On Veterans Day, we honor those who have served our country. Their sacrifices are immeasurable, and their experiences are deeply transformative. In this special Q&A blog, we share a conversation with three Atwell employees who are Veterans: Allen Vose III, Anthony Queisser, and Jeremy Deramus. Each Veteran brings a unique perspective on military service, from the drive to enlist to the challenges they faced upon returning to civilian life.
Q: What inspired you to join the military, and how did you choose your branch?
Allen: I enlisted in 2000, pre-9/11, with the Army National Guard, primarily to gain college benefits and find a career path. I took the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), and they steered me toward civil engineering. I didn’t even know what it was at the time, but it sounded like something that could be a great job someday. I went to the Army Corps of Engineers School, and 25 years later, here I am as a licensed surveyor and project manager.
Anthony: I joined the Marine Corps in 2007 as a heavy equipment operator, fulfilling a lifelong dream. The Marine Corps was what I’d always wanted, mostly because of its structure and discipline. Being the first in and the last out made it the most challenging branch, and that’s what I was looking for.
Jeremy: In 2007, I enlisted in the Army Reserves. I’d been married for seven years and had two young kids. With two wars happening, I felt compelled to contribute. After doing some research, I chose surveying and drafting in civil engineering. I was looking for something I could apply in civilian life as well, and it turned out to be a great decision.
Q: How did your military service shape who you are today?
Allen: In the military, you learn to command troops, handle field operations, and make decisions quickly. This training shapes you; it becomes second nature to act decisively and adjust as needed. Even in my family, I find myself stepping up when plans need to be made or executed. It’s about taking responsibility and getting the mission done.
Anthony: As a 20-year-old on the front lines with the engineers, I grew up fast. Being an engineer meant being out in front of the infantry, seeing things, and going through experiences that forced me to mature quickly. I went through combat injuries and ended up medically retired. It’s taken me years to process it all, but the resilience it built made me a better father, husband, and coworker.
Jeremy: I joined the Reserves thinking I’d be home with my family more, but ended up with two deployments and a medical retirement. The experience taught my family and me a resilience that’s hard to explain to civilians. The military became my identity, and it changed me fundamentally. But the bonds I built with fellow soldiers became like family, too.
Q: How has military life impacted your family, personal, and professional relationships?
Allen: I enlisted at 17, with my parents’ permission, thinking it’d be a safe choice. After 9/11, though, my National Guard contract shifted to active duty. I spent years deployed, which took a toll on my family. The experience aged me quickly, but it also helped me build a career and skills I still rely on.
Anthony: Military life is tough on relationships. Divorce rates are high, and I’ve had friends who’ve taken their own lives. It’s a struggle, but my wife’s support has been incredible. She’s been there through everything. For those of us in combat roles, it’s essential to have that solid family and friend support because it takes a toll.
Jeremy: I had two kids and a wife when I joined, thinking the Reserve status would mean I’d be home. But I ended up spending more time on active duty. The military taught all of us resilience, though, and I’m grateful for the family and the bonds we built with fellow soldiers.
Q: How does your military experience impact your daily work?
Allen: It’s almost the same as being in the military. I’m in early, setting up the day’s tasks and coordinating the crew. The military taught me responsibility and how to guide others, and that’s shaped my entire career.
Anthony: Like Allen said, military service ingrains responsibility and routine. You learn accountability, and that’s something I carry into my work every day.
Jeremy: The work ethic, the leadership skills—all of it translates. It’s about approaching work like a mission. When things get stressful, I know how to adapt, adjust, and make sure the job gets done.
Q: What does Veterans Day mean to you personally?
Allen: It’s a day to respect those who volunteered to serve. We have a volunteer military, and it’s important to recognize the sacrifices people make in that choice. Serving is about contributing to something bigger than yourself.
Anthony: Honestly, I’m not big on holidays. I live the experience daily, and I don’t expect civilians to fully understand. I think it’s a day for everyone who served, regardless of their role or deployment status.
Jeremy: Veterans Day is a bit uncomfortable for me. I’m not looking for free meals or special treatment. I think the day has lost some significance over time, and I’d prefer if people took time to understand the real sacrifices veterans go through rather than just offering platitudes.
Q: What message would you share with younger generations about service and sacrifice?
Allen: Everyone should serve in some way—whether it’s in the military, emergency services, or even picking up trash in your community. It’s about contributing to something greater than yourself and building a stronger nation.
Anthony: Come in with an open mind. The military will teach you discipline, responsibility, and brotherhood. Leave your ego and preconceived notions behind, and be ready to grow.
Jeremy: The camaraderie and structure in the military give you lifelong skills. Yes, it’s challenging, but what you gain from it is invaluable.
This Veterans Day, let’s honor not just the sacrifices Veterans made but also the profound impact military service has on their lives and those of their families. We can all take a moment to better understand their experiences and the resilience they carry into civilian life, making every day an opportunity to express respect and gratitude for their service.
