By CAES Director, Human Resources Mary-Beth DePaolo
Across all CAES sites, we proudly contribute to the defense industry at the program and product level, acutely aware that the solutions designed and built by CAES employees ensure the safety of our end-users; the men and women who serve our country in uniform. It is natural, then, our business's strong affinity for Veterans, Reservists, and National Guard members in our communities.
CAES is committed to actively supporting our workforce who devote their lives to the service of our country. So much so that CAES has won the prestigious Seven Seals Award in 2023. This is the most inclusive award given by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense office that develops and promotes conducive work environments for service members. The Seven Seals Award is presented to organizations that significantly advance the unique link between those in Service and their civilian employer.
Additionally, CAES employees who have left military service are also actively recognized and respected for their prior commitment. The camaraderie gained during their time in service continues at work, where they are part of an equally close-knit group of colleagues who support and honor them.
This happens in many ways:
- Compliance to all U.S. regulations. For instance, VEVRAA reporting and USERRA obligations
- Employees who are “called up” for active duty can rest assured their colleagues willingly cover work responsibilities in their absence
- Upon return to work, festive workplace celebrations occur to “welcome back”
- Managers who willingly accommodate duty schedules
- A 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off!) often coincides with weekend duty orders
- Letters of support and card writing campaigns to let a deployed employee know they are not forgotten
- Poignant commemorations on Memorial Day, Veterans' Day, and 9/11. At CAES, we never forget
- A workplace staffed by similarly situated individuals, whether that’s former Military service or current Reserve/Guard members. It’s common to swap stories of service and good-natured rivalry between members of different military branches
- Charitable events to collect donations for various Veteran-affiliated organizations. For example, Wreaths Across America in Pennsylvania
- Offering benefits focusing on wellness and mental health including, Freespira, offering support for Veterans and their families dealing with PTSD and anxiety
- CAESVets Employee Resource Group (ERG)
- CAES is a mission partner-level support of Homes For Our Troops, a nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans
CAES knows that supporting our military and Veterans is good for the country, good for our business, and good for our communities. It’s the least we can do to honor those who preserve and defend our freedoms.