Showing Our Appreciation: Veterans Day
November 11th will always serve as a day of honoring those who fight and who have fought for our country over the years. Veterans Day initially started as Armistice Day in memory of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month when the truce was signed to end World War I, then known as “The Great War.” In 1919, exactly one year later, President Wilson proclaimed that citizens participate in a moment of silence at 11 a.m. to remember the peace that transpired the year prior.
How Morgan Corp Honors Veterans Every Day
At Morgan Corp., we know that what we build today is only possible because of those who have fought to protect our freedom. We are proud to stand beside the men and women who have served our country and to offer them a place to build meaningful careers after service.
As a recognized SCDVA Veteran Friendly Employer, it’s our privilege to work alongside veterans whose integrity, discipline, and dedication mirror the very values our company was built on. Today and every day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our military members and the families who stand behind them. Your service allows us all to keep building something meaningful, together.
Steve served in the U.S. Army from 1969 -1971 for the simple reason of, “I wanted to fly helicopters.” His father, a U.S. Navy veteran of 33 years, who set an early example of discipline, focus, and commitment to service. Those lessons stayed with Steve long after his time in uniform and well into his professional career.
“I learned that I was always training my replacement,” he says, a mindset that continues to guide him today as he leads and mentors crews in his role as Safety Manager for Morgan Corp.’s Raleigh Division.
“I want to personally thank all those who have served in the military. And as Billy Ray Cyrus said, ‘All gave some, and some gave all.’”
Jacob, Jr. Estimator, Spartanburg Division
Jacob served six years in the United States Coast Guard, from 2016 to 2022, working in both afloat and command control roles before finishing as a Search and Rescue Coordinator. When asked why he chose the Coast Guard, he said, “I wanted to serve in a way that kept me continuously involved in missions. The Coast Guard gave me the opportunity to work in roles where I was hands-on with emergency response and law enforcement. Because of that, I had a real-world impact on people’s lives and I’m proud of the time I spent.”
Service runs deep in Jacob’s family, with relatives who served in the Civil War, World War II, and even the American Revolution. Most notably, his great-grandfather, Grandpa Dove, fought in both Iwo Jima and Okinawa as part of the Pacific campaign during WWII. His time in the military taught him invaluable skills like leadership, communication, and adapting quickly when plans change.
“Managing operational teams, coordinating multi-agency missions, and responding to life-or-death situations showed me how to stay calm, solve problems fast, and lead people effectively,” he says.
Those same skills serve him today as a Jr. Estimator for Morgan Corp.’s Spartanburg Division, where he brings a level-headed perspective to meticulous preconstruction planning and pricing.
“The best memories you have are of the people you served with. The camaraderie and bond you build are unlike anything else. Serving in the Coast Guard shaped who I am today, and I’m proud of that. I thank every other service member who has given or is giving their time in service to this country,” Jacob concluded.
Keith, Safety Manager, Savannah Division
Keith served in both the Army and the Air Force Reserve, initially drawn to military service for the professional freedom it offered, including benefits, career choice, and educational opportunities through student loan repayment and bonuses. He comes from a military family on both his father’s and mother’s sides, and his children continue that legacy, serving in the Army and Navy.
His role as Safety Manager for Morgan Corp.’s Savannah Division comes naturally, built on years of meticulous planning and precaution from two decades working with exploded and unexploded ordinance in the field.
Although his military service included bittersweet memories, Keith is steadfast in the pride he holds in his service, the life it provided for his family, and the path it has created for his children in their own service to the country.
Dustin, Safety Manager, Industrial Division
Dustin’s call to join the military began early in his adult life, around his sophomore year in high school after watching the attacks on the World Trade Center on 9/11.
“After researching the different branches, I chose the Marine Corps because many of my friends had already joined, and I wanted to challenge myself to earn the title of Marine. I also wanted the opportunity to leave my small hometown and see the world.”
