The President of the United States has proclaimed May as National Military Appreciation Month to remind us all of the important sacrifices the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces have made to defend our nation’s freedom. That includes all branches of the services, the National Guard and Reserves, plus retirees, veterans, and all of their families – well over 90 million Americans who have sacrificed to safeguard our nation for more than 230 years.
At BAE Systems, National Military Appreciation Month has special meaning, as many of our employees are veterans who joined us after serving. Several are reservists who remain ready to answer the call to return to duty. Many of these vets continue to support the military’s daily operations as contractors. Throughout the month of May, we will be highlighting the stories of individual BAE Systems employee veterans, as they share how they plan to Remember, Honor, and Support their fellow service members this month. Today, we are profiling Megan Lienemann, Subcontract Administrator, within our Intelligence and Security sector. Lienemann enlisted as a reservist in the U.S. National Guard in 2004, and was commissioned as an officer in 2009. Megan is a frequent flier to Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, where she is assigned to a unit as a Medical Service Corps officer.
- Why did you join BAE Systems?
I chose to join BAE Systems because I heard good things about the company. I have had many friends work under defense contractors overseas and they always had great things to say about this company.
Serving in the military is a very important part of my life, and I have no intentions of leaving anytime soon. In the past, I had run into issues with previous employers when it came to getting the time off to serve. I have never an issue with this since joining BAE Systems. The company has been incredibly supportive of my commitment since day one. Many service-members are not as lucky as I am to have an employer who supports what they do.
- Before joining BAE Systems, were you familiar with the company’s support for the war fighter?
When I enlisted, the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles was the big thing BAE Systems was known for. It changed the battlefield! However, after being with the company for a little over two years now, I realize BAE Systems has a much larger fingerprint when it comes to military support. It’s just one more reason I am proud to work for this company.
- As a reservist, how challenging is it to transition from serving, to returning to the office?
It is a bit of a shock sometimes coming back from military events, and then going back to work. A lot of people don’t understand why you were gone. My management chain has done an excellent job of keeping everyone in the loop when I have had to take leaves of absence to fulfill my service obligations. My management has also been very supportive in easing me back in when I’ve returned.
- How do you plan to Remember, Honor & Support your fellow military service members in May?
I’ve made several recent trips to Ft. Bragg to say goodbye to friends that are deploying overseas. It never gets easier, and it’s never fun. I’ll be going to a few more going away events throughout the month. It’s important to let them know we support them.
- If you could send one message to every military member, what would it be?
You are never alone. The military provides you a second family of brothers and sisters, whether they are still in or not, who are willing to help you out at the drop of a hat.
National Military Appreciation Month of May recognizes all military personnel who have served throughout our history, and those who are now serving in uniform. The month includes a number of special days, to include: Loyalty Day (May 1), Public Service Recognition Week (May 5-10), Victory in Europe Day (May 8), Military Spouse Appreciation Day (May 10), Armed Forces Day (May 18), and Memorial Day (May 27).
For additional information about National Military Appreciation Month, visit www.nmam.org.