Veterans Day 2013

Jose Acosta
U.S. Army, Military Police, Firefighter and Chaplain
Avaya Swing Shift Security Officer

This photo was taken at Goodfellow Air Force Base,
San Angelo, Texas.

Stanley Adamczyk
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt., Fire Protection Specialist (1971-1977)
Avaya Senior Manager, Contract Negotiation

1971-1973 Reese AFB, Lubbock Texas; 1973-1975
RAF Alconbury, Huntingdon England; 1975-1977
Westover AFB, Chicopee MA. This is a photo from
Veterans Day 2011 with my daughter Amy.

Adam Anselm
U.S. Army Power Generator Mechanic
Avaya Lobby Security Officer

This photo was taken at Fire Base Nili, Daykundi
Province, Afghanistan.

Bob Bachman
U.S. Navy Interior Communication Technician (1971-1974)
Director of Avaya Customer Experience

I served in the U.S. Navy on nuclear-powered
submarines during the Vietnam/Cold War period,
patrolling the north Atlantic and Mediterranean
Sea.
Since our patrols were a deterrent to all-out
nuclear war with the Soviet Union at the time, my
submarine was rarely in port. My longest stay
underwater was 65 days. We never had to fire any
missiles, but prepared for that event every day at
sea.

My military service on submarines prepared me
very well for life afterward. On submarines, we all
had to work together very closely and understand
each other‘s jobs in case we were trapped in a
compartment by ourselves and others could come
to help. (continued)

Bob Bachman
(continued)
I used that mentality in my professional life, when
training others to perform tasks. I enjoy the ―We‖
mentality at Avaya because it fits me to a T. I foster
this idea daily in the meetings I attend and the
teams that I lead.
I still belong to several organizations surrounding
U.S. Veterans and submarine veterans. I recently
applied for a volunteer position at the Intrepid
museum in New York City and was accepted
immediately.
I completed the training and can now be found
most Saturday mornings on the U.S.S. Growler
SSG577 submarine, tied up alongside the Intrepid
aircraft carrier in New York City, talking about
submarine life to all kinds of people who visit the
museum from around the world. (continued)

Bob Bachman

(continued)
I especially like it when Boy Scout troops visit
because I can see a glimmer of myself in their
young eyes. If you have the time and are in New
York City, stop by and visit the Intrepid museum.
You won‘t be disappointed. While you‘re there,
come down below on the U.S.S. Growler and say
hello.

Joel Barrera

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class, Telephone Installer (1976-1996)
Avaya Systems Engineer

Erik Bathke
U.S. Marine Corps Fire Fighter
Avaya Badging Administrator

This photo was taken in Bagdad, Iraq, in July 2003.

Warren Baxley
U.S. Navy Lieutenant, Nuclear Submarine Officer (1989-1996)
Senior Director, ACS Maintenance Offer Management, Avaya

I was a ―plankowner,‖ serving on the U.S.S.
Nebraska SSBN 739, which means I was part of
the first crew that the ship had after its construction
in 1993.
After shakedown period, where we put the ship
through pretty much everything she was capable of
doing--including one very exciting day where we
launched 4 big intercontinental missiles--I served
through two, 75-day strategic deterrence patrols.
We kept the world safe for democracy, and
ultimately played a major role in the end of the
Cold War. This is a picture of the Nebraska. I‘m
actually in the picture of the ship, although it‘s
admittedly hard to tell.

Bruce Borri
U.S. Navy Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class (1969-1973)
Avaya General Manager, 3rd Party Services

I was in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1973, and I
am a Vietnam-era vet.
As a member of Naval Air Attack Squadron VA-66,
I worked as a flight deck troubleshooter, when we
were deployed aboard aircraft carriers.
We flew A7 Corsairs II‘s (see picture). Our
squadron spent time aboard the U.S.S. Lexington
and U.S.S. Independence. I‘m also a ―Blue Nose,‖
having crossed the Arctic Circle in 1971 while
aboard the Indy.

Steven Bowen
U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class (1979-1983)
Avaya Technical Support Engineer-AOS Service Delivery

As Telephone Technician 2nd class, I served in
Oregon and Washington states, providing
communications to all U.S. Coast Guard stations in
the Northwest.
My greatest honor (although I did not realize it at
the time) while serving: In 1979, I was a seaman
apprentice stationed in Galveston, Texas, assigned
to the group.
On the night of Jan. 28, 1980, the USCGC
Blackthorn (WLB-391), a seagoing buoy tender,
sank in the waters of Tampa Bay after completing
an overhaul. The Blackthorn was in transit back to
her home port of Galveston. Twenty-three
shipmates perished in the accident. (continued)

Steven Bowen
Avaya Technical Support Engineer-AOS Service Delivery

(continued)
I served as an Honor Guard, and escorted several
shipmates to their final resting and folded the
American flag in honor of their sacrifice.

This honor always lives with me. Understanding
that in peace and in conflict, men and women of
the U.S. military proudly serve their country and
some pay the ultimate sacrifice.
Memorial Day and Veterans Day are just two days
out of the year. Please honor all our troops, and
thank them for their service when the opportunity
arises.

John Brocenos

U.S. Army Sgt., 82nd Airborne Division (1971-1973)
Avaya Professional Services Senior Regional Project Manager

Tom Cain
U.S. Army Specialist (1986-1989)
Avaya Global Engineer

From 1986 to 1989, the majority of my tour was in
the Panamanian conflict that captured Manuel
Noriega.
I was a crew chief helicopter mechanic for the 2/9
infantry. I recorded more than 250 hours of
helicopter flight time over the canal, some of which
occurred at night.
It‘s one of the few places in the world where you
can see both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans from
above, at the same time, without a pressurized
cabin.

