Chris McFadden CCM, SBCI
Military: U.S. Navy, E-3/Seaman
Sodexo: Senior Disaster Recovery Analyst, IS&T Division

Chris’ three years in the military included serving on the SSN Cheyenne 773 fast attack submarine. He was awarded the National Defense Service and Navy Pistol Shot medal/ribbon, as well as a Navy commendation for preparing the ship for commissioning. The Navy gave Chris a sense of direction and taught him the respect for others and himself that he needed to achieve his goals. This was definitely a contributing factor to being chosen for his position with Sodexo.

Claude Dean
Military: U.S. Army and Army National Guard
Sodexo: Lead Help Desk Technician, IS&T

Claude’s 15 years of active Army experience and seven years in the Army National Guard has taken him to a variety of locations worldwide, including Grenada, Panama, Saudi Arabia, Cuba, Haiti and Somalia.

Ed Lewandowski, CHESP
Military: U.S. Navy
Sodexo: Area Support Manager, Environmental Services, Health Care Division

Petty Officer 3rd Class Lewandowski served his country for four years as a Radioman. This included a stint aboard the National Emergency Command Post Alfloat (NECPA). A veteran of the Vietnam conflict, he received the Good Conduct and National Defense Medals, the Republic of Vietnam Service medal with Oak Leaf Clusters, and special recognition from the Missouri State Vietnam veterans. The structure, accountability, maturity and people skills Ed learned in the military have been invaluable in his rise to senior management. He appreciates the thanks for his service he receives from his Sodexo associates.

Dan “Coop” Cooper
Military: U.S. Navy
Sodexo: District Manager, Mid-Atlantic Region Health Care Division - Facilities Management

Coop used his GI bill to complete a Mechanical Engineering Degree at the University of Tennessee in a remarkable three years. His naval training gave him the study discipline and technical knowledge he needed to maneuver relatively easily through the engineering curriculum. Never called upon to shed blood for his beloved country, Coop is humbled often by the sacrifices of others. But without his military experience, Coop does not feel his career would have progressed to where it is today.

Raymond J. Buziak, Jr.
Military: U.S. Marine Corps
Sodexo: General Manager, Nutrition Services, Hospitals Division

In his 2 years of service, Lance Corporal E3 Buziak saw significant action in the Vietnam War. He participated in the battles of Khe Sanh, Hamburger Hill and Hill 881, receiving the Presidential Unit Citation and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

Kim Robinson
Military: U.S. Army
Sodexo: General Manager, Food Service, Corporate Services

Reaching the rank of E4, Kim was a Food Service Specialist in the U.S. Army for eight years. Her Desert Storm experience led to her receiving the Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medals and National Defense Service Medals, as well as the NCO Professional Development, Army Service and Overseas Service Ribbons. It was her military experience that prepared Kim for the Art Institute of Atlanta. This led her up the corporate ladder and to a lengthy career with Sodexo. In that time, Kim has appreciated the support that Sodexo gives to veterans.

Tiffany Pourner
Military: U.S. Air Force
Sodexo: Human Resources Manager, Corporate Services

Five years in the military developed this E4 Sergeant into a skilled Avionics Technician on the F-15 Eagle. Seventh-generation military and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Tiffany found that the diverse population and mobility of living in a variety of places prepared her for working in a multinational corporation. She learned adaptability and how to quickly respond to career challenges. Sodexo’s recognition of military experience, culminating recently in a wonderful Veterans Day video, is a big plus for Tiffany.

Myra Mendoza
Military: U.S. Air Force
Sodexo: Senior Recruiter

E-4 Senior Air Man Myra Mendoza was a Radar Operator on the Intel Squadron and stationed in locations as far-flung as Nevada, Florida, Korea and Panama. In her four years of service, she earned two Medals of Commendation and three Achievement Medals and learned punctuality, organizational skills and project leadership. These skills enhanced her civilian career, while her military background enabled her to identify with candidates for government contracts – giving them a comfort level with Sodexo. Her service is not lost on Sodexo: “Recently, they provided us with yellow ribbon flag pins and a very touching Veterans Day video as a way of saying thank you for our service.”

Richard Cestaro
Military: U.S. Navy
Sodexo: Group Executive Chef, Corporate Dining Services

After 15 years, First Class Petty Officer Richard Cestaro continues to serve his country in the Navy Reserve for which he appreciates Sodexo’s flexibility in accommodating his schedule. He is currently the Officer in Charge of Det.04 for the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion in the Lehigh Valley area of PA. Richard’s deployments include Sub Fleet Campanie, Multiple OPS attached to DESCRON 18 and a stint in Afghanistan scheduled for 2010. The result has been three Navy Achievement Medals for superior conduct, four Meritorious Service Medals, three Distinguished Letters of Commendation and three 3-Star Admirals. His military experience has instilled a strong sense of organization and strict attention to detail that has been valuable in his Sodexo career.

