Veterans Day: Saluting those who have served
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Diana Freibert says she joined the
military for its education benefits but left with a different perspective on
freedom. In 1975, the Vietnam War had ended and Freibert was working full time
and going to college. Her boss had retired from the Air Force and mentioned she
should join, saying the military could help pay for her education. A military
career was also in Freibert’s blood, as her father was in the Air Force and
retired from the Air National Guard. Freibert joined the Air Force and was
stationed at Plattsburgh AFB for 2½ years. She was assigned to the warehouse
and was in charge of pulling stock for orders. Freibert was just one of 50
women out of 5,000 airmen stationed at Plattsburgh.
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| Diana Freibert holds a photograph of her standing next to her father |
The
U.S. Department of Defense reports that women make up 15 percent of the active duty
military. Freibert, who now serves as team leader of Environmental and
Transformer Services at LG&E and KU, says more women should join the
military ranks. “I would like to see parents mention the military as a good
opportunity to their daughters. College is very hard to pay for now, and many
students are leaving college with a very heavy debt,” said Freibert. “The
military offers tremendous educational benefits."
Thirty-two years after her Air National Guard service
ended, Freibert still sees her military training as an asset to LG&E and
KU. “You can send someone to training for teamwork or leadership in a civilian
context, but in the military you live teamwork and leadership and it is a
unique experience and opportunity,” she said.
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| Shane Miller and Diana Freibert |
In her current role, Freibert is a big supporter of
hiring qualified military veterans like Shane
Miller, records coordinator – Transformer Services. Miller joined the army
in 2003 “looking for direction in my life.” While on his second deployment in
Iraq, his Humvee came under attack and he was hit by a primary and secondary improvised
explosive device. Though he was not injured in the attack, Miller said other injuries
from his 8½ years of service prevented him from advancing within the military,
so he started looking for a civilian job. “The military brought me the
discipline, motivation and ambition to want to be better, to achieve my goals,”
said Miller. The Bronze Star recipient said it was hard to find a job at first,
until a neighbor mentioned applying to LG&E and KU. Miller started with the
company in November 2011. He not only works full time but he’s also completing
his bachelor’s degree at Sullivan University. “I am extremely grateful for
working for LG&E and appreciate the opportunities they give to
veterans. It’s nice to know there are
still some companies out there that care,” said Miller.
