Honoring our Veterans: Their Service Then and Now

“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes.” —Maya Angelou

Today and every day, we salute the members of the JJR team who served in the Armed Forces. Thank you for the sacrifices made and the path paved for freedom.

Just because you retire doesn’t mean service to your country ends. Many Veterans continue serving in their civilian work life. Recently we asked two of our own employees who are Veterans to share what inspired them to serve then and now.

Renee Hess

JJR: Tell us your military title, years served, and most recent military role.

R: Air Force MSgt Renee Hess, 1997-2018, Command Engine Manager and Program Manager

JJR: Can you tell us more about how you served in these roles?

R: As Command Engine Manager, I oversaw both routine and unplanned maintenance, service, and repair operations for all engine series within Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), to include powered equipment and non-powered ground equipment. As Program Manager, I managed safety, security, facility, and emergency management programs for A4 - Logistics under General Kirkland.

JJR: How do you continue to serve the Warfighter in your role at JJR?  

R: I’ve been a JJR Business Analyst since September 2020. With more than 20 years of active duty experience, I serve as the liaison between JJR and the customer, ensuring they have the right tools to be efficient and effective in their day to day. This translates into the Air Force being able to establish communication and continuity with the physically detached Warfighter, either overseas or stateside.

JJR: Why did you join the military? How did you choose your branch of service? 

R: I had gotten in some trouble at 18 and decided joining the service would keep me out of more trouble. I decided to pursue the Air Force, because they didn’t show an interest and I wanted them to know they in fact needed me. I was never called by the Air Force recruiter, only the other four branches. But the Air Force became interested once they saw my test scores and saw that I met the minimum for entrance. 

JJR: What campaign(s) did you serve in?  

R: Kosovo, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Northern Watch

JJR: Is there anything you wish civilians understood about military service?  

R: The language. It’s hard for someone who has never served to understand the acronyms and meanings of certain phrases or terms.  

JJR: What’s your proudest moment in service?

R: My proudest moment would be the day I retired after 20 years of service, recalling that I was originally told I wouldn't even get to basic training.

Kenny Williams

JJR: Tell us your military title, years served, and most recent military role.

K: Air Force MSgt Kenny Williams, 20 years, Test Manager for the initial Global Combat Support System

JJR: Can you tell us more about how you served in this role?

K: I was responsible for implementing and maintaining the test environment for system, integration, and functional testing of our Standard Base Supply System (SBSS). I helped ensure SBSS met or exceeded requirements by creating and executing test scenarios and scripts.

JJR: How do you continue to serve the Warfighter in your role at JJR? 

K: I started in 2020 as a program manager and later became the management service area lead. I’m currently managing the Data Aggregation & Analytics Tool (DAAT) project and supporting the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Common Services (CS) contract. Both projects allow me to use my expertise in supporting the Warfighter and defending our American way of life.   

JJR: What campaign(s) did you serve in? 

K: Desert Shield, Desert Storm

JJR: Why is it important for companies to hire Veterans?

K: I think the real question is, why wouldn’t you hire a Veteran? Our work ethics are second to none. 

JJR: Why did you join the military? How did you choose your branch of service? 

K: To become independent and attend college. My uncle who served in the Air Force recommended it and drove me to the recruiter.   

JJR: What’s your proudest moment in service?

K: I was the John L. Levitow Award winner during Airman Leadership School (the highest award given to a student). I also completed my bachelor’s degree in business administration and master’s degree in management.

ABOUT JJR SOLUTIONS

Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, JJR Solutions is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business working to improve the health, well-being, and security of our communities and nation through management consulting and IT solutions. To learn more, visit www.jjrsolutions.com.