard gave me a chance to grow up. It was a true eye opener of what adulthood looked like. Military life can seem unfamiliar and scary at times. That is where courage comes in. My military experience spills over into every aspect of my civilian and professional lives. Following directions and wanting to serve are really great attributes when dealing with any situation or with any other person. Respect can go a long way in life. All of the great virtues instilled in a veteran can serve as a blueprint for overall human decency,” says Nipson.
U.S. Navy
Dametrius Williams, a corporate recruiter at BlueCross, served for 21 years as an aviation boatswain’s mate handler. His time in service meant he was trying to make the world a better place for his family and the rest of the United States.
“In hiring a military veteran, employers are getting one of the few who willfully sacrificed their lives for the good of the country. This is the integrity and commitment they bring to the job. They are flexible, forever learning, born leaders who have a set of skills not commonly found in the average civilian,” Williams says.
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