Nicole Castillo
U.S. Navy Aviation Boatswains Mate Handler Petty Officer 3rd Class (1996-2008)
Avaya Opportunity Specialist, Sales and Technical Support Operations
I joined the United States Navy as an airman
apprentice on November 4, 1996, and was
stationed onboard the U.S.S. John F. Kennedy
from 1997 to1999, home ported out of Naval
Station Mayport, Florida.
Having been from Colorado, it was a significant
change to go from a landlocked state to a floating
city. I worked in V-3 Division as a blue shirt plane
handler, aircraft elevator operator, and yeoman for
the air department.

Our ship was part of Operation Southern Watch,
and assisted in training activities along the Eastern
seaboard and in the Mediterranean. On my first
deployment, we stopped in Koper, Solvenia, where
we were the first U.S. ship to arrive after the
country had broken off from Czechoslovakia.
(continued)

Nicole Castillo
(continued)
One young man brought a medal to me that his
grandfather wore in the war for their freedom,
which I have kept close to me.
In 1999, I was temporarily assigned to Naval
Station Mayport as part of the Air Terminal team,
where I became a Petty Officer 3rd Class Aircraft
Director. From 1999 to 2000, I was stationed at
Naval Air Station Whiting Field as part of the
Aircraft Crash and Salvage team at the airfield.
In October of 2000, I was transferred to Boston. In
2001, I re-enlisted as a Boatswain Mate 3rd Class
Petty Officer as part of Military Sealift Command in
the reserve unit, as a stevedore on board civilian
ships taking supplies from the United States to our
troops overseas. (continued)

Nicole Castillo

(continued)
In 2005, I was transferred to Naval Station Everett,
Washington, as part of Naval Coastal Warfare,
ensuring coastal readiness for Marines to move
onshore in Fallujah safely.
In 2008, I was honorably discharged from the
United States Navy, but my service continues as I
assist with Operation Christmas Cards to troops in
the Denver metro area each year.

Al Cazares
U.S. Air Force Captain (1972-1992)
Technical Director, Avaya Government Solutions Satellite Communications

Radio Maintenance Technician, Luke AFB,
AZ, 1972-1981
Satellite Systems Engineer, Scott AFB, IL,
1984-1988
AFROTC Instructor, University of Minnesota,
1988-1991
Systems Integration Office, Peterson AFB,
CO, 1991-1992
I am thankful to those who have served, who
are now serving and will be called to serve.

David Chamberlain
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt., Avionics Com/Nav System Technician (1982-1990)
Avaya Systems Technician

I served in the USMC from 1982 to 1990 as a
component-level Avionics Technician on
Com/Nav systems supporting A-4, A-6, F/A18 RF-4 and KC-130 Squadrons.
Duty Stations
MCRD Parris Island
NAS Memphis
MCAS Cherry Point
MCAS El Toro
MCAS Futenma
David Chamberlain (right)

10/82-12/82
01/83-07/83
07/83—8/83
08/83-09/90
04/86-10/86

Travis Chrystal
U.S. Navy Data Systems Technician
Avaya Senior Applications Consultant ICE

Charles Collins
U.S. Navy Data Systems Technician, 2nd Class (1977-1983)
Avaya R&D Project Manager

I served in the US Navy from 1977 to 1983 aboard
the U.S.S. Guitarro (SSN 665). Our mission was to
test and certify the submarine launch of the
Tomahawk cruise missile.

Tony Corwin
U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt., Telecommunications Specialist (1988-2001)
Avaya Professional Services, Senior Regional Project Manager, New England

I started out as a Telephone / Data Circuitry
Specialist (a fancy term for the telephone guy) at Hill
AFB, Utah. I spent the majority of the 90s in Europe
(RAF Molesworth, north of London), and Ramstein
AB in Germany, with a brief stint in Korea, just for
fun.
I was stationed at Lackland AFB, TX; Sheppard AFB,
TX; Hill AFB, UT; RAF Molesworth, UK; Osan AB,
South Korea; Ramstein AB, Germany; Taszar AB,
Hungary, and Tinker AFB, OK.

I consider my time in the Air Force to be among the
most satisfying both personally and professionally.
(continued)

Tony Corwin
U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt., Telecommunications Specialist (1988-2001)
Avaya Professional Services, Senior Regional Project Manager, New England

(continued)
I traveled the world, lived in places I never imagined
an Ohio farm boy like me ever could. I‘ve visited
ancient castles, been face-to-face with North Korean
soldiers in the DMZ (you should try it sometime),
meditated with Buddhist monks, and made lifelong
friends, all the while learning a valuable profession
that has served me well in the civilian world.
If it wasn‘t for a service-related knee problem that
forced me into early retirement, I would still be a
member of the U.S. Air Force.

Henry Cribbs
U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. (1985-1997)
Avaya Senior Engineer, Global Remote Solution Support

I served in the U.S. Air Force for 12 years, from
1985 to 1997.
I served in a mobile unit for 8 years, during the first
Gulf War Desert Shield/Storm. I also served in the
Operation Restore Hope mission in Somalia.
After that, I became a Technical Instructor and
spent 4 years teaching new troops
microwave/satellite maintenance.

Nicole Crouse
U.S. Army
Avaya Graveyard Shift Security Officer

This photo was taken aboard the USS Missouri,
Pearl Harbor Memorial, Oahu, Hawaii.

Alan Davenport

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class, Data Systems Technician (1974-1980)
Avaya Field Technician

I spent 2 years in training, then 4 years onboard
the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk aircraft carrier.
Below, you‘ll see a photo of the Kitty Hawk, and
sailors spelling out the words, ―Press On.‖ (I‘m
standing in the bottom left corner of the ―O.‖) This
photo was taken in 1980, off the coast of Iran
during the Iran hostage crisis.
―Press On‖ was the motto of our captain.

