Honoring and giving back to veterans, reservists, active-duty service members and their families is a vital mission BAE Systems employees live and breathe every day. Each May, BAE Systems shines an even brighter spotlight on our nation’s heroes and their needs during Military Appreciation Month.
Throughout the year, BAE Systems supports national and local veteran and military nonprofits through funding and employee engagement initiatives that benefit service members, veterans and their families. The company works with these organizations to support military members at every stage of their service and beyond, providing resources that promote their wellbeing and long-term success.
BAE Systems values the skills and experience veterans bring to the company and is committed to helping them thrive and reach their full potential. This commitment extends to its entire workforce, as demonstrated by more than 25 in-person, virtual and skill-based volunteer projects its employees participated in nationwide this May.
“During Military Appreciation Month and all year long, it’s our great privilege to reflect on the courage and commitment of those who have served our country,” said Dave Harrold, vice president and general manager for the Countermeasure & Electromagnetic Attack Solutions business area. “It’s a chance for us to turn our appreciation and respect into action for those who serve and sacrifice.”
This month, employees planted thousands of flags on the Boston Common in honor of those who’ve died in the line of duty since the Revolutionary War. They also wrote letters of gratitude to veterans and military members and assembled care packages for veteran-focused shelters, children of deployed service members and active-duty military personnel overseas. Additionally, they participated in programs to support service member and veteran mental health and created dog beds to support service animals.
Nearly 50 employees participate in two distinct year-long skills-based mentoring programs. With the national nonprofit American Corporate Partners (ACP), employees mentor veterans and military spouses and help them transition into the civilian workforce.
“Our employee mentors work with active-duty members, military spouses and veterans to help them forge a new path with purpose and step into a future where their commitment to service takes on a new meaning,” said Amy Sweeney, head of Community Investment at Electronic Systems.
Employees also participate in the company’s Innovating for Impact program, which pairs employee mentors with college engineering students to develop real-world, impact-driven university capstone projects that improve veterans’ wellbeing and independence. In collaboration with two national nonprofits, America’s VetDogs and Adaptive Adventures, BAE Systems mentors advise student teams in the development of innovative technology solution prototypes designed to enhance veterans’ lives.
The company’s support for veterans extends from volunteerism to charitable giving. Here is a glimpse at some of the organizations the company collaborates with and funds:
- American Corporate Partners: Empowers veterans and active-duty spouses to launch their civilian careers through one-on-one mentoring, networking opportunities, and online career advice. BAE Systems employees serve as year-round mentors.
- America's VetDogs: Specializes in placing highly skilled service and guide dogs to individuals with physical injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, hearing and vision loss, and seizures.
- Armed Services YMCA (Austin and San Diego): Supports food pantries that provide necessary food to service members and their families.
- Easter Seal New Hampshire's Veterans Count Program: Provides a safety net of critical case management and emergency financial assistance to meet the unexpected challenges of service members, veterans and their family members.
- Liberty House: Supports veterans who have faced challenges, such as post-traumatic stress, addiction and homelessness after serving our country. Liberty House provides substance-free housing and assistance with everyday needs to help veterans regain independence, rebuild stability and create a path forward.
- Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base’s Resilient Warrior Program: Provides veterans and service members with a six-session program designed to effectively manage stress and healing from the invisible wounds of war.
- Wounded Warrior Project: Dedicated to improving the lives of post-9/11 wounded, ill and injured veterans.