On Veterans Day, and every day, we pause to honor the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform, ordinary people who made an extraordinary commitment to serve. At Joyce, we’re proud to celebrate our colleagues who answered that call. Their stories remind us that service shapes character, deepens perspective, and strengthens communities long after the uniform comes off.
Joyce Veterans: In Their Own Words
Bob Fanell — U.S. Army (1990 - 1995 Desert Storm)
“I chose to enter the Army about a year after graduating high school, as we were a family that couldn’t afford college. My desire to do more and see other places drew me in that direction. I’m pleased with my choice, but I still regret not retiring from the service. I learned valuable skills and gained a deeper understanding of life and how to work effectively as a teammate. Proud to serve this great country, and I’d do it again.”
Cole Bernard — U.S. Navy (2012–2020)
Roles & responsibilities:
- 2012–2017: Worked on the flight deck of the USS Carl Vinson, focused on aircraft fueling operations—everything from fueling aircraft to keeping the ship’s fueling systems operational.
- 2017–2020: Safety program manager for 13 anti-submarine warfare helicopter squadrons throughout the Pacific.
Why I served:
“I chose to follow family into the service. Both my father and grandfather served in the Navy.”
Biggest lesson learned:
“My time in the Navy gave me a perspective I’ll never forget. Serving overseas opened my eyes to how people live in other parts of the world—and it reminded me just how blessed we are to call America home. We often take our freedoms and opportunities for granted, but my service taught me to never lose sight of how fortunate we truly are.”
Paul Rondeau — U.S. Army (2015 - 2023)
What does it mean to have served?
“Serving means the world to me. I am grateful for my military service every day. The military saved me, and I wouldn't be where I am today without it.”
Why I chose to serve:
“I looked up to my family that was in the service. My childhood dream was to serve; I wanted to challenge myself, see the world, and test my bravery and courage.”
What I learned:
“I learned a lot about the world and people in my travels. In my eight years of service, I visited many countries and states. I stepped into churches, mosques, monasteries, and temples. I ate with important officials and with people from every walk of life. I learned patience, kindness, and empathy for the people I swore to serve and protect. All summed up: I learned how to be chill. I carry that into civilian life and try to keep things light-hearted every day.”
Travis Britt — U.S. Navy (1992–1994)
Path & postings:
- Completed basic training in Orlando, Florida
- Duty station: USS Saratoga (Mayport, Florida)
- Served in the aviation fueling division as part of the Airman Apprenticeship Program
Reflections on service:
“I was only in for two years, but I gained a lot of discipline and life experience—proud to serve my country. I remember being in awe as fighter jets landed and took off from the flight deck, and I was proud to be part of the team that made that happen.
My most vivid memory was flying out to meet the ship just after Boot Camp while the Saratoga was underway. I didn’t see how massive the ship really was until we pulled into port three months later. I consider my time in the Navy the very foundation of every job I’ve had since.”
Randy Stillings — U.S. Army (1975 - 1997)
Service:
“During the Cold War, I served in both Germany and South Korea. I saw firsthand the threat that communism poses to our freedoms, and I’m proud to have done my part to help preserve the liberties we enjoy in America.”
Why I served:
“I joined in 1975 to provide for my family during a recession when jobs were hard to find. I stayed for 22 years because the Army turned out to be the perfect fit for me.”
What I learned:
“Discipline, teamwork, attention to detail, problem-solving, public speaking, and how to lead and train men. The list goes on. I’m grateful for everything my military experience gave me.”
A brief history of Veterans Day
Veterans Day traces its origins to the end of World War I. At the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” in 1918, the armistice took effect and the guns fell silent. In 1919, November 11 was first commemorated as Armistice Day. Congress designated it a legal holiday in 1938, originally dedicated to the cause of world peace and to honoring the veterans of World War I.
After World War II and the Korean War, the day grew to honor veterans of all U.S. wars. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation renaming Armistice Day to Veterans Day, recognizing the service of all American veterans. For a few years in the 1970s, the date moved under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, but by 1978, it returned to its rightful place on November 11, where it remains a day to thank every veteran for their service and sacrifice.
Thank You to ALL Who Served
To Bob, Cole, Paul, Travis, and to veterans and their families everywhere, thank you. Your courage, teamwork, and perspective continue to shape who we are at Joyce. Today and every day, we honor your service.
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