What does it mean to be the daughter of a Veteran?

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Meyer Margolis (father of Susan Graye)

Hard work, dedication, commitment and finding the time to help others.  Whether it was stopping to change a flat tire or jumpstarting a stalled car, my Dad would swoop in and take charge if he saw someone in need.   He didn't worry if it was his job, he just knew someone needed help and who better then himself to help out.

I have had the great fortune of partnering closely with HPE employees who have served in the military and tremendous external partners in the past seven years since we launched our Veteran program.  In each, I am in awe of their commitment to make a difference and continued dedication to a life of service.

Meyer Margolis (l) with fellow servicemember
The Veteran and Military Family program at HPE was built to not only hire and offer great career opportunities and training for those who have served, are currently serving in the Guard and Reserve and their families but to provide opportunities for camaraderie and making a difference in our local communities.

Our employees and their families volunteer throughout the year in support of Veterans and Military Families.  Our largest effort is annually during the two weeks surrounding Veterans Day through the Home of the Brave Campaign. Our employees join volunteers from Perspecta, Bristol Myers Squibb, Soldiers Angels and others in planning and executing events at VA Medical Centers across the US and Puerto Rico.  Last year, over 400 employees participated in the Home of the Brave Campaign supporting over 122 events from bingo games to bar-b-ques and recognition ceremonies.

Other programs we support include the Valor Games- Far West; Rebuilding Together; providing Valentines Day cards, blankets and stockings to VAMC patients in partnership with Soldiers Angels; Carry the Load; Operation Impact; Fisher House; Wounded Warriors; Dress for Success Female Servicemembers; Flags for Fallen Vets; Wreaths across America; The Mission Continues and Placer Stand Down.

Flags for Fallen Vets - Houston National CemeteryHPE has built a strong network of Veteran Employee Resource Networks aka VERN groups. Our VERN groups are filled with those who have served, continue to serve in the guard and reserve, as well as family members and allys. Their activities include leadership development, mentoring, celebrating significant Veteran holidays as well as making a difference in their communities.

The Houston VERN team shared awareness of US Flag Day by providing fellow employees cupcakes and info about the significance of the holiday

Hiring our Heroes has been a goal of our program since its inception. We are proud to be recognized as a Military Friendly Employer every year since 2012. Other awards include DAV Best Large Employer in the State of California, Military Friendly Spouse Employer,  Military Friendly Brand, Military Friendly Company, Military Friendly Supplier Diversity, Best for Vets by Military Times and Best of the Best - Top Veteran Friendly Company by US Veterans Magazine. 

HPE hires Veterans and Military family members for a wide variety of different types of positions ranging from technologists to sales professionals, program/project managers, cyber security, software developers, marketing, finance, communication experts, HR leaders, supply chain and more. Our hiring managers understand the strong leadership training and values instilled in individuals who serve and are thankful for the difference these employees make in driving performance for our company. I encourage Veterans, transitioning service members, members of the Guard and Reserve and their family members to consider a career @HPE 

Veterans Day Card created by elementary school student in Detroit area and given to a Veteran patient during annual Home of the Brave Campaign support of John Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit

HPE created the Vet2Tech Sales Fellowship program to provide transitioning service members’ sales careers. We have hired sales professionals from a wide spectrum of military backgrounds including military recruiters, electricians, mechanics and security officers..   The common values of leadership, hard work, dedication and making a difference pay off with performance in the workplace.

We are proud of the numerous veteran partnerships we have built over the past seven years including the Veteran Jobs Mission, Operation IMPACT, Army PaYS,, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Home of the Brave, Onward to Opportunity, Soldiers Angels, Wounded Warrior Project, Military Spouse Employment Partnership, Travis Manion Foundation, Carry the Load, Impact a Hero, Department of Labor VETS Program,  American GI Forum, Virginia Values Veterans, St. Michaels Learning Academy as well as Microsoft Systems and Software Academy.  

Brian Fleming, Dee Taylor, Dr. Connie McNabb

"Shattering Military Stereotypes" was the theme of our annual Military Appreciation program this year.  Our CEO, Antonio Neri, started the webcast with a salute to our veterans for their service.  The program was moderated by our Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer; Brian Tippens  We were joined by Brigadier General, Dr. Connie McNabb (the first female Brigadier General in the State of Texas); Purple Heart recipient, Army veteran, author, and inspirational speaker, Brian Fleming (aka "The BlownUp Guy) and our very own Sales leader, Navy Veteran and leader in the Vet 2 Tech Sales program, Dee Taylor.  Our site programs included a military roll call, color guard and  touching video presentation of our heroes the HPE employees and family members who have served with pictures of them in the service as well as today.   We encourage you to watch the webcast at:  https://media.now.hpe.com/program.aspx?key=MilitaryMay2019.

I would love to hear from each of you about someone who served that inspires you. Share their picture and let’s work together to honor those who have given so much to others.
Home of the Brave 2018 - Houston

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