Veterans Day is a moment to honor the millions of people who’ve served in the U.S. military. At Target, we take the entire month to reflect on and show our thanks to the brave military veterans, active-duty members and military families on our team and in our communities. And our gratitude extends long after the month is over, too, thanks to Target’s Military Business Council, whose mission is to provide resources, allyship and support for our team members and guests with military and veteran connections.
Target shows up for those who serve by supporting military and veteran causes and organizations, including the National Medal of Honor Museum, USO, Operation Gratitude, The Mission Continues, Veteran Jobs Mission and Blue Star Families’ Welcome Week. To learn more about Target’s long-standing commitment to veterans, active service members and their families, visit the Military & Veterans Team Members and Guests site.
As we celebrate Military Heritage Month and Veterans Day, we asked a few of our team members to reflect on the impact that service has made on their lives.
Reflections on service and sacrifice
Dwight H., director store design — U.S. Army veteran
I decided to join the military following in my parents' footsteps, both making careers in the U.S. Army. I thought it would give me a solid foundation for whatever I planned to do in the future. I commissioned as a U.S. Army Engineer officer, where I spent 12 years in traditional and unique roles.
My service impacted my career by helping me understand the passion I have for solving the impossible. During my time, I have had opportunities to do things that people only dream about, read in books or see on a screen. My leaders saw my creative fervency and allowed me to innovate, whether on the battlefield or in planning. By far, the largest impact from my service is how it has cultivated my leadership style and developed my ability to craft compelling stories.
Jay M., senior operations manager, warehousing — U.S. Air Force veteran
I had the honor to serve 20 years in the Air Force as a logistician. There, I was able to take advantage of opportunities to live in several overseas locations, support operations around the globe and hone skills that helped shape who I am.
Enlisting was something I had looked forward to since childhood. Many of my family members served, and their contributions in Vietnam, specifically, brought pride to our family that I wanted to carry on. I’m especially proud that my two children are now serving and continuing that tradition.
The team win model and leader development opportunities in the military have translated well into my career with Target. I’ve been able to lead and be mentored along the way to drive success in our business. I’m grateful for my time in the service, and excited about the future with Target. Hoorah Air Force!
Madison H., senior business partner, process operations — U.S. Navy spouse
My military connection is through my husband, Justin. Justin joined the Navy in 2015 as a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy. Most recently, he is moving on to a three-year role as a shift engineer at the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command and our family is making a big move to Charleston, South Carolina.
With two kids under the age of 3, it can be tricky to navigate a full-time career with being a full-time toddler mom. We are just about to move for the third time in five years, and Target has been a part of our journey through each of these life changes. Having a career while being a mom has always been very important to me and military life can undoubtedly make that more challenging, but Target has helped make it possible for me.
I feel extremely fortunate to have a strong sense of community within both Target and the Navy, and I’m proud to work for a company that supports military families and all those who are serving and have served.
Randy R., engineering and facilities operations manager — U.S. Navy veteran/U.S. Navy Reserve
I was inspired to join the Navy because I originally wanted to be a pilot, but as I pursued a different path of service, my inspiration for continuing to serve was the phenomenal people that I served with and the sense of purpose and mission in everything I was privileged to do and the opportunities I continue to have.
As a leader, the Navy and my career path has instilled in me a sense of urgency and precision in everything I do, but also a sense of duty and obligation to my team. While the mission is always important, the mission cannot be accomplished without the team. I carry this philosophy forward with me every day when I come to work at Target.
We're proud to have Dwight, Jay, Madison, Randy and all our veterans, active service members and military families on the Target team. To you and our military guests: Thank you for your service.