Kevin B. Davis
U.S. Marine Corps Major
Major Accounts Manager, Healthcare, Massachusetts and Rhode Island

Prior to the ground offensive of Desert Storm, a
brigade of Iraqi forces pushed south across the
Kuwaiti border and into Khafji, Saudi Arabia.
Unknowingly, they cut off our squadron
detachment and headquarters units, where we had
been pre-positioned for the start of the air offensive
phase of the war.
We controlled air strikes from that position in
support of our U.S. Marine ground forces and
pushed them back north across the border.

Major Davis, in 1991 at Kuwait International Airport,
surveying captured Iraqi air-to-ground missiles.

Their intel was lacking, and they had no idea that
within a few miles they had isolated a significant
command element of our Marine forces on the
ground.

Dan DeLozier

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class, Search and Rescue Diver, U.S.S. Enterprise
Avaya Professional Services, Managing Principal, West/Central U.S.

John DiGiacomo
U.S. Air Force Sgt. (1967-1971)
Avaya Territory Account Manager

I served in the Vietnam Conflict from December
1967 to June 1969. I was stationed at Cam Rahn
Bay, Republic of South Vietnam.

Jeff DiLullo
U.S. Army Infantry Captain (1991-1999)
Senior Director, Avaya Global Sales Enablement

Early in life, I knew I wanted to serve in the military.
I was lucky enough to serve nearly a decade on
active duty after graduating from West Point, and
loved every minute of it. I traveled to some very
―interesting‖ places during that time.
Two aspects I enjoyed most about the Army were
the unity of focus and consistent teamwork.
When we deployed on a mission, everyone‘s job
directly contributed to a single cause–my unit‘s
whole focus was completely aligned, even though
people played different roles. (continued)

Jeff DiLullo
U.S. Army Infantry Captain (1991-1999)
Senior Director, Avaya Global Sales Enablement

(continued)
That made it easy to count on the person on either
side of me–everyone had trained hard and knew
their jobs well, so there was always a strong sense
of teamwork and camaraderie in everything we did.
These are attributes I try to bring to our everyday
work at Avaya, as well. I am very thankful to those
with whom I served, and for my fellow veterans at
Avaya.

Bill Dobson
U.S. Air Force Colonel (1970-2000)
Security Manager, Deutsche Bank Account Team, Avaya

Bill Dobson received his commission in May 1969
through Reserve Officers Training Corp (ROTC) at
Saint Michaels College in Vermont.
He entered active duty in January 1970 as a
Management Analyst Officer at Colorado Springs,
Colorado.
He became a special agent in the Air Force Office
of Special Investigations (AFOSI) in 1972 and
served as an investigator in New York and Maine.

Bill left active duty in 1976 and entered the USAF
Reserves as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee
(IMA) and continued to serve as an agent and
commander with AFOSI in New Hampshire,
Florida, Colorado, Texas, Guam, Panama and
Washington, DC. (continued)

Bill Dobson
U.S. Air Force Colonel (1970-2000)
Security Manager, Deutsche Bank Account Team, Avaya

(continued)
He served as a member of the protective services
team for the Secretary of Defense from 1985 –
1990 and formed the initial AFOSI computer crime
task force in 1992.
In 1995, he was returned to active duty as the
Commandant, Air Force Office of Special
Investigations at Andrews AFB, MD and later
served as Chief of Reserve Affairs, AFOSI.
Bill retired in May 2000 after 31 years of service at
the grade of Colonel.

Matt Douglas
U.S. Army Captain (1989-1992, 1992-1997)
Senior Director, U.S. Sales Operations

I went through college on an ROTC scholarship
and entered Officer Basic Training at Redstone
Arsenal in Huntsville, AL two days after graduating
in May 1989.
I was assigned to Fort Bragg, NC, home of the
18th Airborne Corps and our U.S. Army quick
response unit. I managed the ammunition supply
point at Fort Bragg and we were very busy around
Christmas 1989, supporting the Panama invasion.
In August 1990, my unit was deployed to Saudi
Arabia in support of Operation Desert Shield and
later, Iraq, in support of Operation Desert Storm.
(continued)

Matt Douglas
U.S. Army Captain (1989-1992, 1992-1997)
Senior Director, U.S. Sales Operations

(continued)
In the early days I worked 18- to 20 hour days,
establishing an ammunition supply point in an
abandoned rock quarry north of Dahran airport and
east of the port of Al Jubail.
I have a Scud missile fragment and an Iraqi
soldier‘s helmet in my office at Avaya as
remembrances of my 9 months in the desert. I am
proud to have served.

Chuck Emmette
U.S. Army Captain (1989-1994)
Director of Avaya Professional Services

I always knew I wanted to serve my country, and
came from a family that had multiple generations of
veterans.
I was fortunate to serve as an Army Officer in the
Armor Branch from 1989 to 1994, in one of only
three Armored Cavalry Regiments, the 11th
Armored Cavalry (Blackhorse) based in Fulda,
Germany as a Scout and Tank Platoon Leader and
Scout Troop Executive Officer.
I spent my entire time in Germany in a unit that
provided border security on the East Germany
Border, minus a stint in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in
1991 for Operation Desert Storm. (continued)

Chuck Emmette
U.S. Army Captain (1989-1994)
Director of Avaya Professional Services

(continued)
Awards included the Airborne Badge (you all have
to try jumping out of a perfectly safe airplane five
times), Northern Warfare Badge (did me a lot of
good in the Middle East!), 11th ACR Combat Patch,
Southwest Asia Service Medal, and multiple other
service badges.
The thing I learned the most and shaped my career
at ADP and Avaya has been about teamwork.

Everything I did in the military focused on trusting
the people you work with, taking care of each other
and remembering we are in this together, and if we
work as a team there is no problem we cannot
solve or obstacle we cannot overcome!

Brian Feaster
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt.
Avaya Technical Project Manager

Armando Felix
U.S. Army Infantry

This photo was taken in 2011 at Combat Outpost
Gary Owen, Talil, Iraq.

