Service. Mission. Country. You likely identified immediately (and correctly) that these three words describe our nation’s veterans. They also succinctly describe a core co-op ethos.

While veterans are innately motivated to serve, in a similar vein, electric co-ops are guided by foundational principles that put their community first. After all, electric co-ops were founded to bring electricity to rural areas where there was none. In doing so, they powered local economies and helped them to thrive. We believe this close connection to an essential mission is why there are so many veterans in the utility industry and why they are such a great fit for electric co-ops.

Today’s veterans are highly skilled because everyone who joins the military is either trained in a tech career field or exposed to advanced technology during their years of service. Many veterans have skills in advanced disciplines such as engineering, electronics or mechanics, which are all beneficial for the utility industry.

PCEA is proud to employ three veterans, and we’re especially grateful for their contributions to the co-op and to our community.

Brandon Stone, PCEA Plant Accountant, served in the U.S. Army from 2006-2014. Matt Ainsworth, Lead Lineman, served in the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserves from 2001-2007. Lance Freml, Journeyman Lineman, served in the U.S.  Marine Corps from 2003-2007.

Mission-oriented Outlook

Working for an electric co-op is more than a job. There is a clear mission in the work–– to help our consumer-members and the community. When you work so closely with the community, you can’t help but feel a sense of commitment and
responsibility to our members. It’s similar to the sense of duty and responsibility that veterans experience in the military.

They feel deep, personal responsibility and commitment to their co-op team members and to the members we serve. Veterans are trustworthy, goal-oriented, wanting to do right for their co-op and their community. At the national level, electric co-ops support the “Vets Power Us” program, which is aimed at employing and honoring veterans and their families. This effort involves partnering with other electric co-ops across the country along with the Department of Labor, the Department of Defense, the Veterans Administration and others to hire veterans in the energy industry.

May is Military Appreciation Month, and we hope you’ll join us in recognizing the sacrifices veterans have made to our great country––and the many contributions they continue to make to our wonderful community. Brandon, Matt, and Lance, we
salute you!