This week, we’re turning over the mic to two of our employees – Seth Taggart and Jonathan Searcy – to talk about their time serving in the U.S. Navy and the transferable skills they acquired
Seth Taggart
• Training Specialist at our Ogden, Utah site
• Served in the U.S. Navy from 1997 to 2010
- Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): Culinary Specialist (First Class Petty Officer, E-6)
What does service mean to you and how have you continued to serve after your time in the military?
Service means so much to me. It really shows your true character as a human. It’s being willing to help those around you without the thought of “what’s in it for me.”
I continue to serve in my church and my community by being active in the Boy Scouts of America as well as coaching my sons’ football, basketball, soccer and baseball teams. I teach the boys more than just how to play the game. I also serve my colleagues by helping them with personal things outside of work.
What are some key learnings during your time of service and how have you applied them to your civilian career?
I learned the importance of being where you were supposed to be when you were supposed to be there. I used to tell my guys, “if you’re not 15 minutes early, you’re late.” And accountability for my actions.
My time with the U.S. Navy also taught me to have pride not only in serving my country, but also in my work and always do my best. Another big lesson was that without hard work, nothing comes easy. Anything that does, doesn't feel as good.
Jonathan Searcy
• Technician III at our Madison, Pennsylvania site
• Served in the U.S. Navy from 2001 to 2005
- Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): Aviation Electronics Technician 2 (Second Class Petty Officer, AT2)
What does service mean to you and how have you continued to serve after your time in the military?
To be honest, I have no idea where I would be today had it not been for my time spent in the military. The military taught be to give back to the community and to help those in need – no matter the circumstances.
What are some key learnings during your time of service and how have you applied them to your civilian career?
Work ethic is the single most important value that the military has to offer. It makes me feel good to work hard and then look back on my accomplishments.
#WestinghouseProud
