During Veterans Day, Barron Collier Companies recognizes its team members who have gone above and beyond to serve their country. Their dedication, discipline, and integrity are all qualities we strive to exemplify in our business culture, and we consider it an honor for them to pursue their professional careers at Barron Collier Companies.
This year, Barron Collier Companies would like to highlight Ray Carter, an employee with Ave Maria Utility Company, a master-planned community developed by BCC. Carter served in the Naval Reserves for ten years and has been in the Air Force Reserves for the past four years. During deployment, Carter remarked that AMUC employees have been “extremely supportive of what I had to do prior to and during my leave.” He adds, “Matt in maintenance helped around the house and the AMUC team would text me and keep me informed about what was happening back in Ave Maria. I felt included and supported even while overseas.”
Carter’s recent responsibilities in the Air Force Reserves included maintenance work on power grids and aircraft arresting systems. His training included combat skills and Evasion Conduct After Capture (ECAC) training. His wife and two-year-old daughter missed him greatly but were able to connect via FaceTime. The importance of family is evident when speaking with him. His wife Kristen adds, “it’s awesome having him back. It was a long stretch.”
Several more team members within the company have completed service in the military. Alan Alexander in Information Technology served as a radioman and worked on crypto gear and special assignments from 1974- 1978. “The biggest impact of serving my country was meeting hardworking people…and my wife. We just celebrated our 47th wedding anniversary.”
Brad Stockham, Land Records Manager, was a Captain in the United States Army. “I look back on the training and missions with appreciation, especially for the camaraderie with other soldiers,” says Stockham. “I am so grateful to the soldiers who experienced far worse than I did in defense of our nation. I am also thankful to those soldiers who are separated from their families.”
Dennis Ramey, Mechanic Specialist with Ave Maria Utility Company, served in the US Navy as a Machinist Mate 3rd Class Petty Officer on the USS Enterprise. He states, “It was an honor to be able to serve my country. It also helped give me direction in life as far as my career. I would absolutely do it again.” Ramey comments that Veterans Day is important to remember those heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice as well as thanking those who served.
We are forever grateful to this special group of team members, for their commitment to their country and the sacrifices they made.