Don Findlay

U.S. Navy Reserve, Petty Officer Quartermaster 2nd Class (1983-1993)
Avaya Senior Manager, U.S. Global Deals Desk
I was called to active duty for Desert Shield (which
would eventually turn into Desert Storm) in August
of 1990, assigned to Military Sealift Command Far
East, Yokohama, Japan.
Deployed for the year it took to ramp-up and pretty
much complete operations, I remember this being
a challenging time for my family. My wife and I had
only been married 4 years, we had a 2-year-old
daughter and 4-month-old son, and we were
weeks away from closing on the purchase of a
house (which I would miss out on).
Even though this was only 23 years ago, it was on
the edge of widespread use of the public Internet
and email. We relied on the once-a-week phone
calls and exchange of audio cassette tapes, letters
and pictures via the mail for our family
connectedness. (continued)

Don Findlay

U.S. Navy Reserve, Petty Officer Quartermaster 2nd Class (1983-1993)
Avaya Senior Manager, U.S. Global Deals Desk

(continued)
There was no high-speed, always-on Internet
connection with live video conferencing, IM,
Facebook, Twitter, Gmail or other such services
and applications.
I find this truly amazing and I think back to how it
was for the veterans before me in Vietnam, Korea,
World Wars I and II and further back and know that
it‘s not just us who are in the services of our
country who sacrifice, but our families did too.

Eric Flaten
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt., F15 Avionics System Specialist (1991-1998)
Avaya Professional Services, Senior Consultant, Software Specialist

1991-1992 Lackland AFB, TX; Lowry AFB, CO
1992-1994 Tyndall AFB, FL
1994-1997 Kadena AFB, Okinawa, Japan
1997-1998 Eglin AFB, FL

Jes Flesch
U.S. Air Force Meteorologist (1999-2007)
Avaya Professional Services Technical Project Manager

As a meteorologist in the Air Force, I supported
several missions, such as Operation Noble Eagle,
Keen Sword and Keen Edge overseas.
I provided flight weather briefings for Air Force and
Army bases during missions such as air refueling,
drone flights, and Air National Guard air drops. It
was probably the most difficult job I‘ve ever had.
Pilots and their aircrew relied on our forecasts to
safely carry out their missions. While stationed
overseas, I provided daily reports to the base
commander regarding North Korea‘s missile
launch capabilities and possible contaminant
disbursement areas based on forecast weather.
(continued)

Jes Flesch
U.S. Air Force Meteorologist (1999-2007)
Avaya Professional Services Technical Project Manager

(continued)
I believe the military prepared me to handle stress,
multi-task, and take responsibility for my actions
early in life.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time serving my country,
appreciate the knowledge and life skills I gained,
and cherish the lifelong friends that came along
with the ride.

Craig Godlove
U.S. Navy

Robert Hake
U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class
Avaya Database Developer

V. Gary Harris
U.S. Coast Guard
Avaya Systems Applications Specialist

I retired from the Coast Guard Reserve after 40
years – 8 years were in the Navy (5 years active –
Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego & NAS
Moffett Field near Mountain View, California and 3
years Reserve in San Jose, California and
Honolulu, Hawaii)
I transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve
when I moved from the San Francisco Bay area to
Humboldt Bay with Pacific Telephone.
I moved to other Coast Guard reserve units in San
Diego and Denver when I transferred with AT&T.
(continued)

V. Gary Harris
U.S. Coast Guard
Avaya Systems Applications Specialist

(continued)
I served in active duty during the Vietnam War era.
Active duty while in the Coast Guard Reserve was
at various units in and around Humboldt Bay in
Northern California; the Coast Guard station in
Alameda, California; the Coast Guard station in
Memphis, Tennessee; Coast Guard District in St.
Louis, Missouri (during the flood of 1993); the
Coast Guard Center in Topeka, Kansas; the Coast
Guard station at Mare Island in Vallejo, California;
and the Coast Guard station at Treasure Island in
the San Francisco Bay.

Robin Hazlewood
U.S. Navy Aircraft Mechanic
Senior WFO Solution Consultant, Avaya Professional Services

Danno Holden
U.S. Navy Controlman
Avaya Named Account Manager

Adam Huff
U.S. Army, Heavy Engineer
Avaya Shift Security Officer

This photo was taken at Fort Carson, CO in 2010.

Rick Hughes
British Army Major
Avaya Program Management Practice Principal

Steve Hullett
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. (1979-1986, 1991-2008)
Avaya Systems Engineer

I retired after serving in the US Army from 1979 to
1986, and the Georgia Army National Guard from
1991 to 2008.
My last overseas tour was during Operation Iraqi
Freedom from 2005 to 2006, serving as a M1A1
tank maintenance team leader for 1-108th Armor
GaNG, attached to the 3rd Infantry Division.
Awards include a Meritorious Service Medal,
Purple Heart, ARCOM with "V" device.

After retiring, I went back to Baghdad as a
contractor, supporting communications for the U.S.
Air Force at Sather Air Base, Baghdad
International Airport, where I worked, until joining
Avaya in November 2011.

Steven Ianetta
U.S. Army Specialist IV (1977-1981)
Avaya Professional Services Program Manager

I served in the Army from 1977 to 1981, straight
out of high school. I learned telephony in the
military and have been in the field ever since.

Kate L. Irwin
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman
Avaya Critical Accounts Program Manager

Wayne Karbowski
U.S. Army Infantry and Chaplains Assistant

This photo was taken near Kirkuk Iraq, May 2004.

Jose La Grenade
U.S. Army 91 Alpha Combat Medic
Avaya AURA Contact Center Engineer

Steve Lamb
U.S. Navy EM1-SS (1976-1982)
Senior Network Test Engineer, Avaya Engineering

I enlisted in 1976, and tested and qualified via
written test for nuclear submarine service.
I trained for 2 years, gaining the equivalent of a 4year college degree in physics. I visited all 4
corners of the U.S. during my training: San Diego,
California for basic training, Orlando, Florida, for
college instruction geared toward nuclear physics,
Ballston Spa, New York for submarine simulator
training, and Seattle, Washington to meet my
submarine.

