Honoring Our Veterans

To put it simply, Metro Water Recovery would not be the same without our employees who have served in the armed forces. We’re proud of the nearly 40 Veteran employees working toward our mission of protecting the region’s health and environment by cleaning water and recovering resources. The value they bring to our organization touches nearly every department from Maintenance to Environmental Services to Administrative Services and beyond.

Human Resources Organizational Development Specialist Mike Holmes, a Veteran himself, explains further, “aside from real-world leadership experience, the value of our Veterans lies in their proven ability to learn new skills and concepts quickly. Our Metro Vets genuinely understand how teamwork evolves and grows; they know the importance being a part of something much bigger than themselves. Simply put, they know how to get the job done with the resources available to them, while almost always thinking outside the box.”

Today it’s our honor to recognize a few of the Veterans who help make Metro Water Recovery second to none.

Don Ekstein

U.S. Navy · Years of Service: 1984-2008

A true leader at heart, Don joined the Navy in search of travel and excitement and that’s just what he found. Starting in electrical and mechanical maintenance, Don quickly transitioned to being a crew member and eventually a Craftmaster in charge of operating a hovercraft. Thank you for the 24 years of service to our country!

Arlisa Michael

U.S. Army · Years of Service: 1988-1991

Like many Veterans, Arlisa leads by example. A genuine collaborator, she is appreciated for her all-hands-on-deck approach. We love working alongside Arlisa and are honored to recognize her this Veteran’s Day! Fun Fact: Arlisa was stationed in Baumholder, Germany when the Berlin Wall came down on November 9, 1989.

Pat Stanley

U.S. Army · 22 Years of Service

US Army Veteran and Director of Resource Recovery & Reuse, Pat Stanley is a respected leader and is steadfast in his service to the community. We’ll let his reflection speak for itself:

“Throughout my career in the Army, I had some rough times, and some really great times. The Army taught me many lessons along the way, including how to be a leader, how to build camaraderie and teamwork, and how to plan and complete the mission. The greatest lesson I learned in the Army is something I reflect on still to this day, a simple saying that has helped guide me in the right direction: If you’re going to be stupid, you better be tough.”

Tawnya Thorfinson Bennett

U.S. Navy · Years of Service: 1991-1993

Tawnya is an Inventory Control Specialist in our warehouse where her leadership skills soar! However, her passion for service started way before her career at Metro, “I am a descendant of a long line of Veterans as far back as the American Revolution. I’ve ALWAYS felt an innate desire to serve this great nation.”

Today her dedication continues. She has spent years volunteering with organizations such as the Daughters of the American Revolution and Wreaths Across America and now helps veterans with physical and mental health.

Alberto Domingos

U.S. Navy · Years of Service: 2004-2009

Alberto Domingos, Electrical and Instrumentation Supervisor in our Maintenance Department, joined the Navy in search of a promising future outside of his hometown after high school. He soon found purpose as an electronics technician onboard the fast attack submarine USS Albuquerque, SSN-706. If you ask his team, Alberto is dependable, loyal, and determined.

Dan Pointon

U.S. Navy · Years of Service: 1984-1995

Dan Pointon served as a Boiler Technician and Gas Turbine Systems Mechanic in the Navy so it should come to no surprise that he’s a valued member of our Maintenance Department. He brings consistency and determination to his role. According to Dan’s team, ‘there’s not a problem that Dan can’t solve!’

Colleen Dempsey

U.S. Army · Years of Service: 1987-1993

Director of Human Resources, Colleen Dempsey served as a Transportation Officer followed by a Personnel Officer for a brigade of 3,500 soldiers. Colleen also received the Bronze Star during Operation Desert Storm in 1990-1991. To us, this is no surprise. Colleen represents integrity and accountability and is an admired leader.

So, here’s to you, our cherished service men and women, Happy Veterans Day!

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