Following in the footsteps of his great-great-grandfather, who served in the Navy during World War I, Dustin also set an example for his younger brother, who joined the Marines a few years later.
Many of the skills he gained in the Marine Corps have carried over directly into his role as Safety Manager for Morgan Corp.’s Industrial Division. “Much of our training focused on real-time problem solving, which translates well to my current role, identifying hazards, assessing risks, and developing practical solutions to ensure safe operations. I also got to meet Chuck Norris one time in Iraq, so that was pretty cool.”
He reflects on the lifelong bonds formed with people from all walks of life, especially during his two deployments to Iraq saying, “Experiencing a combat environment teaches you the true meaning of trust, teamwork, and sacrifice, knowing that everyone has each other’s back no matter the circumstance. During my first deployment, a small group of us was tasked with providing security for a hospital in Iraq. Our team dedicated itself to assisting with the transport of the wounded and those killed in action. It was an eye-opening experience that gave me a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made in the name of humanity and the betterment of a country.”
Nick, Jr. Estimator, Spartanburg Division
Nick served in the U.S. Air Force from 2016 to 2022 as an Aircraft Mechanic and Crew Chief on the KC-10A, continuing his family’s four-generation legacy of military service.
During his time in the military, he developed skills in troubleshooting and critical thinking under high-stress situations. This steady, grounded approach now serves him well as a Jr. Estimator for Morgan Corp.’s Spartanburg Division, where he provides boots-on-the-ground insight to complement his team’s preconstruction planning. His ability to assess complex situations, anticipate challenges, and problem-solve in real time helps ensure projects are set up for success.
While many of his memories involve “high-pressure situations in a rapidly changing environment,” his service also gave him the opportunity to see and appreciate different parts of the world, which “made the challenges worth it in the end.”
Brian, Mechanic, Savannah Division
Brian served two enlistments with the 3rd Infantry Division where he worked as a 63T/Bradley mechanic. He joined, feeling the need to do his part for the service of our country. He was not the first in his family, as he had multiple relatives across different branches of the military who served mostly during the Vietnam era.
Being a mechanic in both the army and at Morgan Corp., Brian notes that there are a lot of similarities. “The urgency for having our equipment up and ready for the workload is always present.”
“The military teaches you more than you realize. Until I got back around friends, I noticed so many changes and how I viewed life after being around some of the finest men and women I have ever known.
Justin, Laborer, Equipment Division
Justin was in the Army for one month shy of four years. He chose to be medically discharged after falling of a truck and injuring his knee while serving in Afghanistan. After two surgeries, he tried to rejoin but it was too painful to even walk at the time.
During Justin’s time serving, he also was in the Infantry. He chose this branch because he wanted to prove to himself that we could be as tough as anyone.
As a child, Justin’s grandfather was in the army and would tell him stories about his time serving. After that, Justin would fantasize about being a soldier throughout his adolescence.
“I loved being a soldier. It is and was a great accomplishment. If I could do it again, I wouldn’t change anything.”
Adolfo, Laborer, Savannah Division
Adolfo served in the Marine Corps from 1991-1995. He chose the Marines because it is one of the more disciplined and toughest of the military branches.
“Earning the Marine Corps values is something that you carry with you for the rest of your life.”
Being able to serve in the USMC gave him the opportunity to learn from a variety of cultures worldwide.
Clarence, Operator – Excavator, Savannah Division
Clarence wanted to see the world and leave home, which is what prompted him to join the army for two years. He met a lot of great people and got to go to a lot of different places. If he could do it all over again, he would. While a lot of his skills from serving transferred to his day to day, he says what he learned most was “how to be a real man and serve my country.”
David, Operator – Dozer GPS, Industrial Division
David knew from a very young age that he knew he wanted to be a marine. While serving for the USMC for four years, he trained to be a heavy equipment operator and was assigned to heavy artillery.
“I have several fond memories of my time serving, mostly of the men and women who I served with.”