I joined the crew of the U.S.S. Parche, SSN683,
based out of Mare Island, California.
I qualified on subs in my first year, as an
Electricians Mate on the nuclear plant that
powered the sub. (continued)

Steve Lamb
U.S. Navy EM1-SS (1976-1982)
Senior Network Test Engineer, Avaya Engineering

(continued)
I operated the electrical plant, throttles (propeller),
and started up and shut down the nuclear reactor.
I went on 4 missions. The highlight of my career
was participating in the decommissioning of the
first nuclear-powered sub, the U.S.S. Nautilus,
SSN-571, at Mare Island in 1980.
I received an honorable discharge in May 1982,
where a tug transported me from the deck of the
sub–outbound on a mission–to Treasure Island in
the San Francisco Bay. I was on the bridge with
the captain as we transited under the Golden Gate,
through the ‗potato patch.‘ It was a memorable 6
years of my life, and an outstanding example of
precision teamwork.

John Lebo
U.S. Air Force, F-16/A10 Air Frame Mechanic
Avaya Day Shift Security Command Center Officer

Doug Lindroos
U.S. Navy Petty Officer (1974-1978)
Avaya Professional Services Client Principal

The United States officially ended the Vietnam War
from our standpoint in January, 1973 for political
reasons.
Unfortunately, this did not end the war for the
Vietnamese, and the fighting continued until April
1975, when Saigon fell to the Communists. By April
1975, we still had some remnant of troops and a
complete U.S. Embassy staff in Saigon.
I was a young, 18-year-old Navy Data Processing
Tech Seaman Apprentice at the time. I was
stationed on the U.S.S. Enterprise, CVN-65, just 1
mile off the coast of Vietnam.
I had only been on the ship for 1 month, after being
helicoptered from a supply ship to the Enterprise
flight deck in the South China Sea. (continued)

Doug Lindroos

(continued)
My normal day consisted of keypunching for 12
hours, then off for another 12.
During my off hours, I loved to go up to the O-11
deck (flight observation deck) to watch flight
operations. Just imagine watching the movie Top
Gun to understand what I saw.
One night, I observed massive helicopter
operations to the Enterprise and all other
supporting ships that had helo-pads.
What was really strikingly different was all the
civilians that were coming off the helicopters.
Some of the civilians were hosed down and led
below deck. (continued)

Doug Lindroos

(continued)
The Navy works on the premise of things being on
a ‗need to know‘ basis. It wasn‘t until later that
night that our Captain came over the intercom to
inform us that we had just completed an operation
to evacuate the U.S. Embassy in Saigon.
Fast forward to December 2009. I was called for
jury duty and happened to sit next to an older man
who had a gold Vietnam Service pin on his lapel.

I introduced myself as a Vietnam vet and
commented that I had noticed the pin. He began to
tell me his Vietnam story, which was combatoriented. (continued)

Doug Lindroos

(continued)
At that point, I felt compelled to tell the story I
described above in a humble, ‗gosh golly‘
approach.

I never really felt like I was put in harm‘s way,
compared to the combat folks. The older man
looked at me and told me that his wife was
assigned to the Saigon Embassy and on the day of
the Embassy evacuation, she was the very last
U.S. citizen to be taken off the rooftop of the
Embassy.
I was floored to hear that. His story meant so much
to me. It made me feel like the whole experience
had come full circle. (continued)

Doug Lindroos

(continued)
My veteran status now means more to me today
than in the past because of his story. In the past,
veterans like me felt unaccepted by our fellow
citizens.
Today, it is so nice to be appreciated and thanked
for serving. I am proud to have served my country
and the U.S. Navy. I wear my Enterprise Ship‘s
Company ball cap with pride.

Many Avayans have seen me wearing the cap on
Scopia calls. Some have even thanked me for my
service.

Ramon J. Lopez
U.S. Navy Aviation Warfare Systems Operator (1992-1999)
Avaya Marketing Manager, Caribbean and Central America

My greatest experience in the U.S. Navy was being
forward deployed aboard the U.S.S. Independence
in Japan.
As an air crewman, I flew missions in enforcement
of the no-fly zone in Operation Southern Watch,
and protected Taiwan from the People‘s Republic
of China during the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis.
The camaraderie and friendships that I built with
my shipmates have stayed and will stay with me
my entire life.

Steve MacGregor
U.S. Army
Avaya APS Senior Consultant

Michael McCullough
U.S. Air Force Communications Engineer (1979-2007)
Avaya Professional Services Senior Program Manager
As a communications engineer in the Air Force, I did
engineering on air traffic control and landing systems
globally, engineered and installed base
communications systems for the Ground Launched
Cruise Missile bases in Europe, and the Department
of Defense Global Command and Control System.
I served as the Director of the Air Force C4
Technology Validation Office and I also served in the
Pentagon and the Air Force Command Center. I
served as the Communications Squadron
Commander at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi
Arabia.

I culminated my career as the Director of
Engineering at the Air Force Communications
Agency, responsible for projects like communication
systems for unmanned aerial vehicles and secure
communications systems for VIP aircraft, such as Air
Force One.

Thomas Merring
U.S. Army Reserve Major (1976-1997)
Senior Management Associate, Avaya Executive Support Group
It was my good fortune to have served my country
for 21 years in the National Guard and Army
Reserve. I enlisted in 1976, went to Basic Combat
Training and my Advanced Individual Training in
Field Radio Repair School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. In
1978, I graduated from Officers school and was
promoted to Second Lieutenant.
I spent the first 18 years in an Armored Calvary Unit,
focusing on training for deployment of various
weapons systems--helicopters, tanks and armored
personnel carriers. Subsequent to that, I transferred
into the U.S. Army Reserve, co-drafting the 78th
Division‘s Training Plans while serving in the G3
Shop. I retired in 1997.
God bless our brave fighting soldiers, who defend
our freedoms every day. I am humbled by their
sacrifices.

