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 veteran employees, as they share how they plan to Remember, Honor, and Support their fellow service members this month. Today, we are profiling Joseph Imorde, Director of Programs, within our Intelligence and Security Sector’s Global Intelligence & Operations Link To (Id:1429027246849;Type:BAEDetailPageCnt_C) business. Imorde serves as Deputy Program Manager of our U.S. Army Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) contract, which provides direct intelligence analytical augmentation and support to the tactical war fighter in Afghanistan. Prior to joining BAE Systems, Imorde served 21 years in the Army’s Military Intelligence Corps, carrying on a family tradition of military service. Imorde’s father, grandfather and several uncles have served in the Army since World War II.
- As a veteran and reservist, why did you choose to come to work at BAE Systems?
I share the company’s commitment to supporting our nation’s war fighters, and was impressed with the leadership I met during the interview process. It was a relatively easy transition, joining an organization full of former veterans and supporting a contract countering the IED threat, which I had been very familiar with over the past ten years. I simply changed my Army combat uniform for a suit and tie.
- How does it feel to know your work is continuing to support our troops?
As a retired Army Officer, and a veteran of both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, I am honored to continue my services in support of our troops that remain in harm’s way, defending our nation at the forward edge of the battlefield. Analysts on the C-IED contract embed with Soldiers and U.S. Marines at the Battalion, Brigade Combat Team and Division echelons throughout all six Regional Commands in Afghanistan, providing a variety of intelligence functions that enable their supported units. I wish I had that capability back when I deployed.
- What does National Military Appreciation Month mean to you?
It means saying ‘thanks’ to those who serve, or have served, for the tremendous sacrifices made during service to our Nation. It also means recognizing the military family as well – they sacrifice many things in support of their service members.
- How do you plan to Remember, Honor and Support our military during the month of May?
Memorial Day weekend is an important time to remember and reflect on those who gave their lives for their buddies, our Nation and the mission. I will keep my American flag flying at home throughout the month, honoring those who serve today.
- If you could send one message to every military member, what would it be?
I’d say thanks for you, and your family’s, dedication and selfless service to your country and your branch of service – Go Army!
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.