Halfaker & Associates

News

November 2009

Halfaker and Associates’ CEO Honored Guest at the Department of Labor 2009 Annual Salute to Veterans

Department of Labor Guests
Ceremony participants included: Top Row (L-R) Deputy Secretary of Labor Seth Harris, Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Dennis F. Hightower, Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary W. Scott Gould, Secretary Solis, and Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training Service Ray Jefferson; Bottom Row (L-R) Captain (Ret.) Dawn Halfaker, Senator Daniel Akaka, and Command Sergeant Major Michele S. Jones

Washington, DC—On November 5th, 2009, Halfaker and Associates’ CEO, Dawn Halfaker, participated as an honorary guest during the panel discussion with Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis at the Department of Labor 2009 Annual Salute to Veterans.

During the panel discussion, Dawn reflected on what it means to be a Veteran and how her military service helped prepare her to overcome her life’s greatest challenges and developed her into a great leader. She also offered advice to service members leaving the military on how to succeed in today’s economy and discussed important lessons learned throughout her life’s journey.

For Dawn, being a Veteran is humbling as she associates Veterans with heroism, bravery and courage. After leading soldiers in the heat of combat, suffering severe wounds, having lost good friends in combat, and witnessing the costs of war at Walter Reed, she proudly considers herself a Veteran and has internalized the commitment of putting the country ahead of herself.

Halfaker and Associates believes that Veterans are excellent employees because they are experienced in working through adversity, have a strong sense of teamwork and know that failing to accomplish the mission is not an option. She encourages newly separated soldiers to follow their passions. Halfaker feels blessed that she was able to find something she loves doing and is able to continue working with military personnel in support of the military mission. The Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis, is also dedicated to helping Veterans, “On the battlefield, our Soldiers pledge to leave no Soldier behind. Our pledge is…and always must be…to leave no Veteran behind.”

To view additional photos from the event, please visit: http://www.dol.gov/dol/media/photos/slideshows/20091105-salute.htm