Eric Merriweather
U.S. Marine Corps Corporal (1988
Avaya Senior Sales Engineer

I served from 1988 to 1992. I was in
communications and attached to Marine Wing
Support Squadron 373 and First Marine Division,
11 Marine regiment. During my time in the marines
I served in 23 different countries and was attached
to Task Force Poppa Bear during Desert Storm.
Thank you, to all that served or supported.

Roger Miller

Manager, Deals Desk Support, Avaya
I went into the Coast Guard right out of high school
in 1973 and served until 1977, when I left the
service and moved to Silicon Valley.
I spent most of my tour on the U.S. Coast Guard
Cutter Midgett, patrolling the North Pacific fishing
areas for treaty compliance and guarding U.S.
territorial limits (3-mile limit, 12-mile limit). During
my tour, we captured a Japanese fishing trawler
that was fishing within the 3-mile limit of the
Aleutian Islands, which resulted in the largest fines
at that time for violating our boundaries.
Also, I met a Russian fishing factory ship out at
sea, and was able to do some bartering between
the crews while the officers had dinner. During one
of my last cruises, we took the Inland Passage
from Alaska down to Seattle and participated in the
Rose Festival and Fleet Week.

Stephen Miller
U.S. Army Specialist
Avaya Technical Support Senior Engineer

Jim Mocabee
U.S. Army Infantry and PSYOP
Avaya Site Security Supervisor

This photo was taken in April, 2013 at Bagram Air
Base, Parwan Province Afghanistan, just after a
patrol mission to a village called Jhani Khel.

James Morrell

U.S. Navy Machinist Mate 2nd Class, Engine Room Supervisor (1984-1990)
AOS Service Transition Project Manager

Donald Morse
U.S. Coast Guard AT2 (E-5) (1975-1979)
Avaya CS1000 Senior Consultant

I was stationed at U.S. Coast Guard Airstation,
Traverse City, MI, where I served as an aviation
electronics technician. I also served as an
aircrew/rescueman on the Grumman HU-16E
Albatross and Convair HC-131A Samaritan aircraft.

Vincent Murphy
U.S. Air Force Space Systems Maintenance Technician (1993-1998)
Operations Manager, Unified Communications, Avaya
I served within the U.S. Air Force from 1993 to
1998, spending time at Lowry AFB, Colorado,
Holloman AFB, New Mexico, and Buckley ANGB,
Colorado, in support of DSP (Defense Support
Program).
After technical training at Lowry AFB, I spent 3
years at Holloman AFB in New Mexico with the 4th
Space Warning Squadron, a mobile unit whose
mission was to provide immediate, worldwide
missile warning, space launch and detection in the
event of an attack against the United States.
I completed my enlistment in 1998, after 2 years at
Buckley ANGB, Colorado with the 2nd Space
Warning Squadron–the primary DSP ground
station in the continental United States. The
mission of this squadron was to detect ballistic
missile launches using DSP satellites, reporting
launch information to NORAD.

Gary Netherland
U.S. Army Corporal, Military Police (1988-1992)
Avaya Client Service Manager

I served from September 1988 to September 1992.
I spent three years at Pohakuloa Training Area
(PTA) on the Big Island of Hawaii and one year at
Johnston Island (JI) in the South Pacific. Both duty
stations were incredible experiences and I think
about my time there often.

Chuck Neumann
U.S. Navy SEALs / SEAL Team One (1976-1980)
Avaya Senior Product Manager

I served from 1976 to 1980 at SEAL Team One
right after high school, spending much of my time
training FBI agents, U.S. Customs agents, and
Allied special warfare teams in the Pacific region.
I also supported the mammals program and
represented the U.S. Navy at the Hawaiian World
Ironman Championships, NBC‘s Survival of the
Fittest, and Special Warfare Pentathlon Team.
I served short active duty time during the Gulf War
to support special warfare activities in Korea and
the Philippines.

Wayne Nickless

U.S. Navy Aviation Ordinanceman 2nd Class (1967-1971)
Avaya System Applications Specialist

I served from 1967 to 1971 in Southeast Asia with
A-4 squadron VA-66 on the U.S.S. Intrepid, and
with VA-66 in the Mediterranean onboard the
U.S.S. Forrestal. My last year of active service was
in Iceland.

U.S.S. Intrepid

Curtis Nunn
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. E-6
Avaya Professional Services, Senior Consultant, Technical Delivery

I served nine years in the U.S. Army as Satellite
and Microwave communications Technician.
During the early part of my career, I was stationed
in Arizona, assigned as a Troposcatter Radio
Systems Engineer. During that time, I was able to
travel all over the West Coast setting up systems
to enable soldiers to communicate long distances.
During the middle part of my career, I was selected
for an assignment with NATO and stationed in
Germany. The experience over those three years
was something I will never forget. I worked
alongside soldiers from England, France,
Germany, and Canada, which really opened my
eyes up to how other international military
branches function. (continued)

Curtis Nunn

(continued)
During the last three years of my military career, I
was lucky enough to be assigned to the largest
Satellite Unit on the East Coast, located just
outside of Washington D.C. We were responsible
for all Voice and Data traffic transmitted or received
between the U.S. and Europe. This assignment
also allowed me to obtain a Top Secret security
clearance.
My last year in the service was the most rewarding
experience I have ever had in both military and
civilian life. I was assigned to the United States
Secret Service as a Communications Technician,
and my duties were to support the 1992
Presidential Campaign. (continued)

Curtis Nunn

(continued)
I was lucky enough to meet President Clinton and
Presidential candidate Pat Buchanan. This
assignment allowed me to stay in many 5-star
hotels and resorts that I may never have a chance
to go back to, as well as visit many different states.
I also had the pleasure of working side-by-side with
some really great Secret Service agents.

