Honoring Our Heroes: A Tribute to Legacy and Leadership on Veterans Day and Beyond
This blog gathers insights from Joseph Behling and Caitlin Riga. Explore Joseph's journey as a veteran of both the Navy and Air Force as he transitioned from military service to a corporate environment. Furthermore, learn from supporter, Caitlin, who discusses some of the challenges veterans encounter and highlights ways we can stay informed and make a positive impact.
Joseph Behling joined the Navy on June 7, 1988 and went to boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois, then to Gunner's Mate A school where he graduated at the top of his class. From there, he was assigned to Weapon Station Concord in California where he served until 1996 achieving the rank of Gunner's Mate (Guns) second class (GMG2).
He switched to the Air Force in 1996 and served at Hill Air Force Base (AFB) with the 419th Fighter Wing Communication squadron as a Computer Systems Operator until 2000. In 2000, Joseph moved to the Arkansas 223rd Combat Communications squadron through 2008 as a Computer Systems Operator and left as Master Sergeant (MSgt) Computer Systems Craftsman. Then, he moved to the 164th Air Lift Wing Communications squadron and served as the training non-commissioned officer (NCO) until 2010.
In 2010, Joseph moved back to Utah where he served with the 109th Air Control squadron as a Cyber Systems Operations Craftsman until October 13, 2012. Since retiring from the Air Force, he joined the American Legion in 2016. One year later, Joseph became the Chaplain for Post 56 and the coordinator of the Bonneville County memorial team. He says, "Serving in this role has been one of the greatest honors of my life."
Tell us about yourself.
I am a member of the ISG Strategy and Operations team where I am a security champion for our team. I am responsible for all things security, handling audits and helping our team shift left to think security first. I am based in Rigby, Idaho, but my team is spread around the globe.
What were some of the most rewarding aspects of your military service?
The love for my country is what motivated me to join the military. One of the most rewarding aspects was my deployment to Spain where I was able to provide communications for those in the desert, a communications line back to home. I also really enjoyed training the new airmen to be able to do their job.
What advice would you give to someone considering joining the military today?
That your career is up to you. The sky is only the beginning of your limits. Also, keep a copy of your records.
What challenges did you face transitioning from the military service to a corporate environment?
For me, it was breaking free from the day to day regiment of military duty. It was rigidly structured, and you cannot come and go like you do in the civilian world.
What type of impact has the Veterans and Supporters Employee Resource Group (ERG) had on your life as a veteran?
I love the fact that it gives me more opportunities to serve my fellow brothers and sisters in arms.
How does Dell Technologies support veterans in their transition from the military to civilian careers?
With the help of our ERG, it gives a place that veterans can come to and have a group that really understands them.
Caitlin Riga has been with Dell Technologies for almost 19 years. Majority of her career was in Services Sales Operations. Ultimately, she joined the Finance Rotation Program (FRP) which is what lead her to her current role on the CFO of the Future team, leading Skillset Transformation. She is based in Massachusetts and works out of 176 in Hopkinton. In terms of Caitlin's role with the Veterans and Supporters ERG, she is a supporter. Both of her grandfathers served in the military in WWII and her younger brother, Colin, was in the Army Infantry and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom V.
What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing veterans today?
Veterans are still not receiving the care they deserve. I am especially concerned about how we as a country are addressing mental health care for our service members, veterans and their families. When one person in the family serves, the whole family inevitably serves and is affected in different ways. Thankfully, there are many great nonprofits helping with this, but I would hope to see the Veteran Affairs (VA) government agency evolve. We can all help by driving awareness of these organizations and the benefits that they can provide our service members, veterans and their families.
How can the general public stay informed about the needs and issues that affect veterans?
Get to know a veteran or service member and ask what we as a country could do better to help them. Check out some of the nonprofits, understand their missions and see where you can help. Join the ERG - we are always looking for more volunteers!
What type of impact does this ERG have at Dell Technologies?
I co-lead the East Chapter with Joe Connors. I was approached by the ERG years ago due to my involvement with the Run to Home Base. Initially, I just promoted the Run to Home Base and drove awareness to get others involved. From there, I got much more involved in other events we run out of the east, from helping with toy drives, networking events, fundraising for numerous organizations and doing volunteer work at Veterans Inc. and the VA. This ERG gives our teammates who are in the military (or family/friend of) a place to connect, especially with helping follow service members transition from military life to corporate life, and an avenue to voice how supporters can best give back to our military members.
How has the ERG inspired you to make an impact?
I love how Dell Technologies supports ERGs and especially their charity matching. The organization that is most near and dear to my heart is Mass General and the Red Sox Foundations, Home Base. Home Base's mission is to heal the invisible wounds of war for our military members, veterans, first responders and their families. I have been supporting this organization for 14 years with fundraising and driving awareness of their program. Thanks to Dell, I have been able to amplify both the awareness of this organization and the fundraising. I would love to see our ERG be the number one fundraiser for the Run to Home Base!
Dell Technologies is extremely generous with not only giving us the opportunity to give back to our communities but encouraging us to do so! I love that Dell Technologies allows us to come together as an ERG and support our military friends and families. Allowing us the time and support is amazing in itself. The financial investment from Dell Technologies is a bonus!
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