Michael Fine
General Manager of Food and Nutrition
Navy: Mess Management Specialist

I am currently the General Manager for Food and Nutrition in the Hospitals Division. I was a Mess Management Specialist, MMS in the Navy on the USS Chicago CG-11. I went to Class “C” School, Nutrition and Menu Planning and had two tours to the Western Pacific. My military experience enhanced my knowledge in the areas of diversity, management and discipline. Building one “best team” is the military way to become uniform in everything that is done, no matter what background you come from. The saying “no one is as smart as all of us” and the need for teamwork were what I was taught during my tour. This holds true today with Sodexo! Sodexo supports military individuals by acknowledging service to their country at Sodexo events. Sodexo is a company I am proud to be part of with a culture that believes in tradition and teamwork.

William Cephus
Vice President of Sales
Army: Army Reserves and National Guard

I am the Vice President of Senior Sales nationally for Sodexo. I retired from the Army after 24 years of service with 5 years of active duty and 19 years of service in the Army Reserves and National Guard. I was honored with the Bronze Star for Valor, Southwest Asia and Gulf War campaign medals, as well as the State of Texas Medal of Merit with the National Guard. Although I retired from the Army Reserves prior to joining Sodexo, the fact that Sodexo acknowledges my service to our country has been a rewarding experience. The demonstration of sincere respect and concern with veterans' welfare and valuing the military experience are without peer in business.

After resigning from my duties, I realized the vast difference between Sodexo’s professionalism, employee motivation and personality development levels and those of other organizations. At Sodexo my efforts and performance did not go unnoticed. They recognize the potential of each employee and provide the right platform for individual success. Because of this I am whole heartedly loyal to this organization and especially to the Sodexo Team in India. I am able to go the extra mile in making people’s lives better every day. There is no question that this is the right place for a person who wants career growth in a professional organization through continuous learning and training.

I joined Sodexo in 1993 after retiring from my 20-year Navy career. In the Navy, I was a Surface Warfare Officer with eight significant deployments to the Western Pacific. I worked my way up through the ranks as a chief engineer and then as an officer on five different ships. My Navy career gave me the experience that I use every day as a Director with Sodexo. Working alongside the maintenance staff enhanced my technical knowledge of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. A ship is really a building that floats, and that's why going into Sodexo’s hospital division was a great fit for me. Sodexo has been very supportive and always has an eye out for their veterans.

I served in the United States Navy for 3 years as a chef. During my enlistment, I was deployed three times to the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean, each time for six months. I was recognized with a Captains award, combat award and many tour of duty medals. I completed my chef training through the Navy culinary school in San Diego, CA. The military prepared me for my current role with Sodexo as it taught me discipline, a good work ethic and an appreciation for life and people. Most of all, the Navy matured me. I am excited that Sodexo is recognizing veterans for their service to our country and is a company where transitioning military can come to work.

I retired from the Army Reserves as a Staff Sergeant after serving 26 years. I went to Iraq twice during my career and received the Iraq Freedom Medal and a First Infantry division combat patch. During my career in the Army Reserves, I was a truck driver, truck mechanic and power generation equipment mechanic. All of these jobs gave me the experience in facilities that I use in my current position at Sodexo. Not only did I gain technical knowledge from my career in the Army Reserves, I also received the training needed to be a good leader. Sodexo has given veterans excellent support and opportunities to use the skills learned in the military.

During my 20 years of service in the Army, I held jobs in Foodservice and Recruiting and was the General Manager for Hale Alii Hotel on Fort Shafter in Hawaii. I retired with the rank of E7 Sergeant First Class. The training the Army gave me in leadership and foodservice prepared me well for my current role with Sodexo. I had years of people skills, hands-on experience supervising large numbers of soldiers, and learned management skills and discipline which I use every day in my job with Sodexo. I am part of Sodexo’s Military Task Force, which is the beginning stages of the company’s newest employee network group. I like the website Sodexo has dedicated to the military, www.sodexohiresheroes.com, and am proud of the outreach to the communities across the country.

I am currently a Food Production Manager with Sodexo at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, NC. I was in the Army during the conflict in Grenada in 1983 with the 2nd of the 75th Ranger Battalion at Ft. Lewis, WA. During my service, I was a cook with the Airborne Rangers and went to Airborne School and Air Assault School. I was deployed to Grenada and jumped onto the island to return the American college students to safety. My experience was amazing, including a personal welcome back to Ft. Lewis,WA with President Ronald Regan. I finished my military career in the Army Reserves in Chicago, Illinois. My military experience has taught me to be part of a diverse workforce and to learn to deal with difficult situations while treating people with respect and dignity. I feel that Sodexo is very supportive of our current employee veterans and to future employees through outreach to hire veterans like me.

