A Salute to Service: Pratt & Whitney Honors Veterans at Hangar Ceremony

November 04, 2014

In a large aircraft hangar at Pratt & Whitney's Connecticut headquarters, more than 300 employees and retirees took part in an appreciation event held last month to show gratitude to the company's veterans who served or are serving in United States military. The event was organized by Pratt & Whitney's newly formed "UTC-4-Vets" employee resource group.

"One of the most important traits of veterans, and the reason we recognize them, is their sense of commitment," said Matthew Bromberg, Pratt & Whitney Aftermarket president and U.S. Navy veteran. "Commitment differentiates and defines veterans. Commitment is the willingness and ability to drive a goal, devote to their country, to their team, to the mission, to themselves. It's what makes veterans unique.

"We want to show our commitment to these veterans," Bromberg said, standing in the front lobby of the hangar with a picture of Army veteran and Pratt & Whitney founder Frederick Rentschler hung behind him. "Our veterans have a commitment to the country, and a commitment to the company."

[Read the full text of Matthew Bromberg's remarks.]

Pratt & Whitney's dependable people, a large number of them veterans, have been part of the company's DNA for decades. America's success in combat can be linked, in part, to the people and products of Pratt & Whitney. By hosting this particular event, and with more planned in the future, organizers hope the thousands of Pratt & Whitney veterans feel valued for both their work and military contributions.

"Veterans have a strong sense of purpose. They like being part of something bigger then themselves, working toward a common goal," said Carrol 'Howie' Chandler, retired four-star United States Air Force general and Pratt & Whitney vice president, Business Development & Aftermarket Services, Military Engines. "This is why veterans can feel comfortable and thrive at Pratt & Whitney."

Dan Ward, a manager in Pratt & Whitney's Systems Design and Component Integration unit, supports Chandler's perspective. Ward, a Marine Corps reservist and president of UTC-4-Vets, said it's important for veterans to feel supported in both the public and private sector.

"Hiring military veterans makes good business sense," Ward said. "They bring a wealth of knowledge of the product and a tremendous work ethic. Pratt & Whitney veteran events like this pay tribute to all of the military men and women who served and now work at Pratt & Whitney. This is our way to say thank you for your service."

Respect was also given to employees lost during their time in the military, with a rededication of a World War II plaque. Those names now clearly seen on the hangar wall, and those that were in attendance, clearly share a common bond – a love of country.

Established in 2014, the United Technologies Coalition for Veterans (UTC-4-Vets), an employee resource group at Pratt & Whitney, strives to offer employee veterans and their families the tools and resources needed to excel in the workplace.

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, provides high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries. To learn more about UTC, visit its website at www.utc.com, or follow the company on Twitter: @UTC.