We are so proud to work alongside Veterans who have served our country with dedication, resilience, and bravery. This Veterans Day, we honor all Veterans and their unwavering courage and sacrifice.
We had the privilege of speaking with some Veterans at Compass One Healthcare about their experiences, their journey, and the values they carry with them into their work today. Join us as we celebrate their unique contributions and gain insight into the lives of those who have served.
What does being a Veteran mean to you?
Johnnie Johnson | Director of Dining Services | CCL Hospitality Group (pictured below)
“It is the greatest honor of my life to serve my country that has given so much back to me and my family. I enjoy using what I learned and incorporating it in how I run my site, how I elevate my staff, and, importantly, to continue serving my residents."
Justin Rodriguez | Assistant Director of Plant Engineering | Crothall Healthcare
"Gives me a lot of pride. The thing people don't understand about veterans is that they put their lives on pause for a selective amount of years to protect this country. The level of sacrifice that you have to make is unmeasurable.”
Brandy Anderson | Patient Food Services Manager | Morrison Healthcare
“Being a veteran holds a deep and unique meaning for me. As the first female in my family to serve, following a legacy of men who served before me, it has been an honor to carry forward that torch. Growing up surrounded by stories of sacrifice and service, I knew that dedicating myself to our country and to future generations was the most powerful thing I could do with my youth.”
James Woodard | Culinary Lead Manager | Morrison Healthcare
“I feel great that I was able to be in the Army. I love the place we live. Compass is a wonderful company to be a part of. If you enjoyed the service and want to be a part of a great team and great people please join Compass, the best team in food service in the world.”
How has your experience as a Veteran shaped the way you approach work?
David Bass | Assistant Director | Crothall Healthcare (pictured below)
"Good is not good enough. Leave everything at least as good as, if not better than, you received it."
Sherry Smith | Associate Director | Morrison Healthcare (pictured below)
"I've always been a leader and a person who thrives by setting an example. Being in the military helped me fine-tune those skills. I'm able to incorporate that leadership through teamwork. When I see staff not assisting the person next to them in a time of struggle in the kitchen, and they're not holding each other accountable in our policies and procedures or in making certain our newbies get the right training. That touches me because 'no soldier left behind' is meaningful to me. It takes my TEAM for me to get my job done, and it takes ALL OF US to be successful in everything we do."
Kineka Warren | Patient Transport Lead | TouchPoint Support Services
“I've always been drawn to customer service. I love helping people. My job at TouchPoint allows me to do that. They appreciated that I had leadership skills, which I gainedfrom my time in the service.”
Anthony Tanega | Director | Morrison Healthcare (pictured below)
“My leadership experience in the military put me in my position.”
Masson Bouchan | Director of Dining Services | Morrison Healthcare (pictured below)
"No matter what profession we're in, there's always going to be stressors. Being a veteran, the experiences that I went through have helped me shape how I approach situations at work. Where some might become anxious and untethered when faced with a difficult situation, I tend to be more relaxed, levelheaded, and calculated when I approach problems. This goes a long way with how your staff sees you in difficult times.”
Are there any programs or initiatives at our company that have been especially meaningful to you as a veteran?
Andrew Barragan Director | Biomedical Engineering | Crothall Healthcare (pictured below)
“Initiatives focused on supporting veteran hiring and mentorship have created a sense of community and connection. I appreciate how the company actively fosters an inclusive environment where veterans can share their experiences and skills.
Additionally, professional development programs tailored for veterans have helped me transition my military skills into my leadership position, allowing me to grow and thrive in my role. Participation in team-building activities and outreach programs also reinforces the camaraderie I valued in the service, reminding me of the importance of teamwork and giving back. Overall, these initiatives not only support my growth but also honor the unique perspectives that veterans bring to the workplace.”
Daisy Quinonez-Allwood | Patient Food Services Manager | TouchPoint Support Services (pictured below)
"I get excited when I see any acknowledgment for Veterans. Compass and our client always show their appreciation for us.”
Ronald Diebold | Senior Director of Dining Services | TouchPoint Support Services
“What drew me to TouchPoint was I had been a chef in the country club business for about 20-25 years, and I was looking for a way to spend more time with my family. It's been a lot more rewarding than I ever thought it could be. It's fun when you come in, and they have a vested interest in you, and you have that vested interest in them.”
What message would you share with fellow veterans who are considering joining our team?
Travis Alberhasky | Sr. Project Manager | CCL Hospitality Group (pictured below)
“Embrace the opportunity to bring your unique skills and experiences to a new environment. Your background in the military has equipped you with valuable qualities like teamwork, leadership, adaptability, and resilience. These traits can significantly enhance our team's dynamics and contribute to our collective success.”
Kenneth McClinton | Manager Biomedical Services | Crothall Healthcare
“Crothall is a great company to work for and employs many veterans from different branches. This builds camaraderie upon fellow veterans and a more cohesive team.”
Tina Bode, MS, RD, LD, CNSC | Dietetic Internship Coordinator | Morrison Healthcare (pictured below)
“When I meet fellow veterans who work for Compass Group/Morrison Healthcare, there's an undeniable sense of camaraderie when I discover that someone else has also served. It's like finding a piece of home within our professional environment.
Working for an organization like Morrison Healthcare aligns seamlessly with the values I learned in the Navy. This organization's way of valuing its people resonates deeply with me. I genuinely feel that Morrison Healthcare values me and is committed to supporting my growth and development.
It's inspiring to be part of a team that upholds such strong principles, and I'm looking forward to continuing this journey alongside all of you.”
Roberto Diesta | Director of Facilities Sheltering Arms Institute | Crothall Healthcare (pictured below)
"Veterans, no matter what service, rate, or MOS you were, the camaraderie we all felt in the service will continue here, Compass and Crothall.All your skills and experiences that make you who you are will be appreciated and rewarded.I look forward to seeing you continue to excel with us.”
Felix Bailey | Director of Food Services | TouchPoint Support Services (pictured below)
“The service always told us where to go, what to do. At TouchPoint, we're able to take ownership of that. We're able to lead the next group of individuals or veterans coming in. To my fellow servicemen, whether you're Army, Navy, or Air Force, if you're looking for a place that's highly focused on commitment and courage, look no further. At TouchPoint, we offer those things and much more.”
