Wirtz Beverage Group Salutes Veterans
Nov. 10, 2014
In honor of Veteran's Day, we asked four Wirtz Beverage Group employees who served to reflect on how their work has been influenced by their military service. We’re proud to present their stories and be a part of their tradition of hard work and perseverance.
We salute all veterans today, including those we are proud to work beside.
Ed May, Wirtz Beverage Illinois Security Agent
United States Marine Corps veteran stationed in DaNang, Vietnam
The lessons I learned as a young marine in Vietnam were about team work and loyalty. I carried these lessons with me throughout my 36 year career as a Chicago Police Officer and as a Security Agent at Wirtz Beverage. I learned from being a Marine that team work is a state of mind; where we look out for each other, step up, and do the right thing. I learned that team work and loyalty go hand in hand in any organization you belong to and it’s important to take ownership and pride in representing the organization. If you do not take pride and ownership in what you do you’re just marking time and you become part of the problem and not part of the solution. I feel that at Wirtz Beverage I am able to do all of these things as I am proud to be a member of Wirtz Beverage and also a member of a team whose job is to make Wirtz Beverage a safe and friendly place to work.
Curtis Reylea, Wirtz Beverage Nevada Warehouse Supervisor
United States Marine Corps Sergeant
"I would like to thank Wirtz Beverage for all the support they give to the men and women of the U.S. Military. My experience in the United States Military that I use today is leadership by example. While I was in the service, I always tried to set the right example; how could I expect anyone to follow me if I set a poor example?
The Marine Corps taught me to always work hard and that as a team, we could accomplish the mission. Today I still do that just in a different uniform. The mission changes but as a team we still get it accomplished."
John Steinke, Sales Consultant for Wirtz Beverage Wisconsin
United States Air Force & Air National Guard, Instructor Navigator
"My time in the service includes eight years active duty in Oklahoma, California and New York, and 12 years in the Illinois and Wisconsin Air National Guard. I flew over 1000 sorties logging over 3500 hours and deployed to Desert Shield/Storm and for the Kosovo Campaign. I traveled extensively and had the opportunity to sample wine and beer all over the world.
The biggest attributes I take from my Air Force experience is teamwork and planning for success. When working as a team, you have to be selfless and work for the good of the team. You have to know your own job inside out and always strive to do your best while having faith, trust and confidence that your teammates will as well. Responsibility is shared and every job is critical to achieve the end goal.
As a Navigator, I planned the flight route and directed the air refueling. Having a solid plan (and back-up plan) was critical for mission success and flight safety. I approach every sales opportunity as a mission and plan it to be successful. With direction and attention to detail, you achieve your goal!"
TJ Mercer, Wirtz Beverage Group Talent Acquisition Consultant
Army National Guard 1st Lieutenant MOS 42B Human Resource Officer
"Wirtz Beverage Group affords me the opportunity to directly use my expertise in my everyday life. The same commitment that we make in the military to support soldiers and families is mirrored in my work with the Human Resources/Talent Acquisition department here at Wirtz. I consider it a unique privilege and honor to serve both my country and my company."