I am a General Manager of Facilities with Sodexo in the School Services Division. Prior to coming to Sodexo, I was a Senior Master Sergeant, E-8 in the Air Force. I spent 21 years with the Air Force in Aircraft Maintenance and was deployed to Kosovo in support of Operation Allied Force. I could not do what I am doing today without my Air Force experience and the leadership, technical and computer training that I received. Being put in positions of responsibility and authority have given me the confidence to be out in the civilian sector contributing in a significant manner. I appreciate Sodexo’s recognition of the value of veterans in support of our diversity efforts. There are great leaders with lots of skills coming out of the military that benefit this company.

I spent 24 years of active duty with the Army and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer (CW4), holding positions such as Brigade and Division Food Advisor and Registered Instructor and Proctor for Food Safety. I was deployed twice to Iraq and learned a strong work ethic that has carried into my civilian career. As a graduate of the NCO Basic and Advanced Academy, as well as the Warrant Officer Basic and Advanced Academy, I was taught leadership, management and technical skills which definitely prepared me for my current role as a General Manager of Food Service in Sodexo Senior Services. Sodexo’s support of our veterans is excellent and getting better every day.

My current position with Sodexo is Office Manager for Physical Plant Services in Sodexo’s Education Division. Prior to Sodexo, I spent 20 years in the Navy as an Electrician’s Mate Surface Warfare with three deployments in the Persian Gulf and one to Kosovo. The military taught me invaluable skills such as time management, utilizing resources that I had available, leadership, people skills and professionalism. Sodexo’s support for veterans and the ongoing outreach have been great. The continued visibility that Sodexo is bringing to veterans' issues for the employees is a great testimony to our commitment to our people.

I served in the U.S. Army for approximately 10 years as a Communications Specialist. While in the military, I served two overseas tours in Europe and two tours of duty in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. My career in the Army was recognized by many duty medals and awards. Currently, I am working for Sodexo as a Senior Benefits Planning Analyst. My primary responsibility centers on resolving benefits issues with front-line employees and managers. The training that I received in the army that has proved to be most valuable in my current position is the Primary Leadership Development Course. This course developed my interpersonal and problem-solving skills in a way that has enabled me to be the results-oriented employee needed by my customers. Sodexo continues to impress me with the outstanding compassion it has for veterans inside and outside of the company. The way it corresponds with veterans with its monthly newsletter to job fairs targeting veterans shows its commitment to our needs and interests.

I started out as a cook in the Navy; I worked as a Ships Baker, a Captains Cook and Supervisor of an Officer Dining Facility afloat. College, along with all of the leadership training that I received and still receive in the Navy, helped me gain a great understanding of the food service industry. The military has taught me to be structured and how to follow protocols to get the job done. Currently, I am serving an active Reserve role in Navy Law Enforcement, in addition to my position with Sodexo. As an Area General Manager, Healthcare Division, I am able to share the leadership skills I learned while in the Navy. I work hard to be a great role model for all of my fellow workers, employees and client contacts.

In 2007, I had the honor of representing Sodexo at the ESGR Freedom Award banquet where we were recognized. As a reservist, there are times when I am away (sometimes for up to 6 weeks) from my position but with support from my fellow GMs and my District manager, I know I will come back to a well-managed facility. This year I am looking forward to serving on the Military Network committee.

After 30 years of service in the Army, I started my second career with Sodexo. Sodexo provided me the opportunity to use the skills that I learned in the Army. I served and traveled throughout Europe and Vietnam as a Company Commander. The leadership skills, ability to resolve conflict, and people skills are skills that I use every day at Sodexo. As the Area Operations Manager for Campus Facilities, it is my job to ensure that the managers have support from the field.

I joined Sodexo in 2008 as Unit Controller with Sports and Leisure Services at the University of Texas after 4 years in the Texas Army National Guard. I have had the opportunity to serve with Task Force San Antonio helping with disaster relief in New Orleans, LA and Beaumont, TX after Hurricane Katrina and Rita. I have also served in Baghdad, Iraq at Camp Cropper in support of OIF. And, I am currently in preparation to return to Iraq for another tour.

As a 13D – Fire Direction Control for Field Artillery, I have been trained to make accurate calculations for fire missions under heavy stress. This is needless to say a total opposite of my current position with Sodexo. However, the ability to pay attention to detail during stressful situations gained as 13D has proved useful as a Unit Controller.

Sodexo has been extremely supportive of my active duty status in the military. Shortly after joining the company in July of 2008, Hurricane Ike hit Galveston and the Army National Guard was sent to assist with recovery efforts. Unfortunately, this was also the beginning of the busy football season for my account. Right away, Sodexo understood and supported my need to serve and it has been that way throughout my career here.

I proudly served in the Navy as a Lieutenant for six years. During my service time, I served on the SS Springfield as a 6F Engineering Officer. Serving during Vietnam earned me a Service Medal. My international travels in the military prepared me for my current position at Sodexo. As the VP of International Client Relations for Proctor & Gamble, I have the opportunity to experience different cultures daily. My military travels and multicultural experiences have been an asset in my current role. Sodexo is doing a good job with partnering with military not only for employees, but also with the customers we serve.

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