Ever-Green Energy News

Veterans Day is the time to thank those who served our country for their hard work and sacrifices. At Ever-Green Energy, 25% of our workforce is made up of veterans.

Two team members shared how they use their skills from their service in their role at Ever-Green, what being a veteran means to them, and their advice to their fellow service members reentering civilian life.

Connecting Over Shared Experiences

Todd Switzer during his time in the Army

Todd Switzer, account engineer at Duluth Energy Systems, served active duty in the Marines for five years, followed by sixteen years in the Army Reserve. For his service during a year-long deployment in Afghanistan, he was awarded the Combat Action Badge and the Bronze Star.

Todd feels that working alongside other veterans creates a unique bond. “We can connect in a way others cannot,” he says. “We encountered experiences and situations during our service and that gives us a mutual respect and understanding towards each other.”

Joe Berthiaume

Joe Berthiaume, environmental health and safety specialist, believes that the skills homed in the military equate to trust in the workplace. Reflecting on his time as a Master-At-Arms in the Navy, he notes, “Every vet I meet has it together in a way that stands out. Success in the military requires you to take ownership of your function, operate as a team, and work through obstacles. To me, a vet is someone who can be trusted to handle things.”

Performing Well Under Pressure

Joe served in a force protection and law enforcement role in the United States and in Japan. His training in physical security and emergency response is something he applies in different ways in his role at Ever-Green.

“My time in the Navy required me to respond to potentially dangerous and tense situations, where the ability to keep cool and work toward de-escalation, when possible, was critical,” he explains. “In my role now, those same interpersonal skills help make interactions easier. If you can de-escalate a stressful situation in the service, you can certainly convince someone to wear PPE or adjust the way they work.”

“I use my skills I possess from my time in the service daily in my role at Ever-Green,” says Todd. “I was taught to have a ‘never quit’ attitude, to perform under pressure, and homed my leadership, work ethic, and technical training.”

Benefits to Seek and Apply to Civilian Life

Todd during his service in the Marines

Todd’s advice for other veterans returning to the workforce? Take your time to learn the balance from service to civilian life.

“You have to learn how to mesh the knowledge you have learned with others who have not had that same training. The skills you have acquired will apply to the civilian workforce, but civilians may not always respond to military-type leadership.”

Joe encourages vets to seek programming offered by the VA during the transition, including in some cases, continuing education. “I highly encourage those with access to VA benefits, such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill, to pursue education. I used mine to earn a bachelor’s degree and am currently working on a master’s degree. Education has opened many doors in my career.”

Pride in The Work

Both Todd and Joe take great pride in their roles in the military and at Ever-Green.

“Being a veteran brings me joy,” shares Todd. “I know I have served my country to the best of my ability.”

Joe puts it simply: “Serving allowed me to pursue the American dream in a way I’m not sure I could have otherwise. Now I’m living it and feel very grateful.”

For the eighth consecutive year, Ever-Green is proud to receive the HIRE Vets Gold Medallion Award from the US Department of Labor.

This award is the only federal-level veterans employment award recognizing a company’s or organization’s commitment to veteran hiring, retention, and development. Joe Berthiaume will be joined by Kris Johansen, District Manager of Duluth Energy Systems and fellow veteran, to accept the award at a ceremony in Washington, DC, in early 2027.

For more reflections from Ever-Green’s veterans, see this piece from 2024.