North San Diego Business Chamber recognizes the contributions of veterans
At last count, Sharp Rees-Stealy has nearly 40 representatives on the wall, all of whom have honorably served our country.
“This initiative was put together by our military advisory council,” says Debra Rosen, president and CEO of North San Diego Business Chamber. “It is our way of showcasing chamber members that hire veterans and thank them for their service. Sharp Rees-Stealy has been a leader in this regard.”
Three of the Sharp Rees-Stealy veterans recognized by the North San Diego Business Chamber (left to right): Denniz Loza, Rosie Townsend and Craig Calhoun.
Three of the Sharp Rees-Stealy veterans honored shared how the skills they developed and the lessons they learned during their service aided their transition to the civilian workforce.
“My military training taught me the value of structure and learning and improving procedures,” says Craig Calhoun, administrative secretary for Quality Management/Credentialing.
Calhoun, who served 23 years in the Navy’s Submarine Force and retired as chief petty officer, admits the transition to civilian life was not easy, but things changed once he began his Sharp journey in March 2013.
“I temped at Sharp Rees-Stealy for a six-month period and knew I had finally found my niche,” says Calhoun. “My Navy experience definitely helped develop my organizational and communication skills.”
Rosie Townsend, senior training coordinator in Urgent Care administration, served in the Navy from 1985 to 1991. She began her military career in aviation maintenance administration for HSL-47, a helicopter squadron at North Island. It was also where she met her husband. They have been married for 30 years.
Townsend currently teaches the Sharp High-Reliability Organization workshop, where she shares stories from her Navy experience.
“The principles I learned all those years ago still apply today,” says Townsend.
For Denniz Loza, supervisor for Call Pod RN Triage, the most memorable experience during his service in the U.S. Army from 1997 to 2006 was having the opportunity to meet President George W. Bush in the Oval Office.
“It was a surreal moment,” says Loza, who has worked at Sharp since November 2008. “I spoke briefly with the president and had the moment captured.” He was later presented with a framed, autographed photo from President Bush.
Loza readily admits his service to his country helped him become the person he is today.
“My military experience helped me develop leadership, adaptability and selfless service,” says Loza. “Thirteen years after I separated from the U.S. Army, I still draw back on the skills I learned and developed while serving.”
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