Interviews with Veterans at Advantis Global: Why They Enlisted & Rewarding Experiences
As many know, Advantis Government Solutions and Advantis Global is lead by veterans, for veterans. We had the pleasure of interviewing some of our veterans at the company to learn more about them and their experiences.
Thank you to all of our Veterans for everything you have done for our country and for our freedom!
Interview with Veteran Sgt. Charlie Pitre, Business Development Manager
Charlie Pitre is a Business Development Manager at Advantis Global. Charlie served as a Sergeant in the United States Army for 6 years. During that time he served in the Infantry, as a Scout/Sniper.
We spoke with Charlie about his perspective on the work he's done in the military:
What made you decide to enlist?
I have always been very patriotic and I wanted to do something exciting.
What was the most rewarding part of your experience?
Earning my Sniper Tab. It is a highly selective school with a very high "washout rate".
How did your time in the military prepare you for your professional career?
I gained the confidence to tackle any challenge and also learned how to work with people of various backgrounds.
What does Veteran's Day mean to you?
It is a day that I think about the men I served with and the times we spent together. I specifically think about what it must have been like to be an 18 year old being drafted into WW1 and fighting in a trench in France (which is where Veterans Day comes from.... 11th day of the 11th month on the 11th hour the war ended)
Is there anything you wish civilians understood about military service?
In my opinion you should not join for college money or for "something to do", or to get out of your hometown. You make an oath to the country and write a blank check where the payment could be your life. The military has a lot to offer but especially with joining Combat Arms, it is a decision that should be taken seriously.
Interview with Veteran Staff Sgt. Matthew Kemp, Account Manager
Matthew Kemp is an Account Manager at Advantis Global. Matt served as a Staff Sergeant and Infantry Squad Leader in the United States Army for 6 years.
We spoke with Matt about his perspective on the work he's done in the military:
What made you decide to enlist?
Being able to hike, camp and shoot for a job seemed like a pretty sweet deal.
What was the most rewarding part of your experience?
The friendships forged in the fires of combat. Also, fun helicopter rides.
How did your time in the military prepare you for your professional career?
When you're trained to do so much with so little, eventually you can do anything with nothing.
What does Veteran's Day mean to you?
Taking a trip down memory lane, reconnecting with and checking in on my fellow veterans and maybe a free appetizer at a chain restaurant.
Interview with Veteran Sgt. Bill Ravenscroft, President of Advantis Global
Bill Ravenscroft is Advantis Global's President. Bill served as a Sergeant in the United Stated Marine Corpse for 4 years.
We spoke with Bill about his perspective on the work he's done both in and out of the military:
What Made You Decide to Enlist?
I come from a very long line of family members who have served in the military - all the way back to the Revolutionary War. Service to the country is talked about early on and the need to carry the torch that secures our freedoms for the next generation.
What was the most rewarding part of your experience?
The incredible friendships that you develop with people that come from all walks of life, nationalities (because you do not need to be an American citizen to serve in the military), religious beliefs, and races that is transcended by one simple commonality - service to our country. That bond is special and stays with you forever.
How did your time in the military prepare you for your professional career?
Learning urgency, discipline, and leadership skills did not hurt; however, the skills of preparation and strategy are the ones that I feel has made the largest impact.
What does Veteran's Day mean to you?
It's a day to recognize that service to the country - no matter how big or small - is about self-sacrifice and having a higher purpose of defending our country.
Is there anything you wish civilians understood about military service?
Don't underestimate the value of the GI Bill and it's impact on paying for college. Most college graduates today would have a small fraction of the debt they currently have (or even no debt) having served 4 years in the military. Not all careers were like mine - you can have a career in healthcare, legal, IT, etc.
