Veterans Day: Richard Robida
What branch of the military did you serve in, and for how long?
US Marine Corps (99-06) Medically Retired
What were your duties?
I held 2 Military Occupation Specialties. 6672 (Aviation Supply Specialist) where I supported Fixed Wing and Rotor Wing Squadrons with aircraft parts, support equipment and more to ensure mission readiness. I was also a Primary Marksmanship Instructor (8531) responsible for providing technical instruction and training on Marine Corps weapons to ensure combat readiness. Marines are required to qualify annually at distances of 200, 300 and 500 yards with open sights/iron sites (no scope). Stationed and deployed overseas in Okinawa, Japan, Guam, Australia and Korea, and Stateside in San Diego and Texas
What inspired you to join the military?
My father served 21 years in the Navy, and my older brother joined the Army prior to my graduation. We always knew education was the key to success, and the military afforded the opportunity to earn a degree at little to no cost, as well as serve the nation. I chose the Marine Corps because I wanted to be the best, and when I finished my service, I could tell future employers that I served in the greatest and most professional fighting force in the world. Semper Fidelis!
What does Veterans Day mean to you personally?
It means generations of selfless sacrifice, even when those sacrifices are not always known or understood by others. Veteran’s Day is a moment to reflect and honor those who volunteered and gave up their rights as they knew them for a greater good.
What drew you to Safran?
I actually sold MRO products to Safran, TurboMeca, MicroTurbo and Sagem Aviation in Grand Prairie, TX as a Grainger Account Manager, so when the opportunity was available, I leaned in with the hopes of joining such a large, well known entity and company.
What skills or values from your service do you apply in your role here?
Accountability, leadership, teamwork, punctuality, respect for authority, confidence are some that come to mind.
In your opinion, what do Veterans bring to the workplace?
You intrinsically get an employee that understands sacrifice and working problems and tasks to completion, not just to check a box. Most veterans have also lead teams and departments, so whether they are in a leadership role or not, you get someone who can provide valuable input and feedback to move the dial.
What’s a memorable experience from your time in service?
Oddly enough, seeing major storms on the other side of the world was eye opening, I grew up in N. Charleston, SC, so I saw major hurricanes growing up, but while stationed in Okinawa Japan, I went through 2 Super Typhoons, and to witness the wrath, but then the immediate snap to action and mission focused mentality, while in the aftermath, was something to behold. (Not to mention having to eat MREs for days from pallets….fun times)
What’s your proudest accomplishment — either in or out of uniform?
Accomplishing my goal of higher education. Raised by a single mother and career teacher with 3 Master’s Degrees, finishing my degree was the goal, even after I was Medically retired. With my GI Bill and additional Veterans Affairs benefits, I was able to complete my Bachelor’s Degree in 2011, then went on to get my MBA in 2015. Since my older brother did the same, my mother is the happiest and proudest she can be, still. As an added bonus, my benefits are also paying for my 20 year old daughter’s education as well.
One of our “Safran Together” values is Succeeding Together. How do you embody this in your role?
I work to relevantly engage with our customers to provide support and solutions to their needs, and often times, this requires multiple contact points (Apps Engineers, Sales Support, Field Support, Customer Support etc). I make it a point to align our customers directly to the source so we can synergistically come up with an answer or solution. This leads to multiple touch points for the customer, often times with the same person or team of individuals. I have had customers, on numerous occasions mention or ask for specific team members, as they are comfortable and have trust in partnering directly with our team. Our customers feel we are their partners, and there aren’t any hidden figures behind the curtain. Our team is their team.