News
Honoring Those Who Served: Recognizing the Veterans and Servicemembers on Our Team
Stern Co. is proud to recognize four members of our team who have served our country. This Veterans Day, we honor Bruce, Justin, Thomas, and Ed and thank them for their dedication, sacrifices, and commitment to serving something greater than themselves.
The freedoms, opportunities, and privileges we enjoy every day are made possible, in large part, by the courage, commitment, and sacrifices of the men and women who have served our country. Their willingness to put the needs of our nation ahead of their own, often facing extraordinary challenges and spending time away from the people they love, is something we should never take for granted.
This Veterans Day, Stern Co. extends its sincere gratitude to all who have worn the uniform of our nation's armed forces. We recognize not only those who have served, but also the families and loved ones who have supported them along the way. Their sacrifices are an important part of the commitment that comes with military service.
We are especially proud to recognize four members of the Stern Co. team whose military service represents decades of dedication, leadership, and commitment to our country. Each has a unique story and a meaningful history of service. We are honored to work alongside them and grateful for the experience, character, and perspective they bring to our organization.
Bruce Saunders | United States Air Force
31 Years of Military Service | Retired Senior Master Sergeant (E-8)
Bruce began his military career in 1976, immediately after high school, joining the Massachusetts Army National Guard as a Combat Photo-Journalist. In 1981, seeking a greater commitment to military life, he transitioned to active duty with the United States Air Force, beginning a distinguished 31-year military career.
Throughout his service, Bruce was stationed at locations across the United States and around the world, including New York, Guam, Texas, South Korea, Hawaii, and Germany. His assignments included deployments to Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm and a special duty assignment with the Department of Defense's Mapping Agency in Germany, where he directed overseas map distribution operations supporting military missions during Desert Storm and the War in Iraq.
One of Bruce's most significant contributions came during his assignment to Osan Air Base in South Korea. There, he led the development and implementation of the Air Force's Hazardous Material Pharmacy Program, establishing a system for managing hazardous materials throughout their lifecycle. Following its successful implementation across the Air Force, Bruce was asked to share his expertise with the Army as it developed its own program. The program continues to operate across all branches of the military today.
Bruce completed his military career as Chief of Logistics for the Air Force Weather Agency at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. He retired from active duty in 2007 at the rank of Senior Master Sergeant (E-8).
Throughout his career, Bruce demonstrated leadership, innovation, and a commitment to improving the operations that support our nation's military. We are grateful for his 31 years of service and the experience he brings to our team.
Justin Schofield | United States Army
8 Years of Military Service | Sergeant (E-5)
Justin enlisted in the United States Army in 1989 as a Military Policeman. Following his training, he was stationed at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, where he developed specialized skills in traffic accident investigation and accident reconstruction.
Justin later received protective services training and served as a security escort and bodyguard for high-ranking military generals and government officials. During this assignment, he also provided security for several notable individuals, including the Governor of Colorado, Martina McBride, and the band Heart.
During Desert Storm, Justin served as a squad leader, taking on several responsibilities, including reconnaissance. His mission involved identifying enemy positions and ensuring areas were clear before his platoon advanced, helping protect the soldiers who followed.
Justin was later selected for the opportunity to attend Army Ranger School. Unfortunately, injuries sustained during his service prevented him from pursuing that path and ultimately brought his military career to an end. He completed eight years of proud service, finishing his military career at Fort Carson, Colorado, as a Sergeant (E-5). He subsequently transitioned into a successful civilian law enforcement career.
When reflecting on his military service, Justin is especially mindful of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. He offers this message: "God Bless to those who never got to come home, as they are this country's true heroes."
We are proud to recognize Justin for his service, his dedication to protecting others, and his continued commitment to serving his community.
Thomas Heth | South Dakota Army National Guard
9 Years of Service | Specialist (E-4)
Thomas proudly serves in the South Dakota Army National Guard, where he has dedicated the past nine years to serving his state and country.
Throughout his time in the Guard, Thomas has participated in a variety of operations and missions, including border patrol, snow removal, and emergency rescue efforts in Rapid City. His service has also taken him to numerous locations for military training, including Devils Lake, North Dakota; Guernsey, Wyoming; Fort Bliss, Texas; and Romania.
As a current member of the South Dakota Army National Guard, Thomas continues to answer the call to serve, bringing dedication, discipline, and a willingness to step up when his community and country need him.
We are grateful for Thomas's continued service and proud to have someone who remains actively committed to serving our state and nation as part of our team.
Ed Murley | United States Army
5 Years of Military Service | Sergeant (E-5)
Ed joined the United States Army in 1983, beginning his military career as a tanker. After completing basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, he went on to serve in several assignments, including Wiesbaden, Germany.
During his time in the Army, Ed worked his way through every position within a tank, serving as the loader, driver, and gunner before ultimately becoming the Tank Commander. His experience gave him a firsthand understanding of every role required to operate as a team and accomplish the mission.
Ed completed his military service in 1988 at the rank of Sergeant (E-5), having served five years in the United States Army.
We appreciate Ed's commitment to our country and are proud to recognize his service and the dedication he continues to bring to our team.
Thank You for Your Service!
Bruce, Justin, Thomas, and Ed represent different branches, generations, experiences, and paths of military service. Yet they share something important: a willingness to step forward and serve something greater than themselves.
Their contributions to our country are something we deeply respect, and we recognize that their service would not have been possible without the support and sacrifices of their families and loved ones. To their families, thank you for standing beside them and sharing in the commitment that military service requires.
To Bruce, Justin, Thomas, and Ed, thank you for your service, your sacrifices, and your dedication to our country. We are proud to have you as members of our team.
And to all veterans, active service members, and military families: Thank you. We are forever grateful.