Reflecting on Veterans Day
Reflecting on Veterans Day as a US Marine Veteran
Veterans Day is a day of reflection and gratitude, both for me personally as a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, and for our nation as a whole. It’s a time to honor the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of those who have served our country. For those of us who have worn the uniform, it carries an even deeper, more personal meaning.
When I think about my service in the Marine Corps, I reflect on the strength of the brotherhood and sisterhood forged in the face of adversity. These shared experiences of discipline, perseverance, and resilience shape who we are, both during and long after our time in the service. Veterans Day allows me to pause and think not only of my journey but of the many men and women I stood beside—those who came before me, those I served with, and those who continue the fight today.
What Service Has Meant to Me
For me, service has been about more than just fulfilling a duty. It meant stepping up in moments when our nation needed us most and sacrificing personal comfort for the greater good. It taught me the value of loyalty, not just to the mission but to the people beside me, and the importance of integrity in every decision I made. In the Marine Corps, I learned that leadership is about putting others first and about being accountable for every action you take—values that continue to guide me in both my personal and professional life.
Serving as a Marine impacted my life in profound ways. It instilled in me a deep sense of purpose, a commitment to excellence, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. These traits have stayed with me long after I hung up the uniform, shaping how I approach challenges in the corporate world. Whether it’s leading a team, managing complex security threats, or making critical decisions in high-stakes environments, the lessons I learned during my service have been invaluable. I am continually reminded that service doesn’t stop when you leave the military—it’s a lifelong commitment to making a difference wherever you are.
Reflections From Our Veterans and Colleagues
“First, there is no sense of pride or purpose quite like the pride or purpose of serving your country in that uniform. Second, service taught me humility. Lastly, serving left me with an emotion that I hope never fades. Every Veterans Day—truly, every single day I wake up—I think of the men and women who didn’t make it home. I remember not just their sacrifice, but the lives they led, the families they loved, the jokes they told, and the dreams they held for the future. In my sorrow, I remember, and in my sorrow, I will never forget. Let us remember their courage, support their journeys, and ensure their stories of resilience and sacrifice are never forgotten.”
- Andrews Kyere, Senior Director, INT Quality Control
“My military service instilled a deep sense of resilience, purpose, and dedication to working for something greater than myself—values I carry with me every day at Moderna. Here, we celebrate and honor veterans through our employee resource group, mVETS, a supportive community that allows us to share our unique experiences, empower each other to make meaningful contributions to our mission, and promote a culture of support for veterans transitioning into another impactful career.”
- Jazmine Tapscott, Facilities Services Contract Manager
“I’ve grown up with so many service members and have a profound respect for those on the front lines. The mindset and preparation required, and the willingness to serve our country and communities is a feat that is not for the faint of heart. The dedication to a profession that is so much bigger than yourself is something incredible and something that should be honored and celebrated every day!”
- Kaitlyn Daignault, Manager, Clinical Supply Systems
Celebrating and Recognizing Veterans at Moderna
At Moderna, we strive to honor the service and sacrifice of veterans in meaningful ways. Veterans bring unique skills, perspectives, and leadership qualities to our organization. We make it a point to celebrate Veterans Day as a company, ensuring that those who have served feel appreciated and respected.
This month, our Employee Resource Group for veterans, mVETS, of which I am honored to be the Executive Sponsor, is hosting initiatives that are dedicated to supporting our veteran community. These include volunteer activities and opportunities to learn more about how employees can support veterans within and beyond our company.
This Veterans Day, employees will also have the chance to explore stories and photos shared by our veteran employees, capturing their service experiences and valuable insights. A special display will be showcased across our Moderna campuses throughout the week following Veterans Day.
Beyond Veterans Day, we provide ongoing support to veterans in the workplace. Whether it’s through career development opportunities, mentorship programs, or offering flexible work policies that cater to the unique needs of veterans, Moderna is committed to ensuring that our veteran employees thrive.
Veterans Day is not just about looking back—it’s about recognizing that the values veterans bring to the workplace are essential to the innovative and collaborative spirit that drives Moderna forward. I’m proud to be part of a company that not only appreciates veterans but actively works to integrate their strengths into our mission to deliver the greatest possible impact to people through mRNA medicines.
On this Veterans Day, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for my fellow Marines, for all veterans who have given so much in the name of freedom and security, and for the opportunity to continue serving in a new capacity at Moderna. Semper Fidelis—always faithful to my brothers and sisters, to my country, and to the principles that make it worth defending.