Honoring National Hire a Veteran Day: Taking pride in company support

Piedmont Maintenance Parts Shipper Stan Coggins takes pride in working for a company that supports and employs veterans.  As a United States Marine Corps veteran, Stan feels valued as a member of the Piedmont team and appreciates the opportunity to connect with other veterans through Piedmont’s Veteran/Military Employee Resource Group.

“Veterans don’t often share they have served until they get to know you,” shares Stan. “Through Piedmont’s Veteran/Military Employee Resource Group (VMERG), veterans and allies have the opportunity to connect and engage with other veterans.”  Stan joined the group but felt compelled to do more.

“I decided to join the VMERG Board as the Communications and Community Relations Chair,” shares Stan. “I want a role that allows me to share information that veterans may not know, like benefits and support services they may not be aware of. It feels good to pass along information that may help someone else.”

One of his proudest moments as a VMERG member was attending the wreath laying ceremony at National Cemetery in Richmond. “I felt honored to be part of that with other VMERG members,” shares Stan. This past fall, through a Treats for Troops candy donation drive, the VMERG provided treats to USO’s international bases and a veteran’s home in Richmond. “We are proud to have other events coming up where group members can get involved to help the community,” shares Stan. “We have a Left, Right, Left 5K run/walk in September at Harrisburg International Airport, we have volunteers assisting in the restoration process of the Battleship New Jersey, and we will be doing a Toys for Tots drive near the holidays.”

Stan served four years in the Marine Corps as a military police officer and spent time overseas aboard the U.S.S. Eisenhower during the invasion of Granada. After separating from the military, Stan worked as a police officer for several years before retiring. Seeking a part-time job, Stan began working as a Piedmont ticket agent in Charlottesville, Virginia (CHO). Within a year, he moved into a full-time supervisor role. The commute between Richmond where he lived, and Charlottesville eventually became too much. When he saw a Maintenance Parts Shipper position open in Richmond, he applied. Stan was hired on Memorial Day of 2022.

Known commonly around the RIC hangar as ‘Uncle Stan,’ he volunteers with the VMERG to lead by example to show others that if he can make a difference, others can too. “It feels good to know you are connecting with veterans at work and out in the community. I’m thankful to work for an employer who supports veterans and provides the opportunity for us to gather and engage.”

Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) play a pivotal role in nurturing a culture of caring. These groups provide platforms where team members with shared backgrounds, interests, or experiences can connect, fostering a sense of belonging and support. By facilitating open dialogue, organizing events, and promoting initiatives, ERGs promote understanding, empathy, and collaboration across diverse perspectives. This, in turn, extends beyond the confines of the workplace, contributing to a broader sense of community both within Piedmont and the world at large. Through ERGs, individuals can find spaces where they can be themselves, share their stories, and contribute to a culture that values every voice—a culture where caring and mutual respect thrive. 

Piedmont is dedicated to actively reaching out to veterans through collaborations with non-profit organizations, targeted advertising in military publications, and participation in virtual and in-person career fairs. If you are a veteran or military spouse interested in working for an airline that wholeheartedly supports our military families, we encourage you to join us at Piedmont.  Click here to view our current openings.