By Dee Sharma, Director of Recruiting Services at Akima
Each Veterans Day, we honor those who’ve served—but at Akima, our commitment to veterans extends far beyond a single day. Veterans are a vital force in the federal workforce, bringing mission focus, leadership, and innovation that are essential to national security and government operations.
At Akima, this belief isn’t just talk, it’s reflected in how we recruit, train, and grow veterans across every business line.
Veterans: A Cornerstone of the Cleared Workforce
Veterans are more than employees—they’re proven leaders and problem solvers. Their experience in defense, logistics, cybersecurity, and IT makes them invaluable to federal missions. Their discipline and adaptability ensure every task is executed with precision and purpose.
From Service to Civilian Impact
Military service instills qualities that translate powerfully into civilian careers. But the transition isn’t always easy. Veterans often need to reframe their experience, navigate new structures, and find purpose outside the chain of command.
“Service doesn’t stop when active duty ends. It evolves into a different kind of leadership, turning lived experience into decisive action when it counts, said Melissa Gauntner, a veteran and THAAD system technical trainer at Akima. “When preparation meets opportunity, veterans realize their next chapter isn’t about starting over. It’s about applying what they’ve learned in new ways, building a legacy that continues to support a greater mission.”
Employers play a critical role in this journey. Structured career pathways, mentorship, and hands-on opportunities help veterans continue their mission of service—while bringing fresh ideas and leadership to the federal enterprise.
Building Bridges That Last
Supporting veterans means more than hiring—it requires long-term investment. Programs like Department of Defense (DoD) SkillBridge, Army PaYS, and TAP Centers help bridge the gap between military service and civilian employment, offering real-world experience and smoother transitions.
Since joining the DoD SkillBridge Program in October 2022, Akima has proudly hosted and hired 20 SkillBridge participants, with eight currently enrolled and one pending hire. Our first two participants completed their rotations in 2023 and transitioned successfully into full-time roles—demonstrating the program’s tangible impact.
At Akima, we go further by fostering mentorship and growth. Our veteran employees guide others through the transition, ensuring no one navigates it alone.
“Making the jump from military to civilian life isn’t easy—you’ve got to make the most of every resource out there,” says Dan Taylor, a veteran and program manager at Akima’s RiverTech. “Use TAP, lean on LinkedIn, and don’t undersell yourself. Mentorship—whether you’re giving or receiving—can shape your career in powerful ways.”
Veterans Drive Mission Readiness and Innovation
Across Akima’s companies, veterans lead critical efforts—from modernizing logistics and advancing cybersecurity to strengthening IT infrastructure. Their firsthand mission experience helps anticipate challenges and deliver solutions that enhance federal readiness.
At Fort Hood, Akima Support Operations relies on the expertise of its large veteran workforce to deliver mission-critical logistics under the U.S. Army’s EAGLE program with precision and reliability.
In our Compass Point portfolio, veterans lead all four Army Capabilities Manager (ACM) programs—Networks & Services, Cyber, Tactical Radio, and Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations—driving defense modernization with operational insight and mission focus.
A Strategic Investment in the Federal Workforce
Recognizing veterans isn’t just about gratitude, it’s a strategic investment. Veterans bring unmatched experience, integrity, and leadership that strengthen teams and deliver results. Their continued service ensures the federal workforce remains resilient, innovative, and mission ready.
At Akima, supporting veterans is a responsibility we take seriously—from transition to career growth. Their leadership sets the standard. Their experience drives innovation. And their service continues to shape the future of government.
To learn more about Akima’s commitment to veterans and programs like SkillBridge, visit at akima.com/veterans.