Carl Payne
U.S. Marine Corps Combat Photographer

Photo taken in Helmand Province, Afghanistan,
October, 2010

William Pascoe

U.S. Army Reserve, Engineers – Port Constriction (1968-1972)
Avaya Sales Engineer SI/SP

I served six years in the U.S. Army Reserve
Engineers during the Vietnam era as a Platoon
Sergeant in a Port Construction Company (801st
Engineers - PC) based out of the Presidio, San
Francisco and Fort Baker in Marin County.
Tough duty you may think, but even though we
were never sent to Vietnam for action, it always
hung over our heads as something that was
imminent. Our team actually rebuilt the Presidio
Officers Yacht Club, which is directly under the
Golden Gate Bridge in Fort Baker.

Tia Perry
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. (1985-1992)
Avaya Technical Support Systems Engineer

Following the footsteps of my paternal grandfather
Clifford Dumont, who was in WWII, and my father,
Gary Dumont, who spent 24 years in the USAF
and is now retired, I joined the military to travel the
world and get an education.

I was stationed at McClellan AFB in the 1849th
squadron and I traveled all over the United States
installing cryptographic equipment.
The job experience I learned in the service led me
directly to my career here at Avaya on the JANUS
program, where we travel the world and install
communications equipment.

Donald Ray

U.S. Air Force Sgt. (1971-1975) – Aircraft Radio Specialist
Avaya Sales and Technical Support Operations

I served at McGuire AFB in New Jersey from 1971
to 1973.
I volunteered to serve on flying recon aircraft in
Vietnam, but as the conflict was winding down, I
ended up being relocated to Zweibrucken AFB in
Germany from 1973-1975.
This is a picture taken this spring, when I took my
father, a WWII and Korean War veteran, to
Washington D.C. on the Inaugural Honor Flight for
WWII veterans from the Syracuse, New York area.
May God bless all service personal and their
families.

Dennis Roger
U.S. Air Force Sgt.
Advanced Solutions Architect, Avaya

Terry Schurman
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. (1970-1978)
Avaya Senior Technician

I enlisted in November, 1970, during the Vietnam
War era, serving as an Air Traffic Controller
stationed at McConnell AFB, Kansas.
I worked with F105‘s fighter bombers that all
headed to Vietnam/Thailand in 1972 to resume the
bombing of North Vietnam.
I reenlisted and went to West Berlin, Germany,
where I worked with French and British military
controllers to direct civilian and military aircraft in
and out of occupied West Berlin.
My next assignment was at Castle AFB, California,
the largest B-52 training base and a West coast
defense fighter location for F106‘s. I left the service
in November 1978.

W. Lee Smith

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class, 1st Tactical Fighter Wing (1976-1978)
Avaya Professional Services Technical Delivery Readiness Manager
I served in the U.S. Air Force during peace time, in
the 1st Tactical Fighter Wing as an A-Shop Avionics
Maintenance troop supporting the Radar, Heads
Up Display and Inertial Navigation systems. The
Air Force educated me in Fundamental
Electronics, Solid State theory, Digital Techniques
and troubleshooting.
We were at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia and
participated in various temporary duty assignments
elsewhere. The F15 was then the newest fighter in
the USAF inventory. It was a real high-performance
machine in that it was the only jet that could gain
speed going straight up.
I never was able to go for a ride.

Serving in the military was a great experience.

Tobin Solkey
U.S. Army Sgt. (1985-1993)
Avaya Channel Account Manager

I had to opportunity to serve in the U.S. Army from
1985 to 1993 as a Sergeant in the military
intelligence field. A highlight would definitely be
serving in the Persian Gulf War in 1990 and 1991.

Laura Sorrell

U.S. Navy Air Traffic Controller, 2nd Class (1993-1997)
Avaya Senior Manager, Global Client and Field Services

I served in the U.S. Navy from January 1993 to
October 1997. I served my final two years as an Air
Traffic Controller overseas on a non-U.S., nonNATO base.
We were not permitted to fly the American flag,
except on the quarterdeck on base (inside) and at
the U.S. Independence Day festivities (outside)
one day each year. What had always been
something I took for granted and therefore spent
no time thinking about, was now forbidden.

This helped me to look at the military in a very
different way than I had previously. Seeing my
country‘s flag fly once each year in the wide open
really brought home the sacrifices so many had
made before me, not only for the US but those that
served for every country. (continued)

Laura Sorrell

U.S. Navy Air Traffic Controller, 2nd Class (1993-1997)
Avaya Senior Manager, Global Client and Field Services

(continued)
I was very young when I served and did not realize
that I, too, had made a sacrifice. I just knew I
missed my family, not seeing them for nearly 2
years!
Every country has its veterans, no matter which
side of the war/conflict/issue they served. All
honorable veterans should feel proud of what they
have done for their country.

Scott Spaulding
U.S. Navy Lieutenant
Avaya Leader, WINDSTREAM Channel Sales

My last tour of duty in the U.S. Navy was as
Officer-In-Charge of four Landing Craft Air
Cushions (LCACs), two Landing Craft Utilities
(LCUs), a Beach Party Team (BPT), three officers
and 95 personnel.

I was responsible both administratively and
operationally for the planning, execution, and
tracking of all surface amphibious operations.
I successfully planned and executed more than 20
amphibious missions in the Pacific Rim and
Arabian Gulf. This experience helped me to
understand and be a leader of operation
excellence as I transitioned into becoming a
civilian.

