This year, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Armistice Day, the precursor to Veterans Day. In 1954, President Eisenhower renamed the holiday Veterans Day. The United States shares this time of remembrance with our allies, including Great Britain, France, Australia, and Canada, all of whom honor their veterans on or around November 11th.

SOLID Surface Care, Inc. is proud of the veterans on our team who have dedicated many years to the service of their country. Today we honor them, and all those who have served and fought to defend our nation and freedom. We would like to give thanks to the men below and recognize all veterans at SOLID.

Jim Crippen, United States Army

Crippen, a graduate of The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the artillery and spent his time in Fort Jackson, South Carolina working with basic training units as an Executive Officer from 1986 through 1989.

“Both my experience at the Citadel and subsequent Army Service taught me training and leadership skills, organization and planning that have translated into success within the SOLID organization. The discipline instilled by service in any branch of the Armed Services is invaluable in creating a team player, and one who strives towards the betterment of both the organization and its employees,” said Crippen, SOLID’s East Coast Concrete Manager.

 

Davis Cavalier, United States Marine Corps

While serving for seven years in the United States Marine Corps, Cavalier considers the brotherhood and camaraderie he shared with his fellow Marines a highlight of his military service. His favorite memory was returning home from his final deployment, “I remember being grateful to come home and build a future in a country whose freedoms I fought for.”

Cavalier believes his military experience helped prepare him for his transition from the military to working at SOLID as an Operations Manager in Charlotte, North Carolina. His experience influenced his ability to “make rapid decisions in stressful situations, understand the value of maintaining a high level of professionalism while completing a task and the importance of bringing up everyone around you to succeed.”

 

George Gooch, Oklahoma Air National Guard

Throughout his 21 years in the Oklahoma National Guard, Gooch worked as a ground radio communication technician before retiring as a Master Sergeant. His unit, the 219th Engineering and Installation Squadron, was given many challenging projects that they developed from the ground up.

Gooch was able to guide his team through site surveys, engineering the equipment, and installation and operational check of the equipment. “Throughout my career, we were encouraged to have a ‘can-do attitude’ which has carried on to my civilian careers, including at SOLID as the Regional Manager, Concrete Services.”

 

Roy Bowman II, United States Army

Bowman served in the U.S. Army for 12 years, with time spent in the special forces and airborne communities. “I wouldn’t trade a minute of my service,” he said. Bowman values the “attention to detail” mentality that the Army holds in high regard and credits his service with instilling that deep in him.

“In special forces and airborne operations there is no room for error, your life might depend on being 100% correct the first time. This was so ingrained in me that it has caused me to strive for perfection in every task since. Not a bad thing when working for a company like SOLID.” Bowman is now SOLID’s National Manager, Concrete Services.

 

Celebrating Veterans at SOLID Today & Every Day

Veterans are known for a few key characteristics, specifically their ability to adapt and overcome in any situation, their selfless service, their loyalty, and their dedication to something bigger than themselves. It is an honor and privilege to have veterans among the SOLID team.  We thank all veterans for their service today, and every day.

If you are a veteran and have an interest working at SOLID, please take a look at our job openings. Relocation assistance is available where applicable.