Military Veterans are Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change with Leadership
November 8, 2023 Melissa Morgante, Head of People and Development, Americas at Ørsted
Each year at this time, we reflect on the sacrifices made by America’s veterans and their families and remember that the freedom we enjoy is the result of their selfless service. Veterans have safeguarded our national security and protected the values we hold dear, and our nation owes them an enormous debt. We have a responsibility to take care of those who took care of us with support, training, and employment opportunities when they return. At Ørsted, that is a responsibility we embrace because veterans are more than just a part of our workforce – they are our leaders, our changemakers, and some of our most accomplished employees.
With our Americas Region headquarters in Boston, Ørsted’s U.S. team is made up of nearly 800 dedicated employees working together toward a common purpose: building a world that runs entirely on green energy. With our growing portfolio of clean energy assets that include offshore wind energy, land-based wind energy, solar, storage technologies and e-fuels, Ørsted takes seriously our duty to build and shape the American clean energy industry. That means recruiting, supporting and putting to use the skills of veterans across the country.
The energy industry, including clean power generation like wind and solar, has a higher concentration of veterans than the overall workforce – 9% of workers in the energy industry are veterans, compared to 5% of the total American workforce. As the clean energy industry grows to meet our national energy goals there will be increasingly more opportunities for veterans to build our future energy system in all different sorts of roles.
The shared values, diverse skillsets, and leadership experience of former service members make them valuable assets to our own team. Veterans possess the ability to mitigate risk, evaluate options, think and act quickly, creatively and precisely, inspire others, and lead teams. The skills and strengths acquired in military service translate seamlessly to the work of deploying clean energy to change the world for the better.
We recognize that transitioning from active duty to civilian life can be difficult and presents a unique set of challenges, and therefore our commitment to veterans begins before they even walk through our doors. By working with veterans’ groups, attending career fairs, and partnering with educational institutions, we meet veterans where they are and work to find the right place for them in our organization – providing tools and training to ensure they can thrive not just in the growing wind and solar industry but also the transition to the private sector.
Once on our team, we provide veterans with continued mentorship and support though our Veteran Employee Resource Group – a strong community within our workforce. This group was also instrumental in expanding our number of paid volunteer time for all employees from one day to two, inspiring other team members to give back to their communities through service. We offer strong benefits including high-quality mental health resources for all our employees. We provide opportunities for growth, mobility, and advancement. And we provide a strong sense of duty and purpose that permeates everything we do – a mission to take on a challenge that impacts us all.
Climate change is among the most pressing issues of our time, and addressing it is no easy task. It requires innovation, willpower, creative thinking, and bold action. And accelerating the transition to clean energy is about more than our health and our environment – it is about energy independence and national security. There is no one more equipped to take on this challenge than those who have honorably served our country.
So as we close our offices in observance this Veterans Day, we are grateful for all those who have served America, and we reaffirm our commitment to helping them acclimate and thrive here at Ørsted. Our company – and our nation – are stronger thanks to their leadership. This Veterans Day weekend, I encourage everyone to find a way to recognize veterans for their service – thank a veteran you know, volunteer at an organization providing support services to veterans, or simply stop at your local VFW and ask a veteran about their experience. Our recognition and appreciation of their shared sacrifice is more important than ever.
You May Also Be Interested In
Thought Leadership
The 2023 Fierce Urgency of Now Festival: Convene. Connect. Create Impact.
This September, the festival will be a movement and gathering, bringing people together in person and virtually over the 5-day event.
Thought Leadership
The Chamber Proudly Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
The Chamber is profoundly proud of our Hispanic- and Latinx-owned businesses we are honored to call our members.
Women's Leadership
Women’s Leadership Program: Now is Your Time. Be Unstoppable.
I am just thrilled to deliver the commencement address on behalf of the “In-person” WLP Class of 2023 graduates.