While many of those men and women are no longer with us, the memories will not fade. At times, David mentions that his military experience was very difficult, but also very rewarding. He is and always will be proud to have been able to serve his country and its citizens.
Steven, Operator – Dozer GPS, Spartanburg Division
Steven served in the United States Air Force for two years. While he had other family members that also served, he chose the Air Force to follow in his father and father-in-law’s footsteps. Steven notes that the skills he adopted from serving do transfer to his day-to-day life and in his work.
One of his fondest memories is meeting a lot of people who became his friends.
He is proud to have been part of Desert Storm/Desert Shield.
Jeremy, Operator – Excavator, Savannah Division
Ever since the twin towers fell when Jeremy was in the 7th grade, he knew he wanted to join the military. He served a total of ten years. In that time, serving brought a lot of great things to him personally – namely how to deal and cope with his life and his family.
“The brothers I gained in the military and the memories will always be close to my heart.”
Jorge, Laborer, Charlotte Division
Jorge was the first of his family to serve, and he chose to do so for his family and for his sense of adventure. He served in the Marines for four years. He chose the Marines because it stood out above the rest and “definitely for the uniforms.”
When it comes to comparing his military life to his current day-to-day life, he says that he had developed a sense of leadership. Being a squad leader primed him for being comfortable instructing others on the jobsite.
Proud to have been in service, he recalls a few of his fondest memories – Sleeping in fox holes, hand to hand combat training, gas chambers, and being in the middle of nowhere in a desert handling ammunitions.
Ronnie, Foreman, Spartanburg Division
Ronnie joined the Marine Corps with the goal of being part of one of the most feared forces known around the world while getting to fight for our country. Throughout his eight and a half years in service, he went on four combat deployments – two to Iraq and two to Afghanistan.
“Attention to detail and mission accomplishment is what I apply to my day-to-day on the jobsite.”
Bill, Safety Manager, Savannah Division
Coming from a family whose many members served in the military, Bill joined the Marine Corps. In 1996 and served until 2003. From these years, he was able to learn how to work with individuals from different backgrounds and work as a team to accomplish a task – great skills that he can apply to his everyday life and work with our company.
Fun fact: Bill was on the USS Tarawa and had the opportunity to be an extra in a movie – Rules of Engagement – where he met Samuel L. Jackson and Dale Dye!
Robert, Estimator, Savannah Division
Since childhood, Robert knew he wanted to serve in the military. His biggest hero growing up was his grandfather who had served. Robert ended up serving for six years as an infantry officer. He joined the infantry because he wanted to fight for our country, and he became an officer because he wanted to lead soldiers.
“It had its highs and lows, as with most things, but it will always be one of the things that I am most proud of in life.”
Robert’s key takeaways from his time in the military that he is able to apply to everyday life is to wake up early, work hard, and prioritize time with family. He created many memories with the friends he gained during that time in his life. “Working that closely with others and spending that much time together during trying times helps form bonds that will never be broken.”
Ed, Safety Manager, Spartanburg Division
In the early ‘80s, Ed found himself floundering in life like most adolescents. He felt he did not have a clear direction forward. One of his ideas was to fly helicopters in the army. After all the testing and review boards, it was determined that he needed to get more structure and discipline before reapplying for the program.
Since Ed has a love for aviation and his family has a strong military background, he decided to become an Air Traffic Controller in the US Army. He spent four years active duty serving in Korea along the DMZ providing ATC services for the corridor system along the contested border between the Koreas.
Upon returning to the US, Ed served at Fort Sill, Oklahoma running radar and approach services into one of the busiest military airports in the US. This assignment included deploying overseas on exercises in Germany and the Koreas until ETS (End Time Service).
After active duty, Ed served in the reserves for four years until fulfilling his contract. His time in service taught him how to overcome difficulties, maintain focus on objectives, and the ability to adapt to his environments fluidly.
His fondest memory was the comradery that developed between people of all walks of life and the life lessons that the experience instilled in his future development.