This Saturday, November 11, is Veterans Day. Because we’re in San Diego, there’s a good chance you know a veteran – a family member, friend, neighbor or coworker – who would appreciate a “Thank you” for their service.
All of us at Helix Water District would like to honor and thank those who have served in the armed forces and who have worked tirelessly to protect our freedom.
We would also like to recognize our veterans here at Helix. We are fortunate to have veterans throughout our organization -- fourteen staff members and two board members – and we are thankful for their service to this country and their continued service to east county. We asked our veterans what they are most proud of from their military service. Here is a sample of what they said.
Tanner Courtney
Lake Jennings Maintenance Ranger
“I served in the United States Navy as a fleet marine force corpsman. My first two years were in the emergency room of a naval hospital and my last four years I was attached to Marine Corps units. What I am most proud of during my tenure is my time attached to the 2nd Battalion 5th Marine Regiment Scout Sniper Platoon as a sniper medic.”
Glenn Eskildsen
Lake Jennings Assistant Maintenance Ranger
“I served in the United States Navy for more than 20 years. What I am most proud of is my time as acting chief engineer while serving onboard the U.S.S. Mount Vernon LSD-39.”
Jaime Okewole
Senior Human Resources Analyst
“I served four years in the Army and, similar to working at Helix, I treasure the relationships that I gained during my time in the military. I’m most proud of the support I was able to provide as a mental health specialist to those that needed it - especially during deployments.”
Jodi Bierman
Human Resources Manager
“I served in the Navy for 14 years and five months. What I am most proud of is supporting the sailors and marines I had the privilege of leading and watching them grow and develop to achieve their personal and professional goals.”
Veterans Should Consider a Career in Water
At Helix, we hire veterans because the military teaches strong teamwork, problem-solving and adaptability and these are critical skills when you are operating a water treatment plant, repairing a broken water main or troubleshooting a technology issue. To see our current job openings, visit hwd.fyi/careers.
In 2019, Governor Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill 1588, which requires the State Water Resources Control Board to recognize the experience and education veterans acquire while they are in the military. This allows veterans to sit for their State of California certification exam – to operate a treatment plant or water distribution system -- based on their military experience and make a quicker transition into a civilian career with a water or wastewater utility.
Learn more about careers in water at SanDiegoWaterWorks.org -- a one-stop-shop for current water and wastewater job postings in the San Diego region. The site also features training and education resources, career advice, internship programs, and information specific to veterans.