The Nebraska Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) recently recognized Duncan Aviation as the 2024 VFW Employer Of The Year, an award that recognizes and honors a company that has demonstrated exceptional commitment in hiring and retaining Veterans. In July, the company received the VFW National Employer Of The Year award. The VFW Employer Of The Year awards recognize Duncan Aviation for actively recruiting, hiring, and offering continuing support for the Veterans in the company’s workforce. Roughly one in four Duncan Aviation team members are Veterans or active members of the military.
The state honor was presented to Duncan Aviation by Nebraska VFW Commander Chris Beaty in an award ceremony and celebratory luncheon on Monday, September 30. Numerous dignitaries from the Nebraska VWF, including Department Adjutant Norman Anton, Quartermaster Adjutant Jeffrey Baker, Department of Nebraska Commander Kenneth Yount, and Lincoln Post Commander Mike Kunce, joined Commander Beaty for the ceremony.
Joining the Nebraska VFW leaders were 40 Duncan Aviation team members, including Project Manager PK Duncan and Duncan Aviation President Jeff Lake. Duncan kicked off the ceremony by saying a few words about the VFW National Employer of the Year award that Duncan Aviation had received in July in Louisville, Kentucky. He then spoke about how pleased Duncan Aviation is to have the recognition of the Nebraska VFW as well.
“It’s an honor and a pleasure to receive this award from the Nebraska VFW and Commander Beaty,” says Duncan. “We cannot thank our Veterans enough for what they did for our country and what they do for Duncan Aviation. The skills and experiences they gained from their service are beneficial to them personally and to Duncan Aviation. We will continue to support our Veterans at Duncan Aviation, personally and professionally, as they have been and always will positively affect the success of the company.”
Reclamation Program Coordinator Chelsea Pearse also attended the ceremony, and she feels that Duncan Aviation is a deserving recipient of both awards.
“When I left the Marine Corps, even though I’m from Connecticut, I looked at working for Duncan Aviation in Nebraska because many of my friends were working here: Engine Overhaul Lead Tech John Cruz, Airframe Service Sales Rep Brian Foersch, and a couple of others,” says Pearse. “It was great having familiar faces around, people who already felt like family.”
Airframe Manager Jeremy Rangel, who served in the United States Air Force (E-4/Senior Airman), and PRS Sr Sales Rep Tyler Lauer, who served in the Army National Guard (E4 Specialist), co-chair the Duncan Aviation Veterans’ Employee Resource Group. The group serves as an informal resource for Veteran team members, helping them with questions they may have about benefits and services and connecting them to local organizations that offer more in-depth help.
In addition to providing resources, the group serves as a welcoming social environment for Veterans, building camaraderie, holding on-site BBQs, and even planning golf outings.
“One of the reasons Duncan Aviation was recognized by the VFW at the national and state levels is because the company doesn’t just hire Veterans, it provides support as we transition to civilian life, help with services, and a welcoming environment where we can relax and enjoy one another socially, too,” says Lauer.
