In honor of Veterans Day, I want to reflect on the meaning of service and to recognize those among us who have worn the uniform of our nation.
You all know that I am a huge supporter of veterans. I grew up in an Army household, moving nearly every year — five states and two locations in Germany before I entered high school. Those experiences taught me adaptability, respect for other cultures and deep appreciation for service and community. They also sparked my lifelong wanderlust and my admiration for those who dedicate themselves to something greater than themselves.
When you ask a military “brat” where they’re from, there’s usually a pause. It’s not hesitation, it’s reflection. We sift through memories of many homes, schools and friendships scattered across the map. We are actually from everywhere!
That spirit of service is woven into the fabric of AME. Every day, I see it in our members, volunteers and partners — the people who give time, energy and heart to make others better. Nowhere is that more evident than in the stories of three Marines who continue to serve today through AME.
Ryan Beverly: The servant leader who still runs toward the mission
For Ryan Beverly, the call to serve came early. Growing up overseas, he often saw Marines guarding the U.S. embassy; poised, disciplined and purposeful. That image shaped his future.
From 2001 to 2013, Ryan served as an advanced aircraft electrical instrument and flight control systems technician, repairing every aircraft in the Marine fleet.
His leadership journey was forged through trial and humility. When first promoted to Sergeant, he stumbled under the weight of new responsibility until a Master Sergeant introduced him to the practice of servant leadership.
“He showed me how to lead,” Ryan recalls. “It wasn’t a magic button, but it got me started.” That mentorship reshaped his understanding of leadership as service, not control.
Today, Ryan applies those lessons in industry. His approach is patient and pragmatic: plan first, act second. “I’d rather spend three months planning and one month doing than the other way around,” he says.
His calm presence under pressure, paired with humor and humanity, makes him a natural culture-builder. “Marines bring the crayons,” he jokes, a reminder that even disciplined teams need joy.
For Ryan, serving on the AME conference committee is simply another mission to pay it forward and strengthen a community built on learning, teamwork and shared growth.
Notes from Ryan:
- Servant leadership in action: The Marine Corps wasn’t just training. It was transformation. His lesson now echoes through AME: leadership begins when ego ends.
- Planning before doing: “I’d rather spend three months planning and one month doing than start without a plan and waste a year.”
- Continuous improvement requires patience and preparation: Excellence isn’t speed. It’s direction, clarity and readiness.
Humor, humanity and humility: “Marines bring the crayons. Seriously, though, our sense of humor is underappreciated. Being able to laugh at work is important. Behind the discipline and drive is humanity. Laughter, humility and shared joy are part of every resilient culture.” - Paying it forward: “People have done incredible things for me throughout my life. Paying it forward is a big part of my identity.”
Dana Presley: Leading with courage and commitment
When Dana Presley joined the United States Marine Corps at 18 years old, he was seeking a way to fund his education and chose the most elite path available.
Serving from 1986 to 2006 as a V-22 avionics technician, he maintained the electrical and avionics systems that kept aircraft mission-ready and safe.
A defining influence in his twenty-year career came from Lieutenant Colonel Gene Conti, who modeled how care and engagement could drive extraordinary results. From him, Dana learned that courage and commitment aren’t abstract ideals; they’re daily practices. The courage to stand alone when needed and the commitment to see things through, no matter the challenge, became his compass.
Transitioning to civilian life meant redefining purpose, but Dana found it again through leadership that lifts others. He brings to AME the same relentless focus on root-cause problem-solving and team development that once guided his squadrons. His philosophy mirrors AME’s: servant leadership, discipline and diversity as engines for excellence.
“Teamwork is built on people,” he says, “and discipline ensures each member fulfills their role.” Today, Dana continues to live that truth- leading with empathy.
Notes from Dana:
- Shared spirit of service: “In the Marines, your job is to help others grow, developing new skills daily. That same spirit of continuous development is at the heart of AME’s mission.”
- Leadership as service: “A caring and engaged leader can inspire people to achieve extraordinary things.”
- Presley’s reflection captures the heart of both Marine Corps leadership and AME’s philosophy: “People don’t perform for authority; they perform for leaders who care.”
- Discipline and diversity: “A strong team thrives on both capability and cognitive diversity.” From squadrons to shop floors, Presley learned that discipline and diversity aren’t opposites; they’re multipliers of performance.
- The courage to care: “The courage to stand alone when necessary and the commitment to follow through, no matter the challenge.” Courage and commitment form the backbone of Presley’s life and work, and they define AME’s mission to drive change with integrity and resolve.
- Purpose after service: “It took time to discover that my mission in civilian life is to positively impact everyone I encounter.” From flight lines to factory floors, Presley found his new post-service mission, “spreading excellence through empathy and example.”
William Harvey: Raising the standard, building the future
William Harvey still remembers the moment that shaped his philosophy of excellence. During recruit training, he asked his drill instructor what the minimum number of pull-ups was.
The reply: “If I told you what the minimum was, which would you aim for?” That lesson — never aim low — became a lifelong standard.
Serving from 2001 to 2005 as an ammunition technician, William quickly advanced into a learning and development role, teaching and leading Marines before transitioning to civilian life. The Marine Corps instilled two enduring principles:
- Know yourself and seek improvement
- Know your people and look after their welfare
Those maxims now underpin his leadership as a plant manager and educator.
The transition from military to civilian work revealed a gap: the pace and precision of the Marines rarely exist elsewhere. “Perhaps that’s why continuous improvement is so alluring,” he reflects.
At AME, he found a home that shares his devotion to growth through disciplined learning and people-centered leadership. “Lifting others up so they can experience a more joyful life is my passion,” he says.
As chair of the AME Milwaukee 2026 Conference, he continues that legacy, rallying others to achieve what most consider impossible.
William shares, “Marines go first. As we look to the future of industry and humankind, rallying Marines is a sure way to accomplish what many think is impossible.”
Harvey’s words echo across the AME community: “Courage still leads the way, and Marines still charge toward what others call impossible.”
These three Marines and extraordinary AME members embody what it means to serve beyond the uniform: lifting others, building capability and ensuring that every mission ends in shared success. That’s what unites these three Marines and drives AME’s mission.
As we pause to honor Veterans Day, I encourage each of us to reflect on the lessons our veterans teach us every day: discipline, adaptability, teamwork and an unwavering commitment to excellence. These values are not only central to military service, but they are also at the heart of AME’s mission.
Finally, I’d like to personally recognize my father for his service in the U.S. Army, my nephew, who proudly wears the Army uniform today, my uncle, who served in the Marines, and all my previous veteran coworkers, who built aircraft carriers and submarines at HII Newport News Shipbuilding. I thank all our AME community veterans and family members who support them. Your service, your example and your continued leadership make us all better.
As always, please stay safe and keep looking out for one another.