Kenneth Stahl

U.S. Navy Cryptologic Technician 2nd Class (1970-1977)
Avaya Senior Consultant
I served from November 1970 until July 1977. In
the early part of my service, I was based out of the
U.S. Naval Communications Station in San Miguel,
Philippines but spent most of my time detached to
units operating in the Vietnam theater of
operations.
This included a period where I was stationed at the
Naval Security Group Detachment at Phu Bai in
South Vietnam, and then a year where I rotated
among several different cruisers operating in the
Gulf of Tonkin.
Subsequently, I finished my time in the service at
the U.S. Naval Communications Station at Rota,
Spain where I was involved in communications
security activities and was often deployed to ships
in the 6th Fleet when they were conducting
exercises, which sometimes included other NATO
nations.

Jim Stevens
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4, Pilot/Flight Examiner (1963-1988)
Senior Manager, Avaya North America Proposal Team

I served 25 years, starting out as a Crypto Officer.
After two years, I became a pilot, then an instructor
pilot, then a Flight Examiner.
I trained many Vietnamese and American pilots. I
served two tours in Vietnam.
In 1983, I was the U.S. Army‘s pilot of the year in
Korea. I also served two tours in the Executive
Flight Detachment in Washington, D.C.
I completed my military career at the Pentagon as
the U.S. Army Action Officer for pilot training.

Dan Storz
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. (1965-1969)
Avaya Project Manager

I went through Paris Island 3 days after graduating
from high school, then off to Cuba for 6 months.
I was then at Marine Barracks Clarksville,
Tennessee. I was an E4 Corporal when I arrived in
Vietnam, and made Sergeant that April, going from
Right Guide to Platoon Sergeant by October.
I had to take over command of my platoon three
times due to casualties. I always wondered why I
made it back, when 44 of our men in the Company
did not, and another 125 were wounded.
I am thankful to have landed with South Central
Bell when I got home, and to know so many folks
through these 44 years. (continued)

Dan Storz
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. (1965-1969)
Avaya Project Manager

(continued)
I am proud to have served and am proud to be part
of our family at Avaya.
Since coming home, I‘ve met with many families
who have lost loved ones, and keep up with my
guys at E/2/7 and have been their Chaplain over
the years.
I was called Sergeant Story the whole time in
Vietnam due to my first Platoon Sergeant not being
able to pronounce my name correctly. I am still
known as Sergeant Story today by my men and
Vietnam friends.

Mike Stukas

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt., 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion (1989-1994)
Avaya QA System Test Engineer

I served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1989 to
1994, which included a deployment to Iraq for
Desert Storm. I joined the Marines to serve my
country, do all that cool stuff you see in
commercials and heal from my Dad‘s unexpected
death.
As a member of a Reconnaissance unit, life was
about discipline, challenges and teamwork. The
training was grueling, but the adventure was what I
had always dreamed about. (continued)

Mike Stukas

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt., 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion (1989-1994)
Avaya QA System Test Engineer

(continued)
My service highlights included helicopter-based
operations, such as Helocasting and SPIE (Special
Patrol Insertion/Extraction), amphibious operations
and mountain patrolling.
I am honored to be associated with all these Avaya
veterans and I am truly humbled to be a part of the
history of the United States Marine Corps. For all
those warriors fallen, missing or wounded in
battle... You Are Not Forgotten. Semper Fi.

Michael Tolomeo
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. (1976-1992)
Avaya Senior Technician

Troy Twigg
U.S. Army

This photo was taken in Ghazni Province,
Afghanistan in 2008.

Manuel Valdez
U.S. Army

George Van Meter
U.S. Air Force, Missile Systems Analyst Technician
Avaya Sales Support Engineer

Doug Vanner
U.S. Army Sgt. (2000-2004)
Avaya Aura Workforce Optimization Senior Solutions Architect

Serving in the U.S. Army was the most beneficial
decision I've made in my life.
For 4 years, I served my country in Georgia and
South Korea, and came out the other side with
great experiences I could not get anywhere else,
and lessons that still strike true today.

Michael Vieau

U.S. Navy Sonar Technician 1st Class (1973-1991)
Avaya Professional Services PDS Implementation Consultant

I deployed aboard the:
U.S.S. Lafayette (SSBN-616) on 9 Deterrent
Patrols.
U.S.S. George Washington (SSN-598) supporting
Special Operations.
U.S.S. Sam Houston (SSN-609) supporting
Special Operations.

Cary Walker
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. (1985-1998, 2006-2007)
Avaya Technical Instructor

I served in the U.S. Army from 1985 to 1998.
However, my most memorable time was when I
was called back to Active Duty in 2006. From April
2006 to October 2007, I was involved with
Operation Iraqi Freedom and spent 12 months in
Iraq.
There was a three month overlap in which my son
was stationed on the same FOB (Forward
Operating Base) as me, just outside of Balad, Iraq.

Michael Winget
U.S. Navy Administration Specialist

Michael Wood

U.S. Army Communications Chief, 82nd Airborne (1975-1991)
Avaya Manager, Knowledge-Centered Support

I learned a real lesson in teamwork at 3 a.m. on a
nice, cool (34 degrees Fahrenheit) January
morning in 1976.
I was in airborne school. We were placed in
formation, ordered to fill up our steel pots with sand
and then throw the sand on the brightly-polished
floor of our barracks.
We did this for about 30- to 45 minutes. At the
same time, the ―Black Hats‖ – our Airborne
Instructors – tossed our equipment and personal
effects throughout the barracks.
They mixed it up really well. At 4 a.m., we were told
to have the barracks ready for a white glove
inspection at 6 a.m. (continued)

Michael Wood

U.S. Army Communications Chief, 82nd Airborne (1975-1991)
Avaya Manager, Knowledge-Centered Support

(continued)
We knew the consequences of not being ready.
We all learned very quickly how to work as a team,
although that was not obvious to us as at the time.

It is amazing what can be accomplished when
everyone is striving for a common goal and failure
is not an option. We were successful. Our reward?
"Only" an 8 mile run, instead of 12 miles.

Paul Yost

U.S. Navy Interior Communication Petty Officer 2nd Class
Avaya Senior Project Manager

Veterans Day 2013

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