Each year, Duquesne Light recognizes its employees who have served or are actively serving our country by hosting the annual Military Recognition Luncheon. The third annual event, which honored 65 DLC employees representing all branches of the military, was held on May 18, at our Woods Run complex.
The event began with a welcome from Selenna Gregg, Manager, Talent Acquisition, who helped plan the event in partnership with DLC’s Veterans Committee, a subcommittee dedicated to giving thanks and acknowledgement to the Company’s activity military, reservist and veteran employees.
Campbell Hawkins, Vice President, Customer Service, and U.S. Air Force veteran, delivered the safety message, which he tied to his military experience. Next, attendees stood as they listened to an impressive rendition of the National Anthem sung by Garbie Dukes, Right of Way Agent B. President and CEO Rich Riazzi then shared his thoughts on the important role active military and veteran employees play within our Company.
Recognizing Sacrifice and Service
Todd Faulk, Vice President, Human Resources, had the honor of introducing the event’s guest speakers – Dr. Ben Stahl, Executive Director, Veterans Leadership Program, and LTC Patrick Edward Moore of the U.S. Army. Both men shared stories about their military experience and stressed the ongoing need for companies to hire veterans after they return home from their service.
Gregg returned to the podium to share an update on the Veterans Committee and the S.E.R.V.I.C.E. (Search, Engage, Recruit Veterans Into Civilian Employment) recruitment initiative. Faulk then recognized Lauren Gothe, a T&D Mobile Worker who currently is deployed as a Senior Airman in the National Guard. Attendees signed a card with their best wishes that will be sent to Lauren.
In addition, Karen Skovran, Manager, Meter Operations and U.S. Army veteran, led a special tribute to Prisoner of War and Missing in Action military members, featuring an empty table displaying symbols of remembrance and expressing hope for the return for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
DLC’s Ongoing Commitment to Military Members
Last year, Duquesne Light was named a winner of the 2017 Most Valuable Employer for Military recognition by RecruitMilitary, a national leader in helping employers connect with high-quality veteran talent. This honor was created in an effort to recognize employers whose recruiting, training and retention plans best serve military service members and veterans.
DLC continues its ongoing commitment to hiring military veterans through its S.E.R.V.I.C.E. recruitment initiative. In 2017, 10 percent of new hires were veterans, and we’re on track to hit that mark in 2018 as well.
# # #