To Our Veterans, Thank You.

In observance of Veterans Day, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to all those who have served in our armed forces. Veterans have a strong and growing presence in the clean energy industry and are employed at a higher rate in the solar, wind, and hydroelectric sectors as compared to their presence in the overall economy. In 2019, veterans accounted for up to 11% of the nation’s clean energy workforce, significantly exceeding the national workforce average of 6%.¹ With the advanced social, logistical and technical skills military experience begets, veterans bring unique value and experience to the clean energy industry.

We are honored to have several veterans on our team and would like to take a moment to reflect upon their heroism and thank them for the sacrifices they made in service of our country. Brad Hillman, KCE’s Preconstruction Support Manager, served in the United States Navy from 1977 until 1989 before being Honorably Discharged at rank E-6. Heath Sloan, Manager of Operations and Maintenance at KCE, served in the United States Army from 2008 to 2015, when he retired as a Non-commissioned Officer with the rank of E-5, Sergeant. Isaac Munro, KCE’s Associate Energy Storage Systems Engineer, previously served as a 2^nd class petty officer (ETN PO2) in the Navy from 2007 to 2013, stationed on board the USS Ronald Reagan as a nuclear electronics technician. KCE’s EPC Project Manager, Matthew Rariden (USMA West Point) served in various Command and Staff positions within the U.S. Army Aviation from 2002 to 2012, including as a U.S. Army Officer – Major. Joseph Rambler, also an EPC Project Manager at KCE, served as a Lance Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1971-1973 before being honorably discharged. In addition, Harper Jones, Manager of Operations and Maintenance at KCE, served in the Navy from 2003 to 2009 as a Sonar Supervisor Petty Officer (to learn more about Harper, see the latest edition of our Employee Spotlight Series).

KCE thanks these accomplished veterans who have a demonstrated understanding of energy storage as an issue of national security and are working to actively meet the needs of an evolving energy landscape in the United States. We celebrate and honor Brad, Heath, Isaac, Matthew, Joseph, Harper and all American veterans for their patriotism and willingness to serve for the common good.