At ALLO, we’ve had the privilege of supporting veterans before, during, and after their military service. But this story isn’t really about us.
It’s about the people who answered a call to serve, who learned the meaning of commitment, teamwork, and sacrifice, and who continue making an impact long after hanging up the uniform.
This is the story of two veterans, Branden and Ted, whose military journeys were different, but whose experiences share a common thread: service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off.
A Commitment to Serve
Like many service members, Branden enlisted right out of high school, planning to serve his country before pursuing the next chapter of his life. From 2013 to 2019, he served in the United States Army, beginning his career as an 88M Motor Vehicle Operator before transitioning into another role later in his service. Through years of dedication, training, and hard work, Branden concluded his military career as a Specialist.
Ted’s military journey spanned two decades. He proudly served in the Nebraska Army National Guard from 2003 to 2023, retiring after 20 years of service. He enlisted as a Cavalry Scout and deployed to Iraq from 2005 to 2007 with Bravo Troop, 1-167th Cavalry Squadron, serving as a dismounted scout and vehicle machine gunner.
After returning home, Ted transitioned into an Air and Missile Defense Systems Operator role before volunteering for another deployment to Afghanistan with the 1-135th Aviation Support Battalion from 2011 to 2012. During that deployment, he served as a CH-47 Chinook door gunner, supporting transportation missions and Special Operations Forces.
His service continued with a return to the Cavalry as a squad leader, another deployment to Kuwait in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, four years as a Recruiting and Retention NCO, and ultimately a leadership role with a Fire Support detachment, where he supported forward ground troops through artillery and air support operations before retiring in 2023.
While their military careers took different paths, both Branden and Ted carried with them the same values: dedication, resilience, accountability, and a commitment to serving something larger than themselves.
The Challenge of Transition
For many veterans, leaving the military comes with excitement but also uncertainty.
The structure, purpose, and camaraderie that become part of everyday life during military service are difficult things to replace. It’s often not just the job that’s missed, but the sense of belonging that comes from serving alongside others.
That’s why veteran transition support is so important. Programs, relationships, and workplace cultures that understand the unique challenges veterans face can make a meaningful difference during the military to civilian transition.
That’s why the relationships built along the way matter so much.
For Branden, one of the most meaningful parts of life after military service has been connecting with fellow veterans.
“ALLO has helped me as a veteran by introducing me to other veterans and being able to share the camaraderie of the armed forces and how we see each other in today’s society.”
Ted experienced something similar.
“ALLO has provided an environment where my military service is recognized, respected, and valued. Making the transition from military service into the civilian workforce can be challenging, particularly after spending so many years in an organization where service, teamwork, leadership, and accountability are part of everyday life. ALLO has made that transition easier by creating a culture where those same qualities are appreciated and encouraged.”
Finding a New Sense of Belonging
Veterans come from different backgrounds, hold different jobs, and serve in different parts of the world. Yet there is often an unspoken understanding between them, forged through shared experiences and a commitment to a mission greater than themselves.
Branden believes that connection never truly goes away.
“ALLO showed me that if you’re a veteran, no matter what job you carried, you’ll always be welcome as part of the family.”
Ted shared a similar perspective, especially appreciating the opportunities ALLO provides for veterans to stay connected.
“I’m especially grateful for ALLO’s efforts to recognize our veterans through events, celebrations, and opportunities to connect with fellow veterans throughout the company. It means a lot to know that my service and the sacrifices made by my fellow veterans are not overlooked.”
For Ted, that connection became even more meaningful when he found himself working alongside veterans he had previously served with, including current Fiber Design Technician Andrew Gaghagen and former teammates Nicholas Hansen and Miles Morrell.
The military may introduce people through service, but those relationships often continue long after active duty ends. Strong Veteran transition support networks help preserve those connections and provide encouragement during the military to civilian transition, allowing veterans to build new careers while maintaining the camaraderie they value most.
Why Veterans Thrive at ALLO
When asked whether they would recommend ALLO to other veterans, neither veteran hesitated.
“If I ever run into veterans that are in need of work, I always try to recommend them so they can have another sense of family and brotherhood or sisterhood that comes along with being part of a team,” Branden said.
Ted echoed that sentiment.
“Without hesitation, absolutely. ALLO is a great place for veterans because it recognizes the value that military experience brings to the workplace.”
Veterans bring leadership, accountability, adaptability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic that translates exceptionally well into civilian careers. But for both men, ALLO’s commitment goes beyond simply recognizing military service.
Ted points to programs such as military leave and ALLO’s pay differential program, which helps offset income loss when actively serving teammates deploy in support of military operations.
“What makes ALLO stand out is that its support for veterans goes beyond simply recognizing those who have served. The company demonstrates its commitment through veteran recognition events and tangible support for teammates who continue serving in the military.”
This type of Veteran transition support helps veterans feel valued not only for their service but also for the skills and experiences they bring into the workforce. It also helps ease the military to civilian transition by creating an environment where leadership, teamwork, and service continue to be celebrated.
Values That Last a Lifetime
The values developed in service often stay with members for life.
For Branden, those values continue to shape how he approaches work and life today.
For Ted, many of the principles that guided him throughout his Army career feel right at home at ALLO.
“Teamwork, integrity, accountability, respect, leadership, and a commitment to serving others are values I carried with me in uniform and continue to practice every day at ALLO.”
“The Army taught me the importance of being part of something bigger than myself, taking care of the people around me, and always being willing to step up when needed. Those same principles are reflected in the people and culture here.”
Veterans bring leadership, resilience, adaptability, and dedication to serving others. Those qualities do not disappear when military service ends. They continue to strengthen workplaces, support communities, and inspire the people around them.
We’re proud to recognize veterans like Branden and Ted, whose service continues long after their time in uniform. Their stories remind us that the lessons, values, and commitment to service they’ve learned carry forward every single day.
As Ted puts it:
“I may have hung up the uniform, but the values, lessons, and commitment to service that came with it are something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”
If you’re a veteran seeking a place to grow, connect, and continue making an impact, we encourage you to explore opportunities at ALLO. We’d love to hear your story and be part of your next journey.
