Mary Baker, Retired Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, 1989–2013 

This Veterans Day, we thank the extraordinary people who serve in our armed forces, especially the veterans of JEO who use their skills gained in serving our country to help communities thrive.  

Our own Mary Baker, a retired master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, shares her perspective on how being a military veteran has impacted and shaped her career.  

My Military Story 
After high school, I joined the Nebraska Air Guard to help pay for college. The Guard benefits included 75% tuition assistance and a student loan repayment program in exchange for a minimum service commitment. During my first six years, I earned my bachelor’s degree and re-enlisted for another term, as I’d landed my dream job: flying as a boom operator on KC-135 tankers. For seven years, I had the chance to fly all over the world, from Okinawa and Turkey to Iceland, Curacao, and countless places in between. Before I knew it, I was approaching 20 years of service and decided to stay to qualify for military retirement benefits.

In the military, everything revolves around the mission. No matter your job, every role supports the unit’s objective. In my tanker unit, our mission was refueling other aircraft so they could complete their own. From crew chiefs to chefs, finance technicians to electricians, boom operators to pilots, everyone contributed to that goal. 

Parallels in Civilian Life at JEO 
At JEO, I’ve observed a similar dedication to teamwork and mission-driven focus, with each department and team committed to delivering the best results for our clients. Whether it’s business development, proposal coordination, project management, technical expertise, or accounting, every team member plays a vital role in providing top-quality service.

Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life 
Military life is intensely structured, and for good reason: When lives are on the line, there’s no room for error. Each branch of the military has core values guiding everyone’s actions and character. In the Air Force, these values are “Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All You Do.” These principles build a culture of trust, respect, and accountability, where everyone is expected to lead, regardless of rank. 

While the structure isn’t as stringent at JEO, the emphasis on integrity remains strong. Interns, team leaders, and department managers alike are encouraged to “do the right thing,” creating a culture of professionalism and strong character.

Shifting from a high-stakes environment with strict rules and chains of command to a more flexible civilian workplace was an adjustment. It’s like going from driving a sedan on the highway to being handed the keys to a Jeep and given free rein to go off-road. At JEO, I can manage my own schedule, and I enjoy the flexibility, but it’s definitely a change from what I was used to.

Veterans are often mission-focused and straightforward, which can sometimes come across as a bit intense. In our previous roles, that direct approach was essential to get things done. In civilian settings, we know it might feel a bit strong, but it comes from a genuine drive to complete tasks to the highest standard. Along with our hard work, we also value camaraderie and fun, something JEO supports and celebrates.

Why JEO? 
Joining JEO has allowed me to continue serving others, this time by supporting communities across Nebraska and beyond. Having spent most of my life serving my country, working for clients with similar values has been a natural fit. I’m particularly passionate about helping rural communities complete meaningful projects. 

I’m grateful for the opportunity to work in different sectors over my career. After more than 24 years in the military and 12 years with state agencies, I’ve gained unique perspectives. Veterans bring varied experiences that make us well-rounded and situationally aware. Traveling and experiencing different cultures has given me a fresh view of my hometown and the Midwest, and I feel truly blessed to work in such a great industry with wonderful communities, clients, and colleagues. 

Mary Baker is a resiliency strategist at JEO. With deep knowledge of FEMA operations and disaster recovery operations, Mary helps our clients prepare for the unexpected – and recover quickly in the event of disaster.