For Immediate Release

Retiring Reservist Grateful to McCallie Associates

 

By Beth Sherman, Staff Writer

 

Carolyn Wendover knows that she could have never completed 28 years of service with the Air Force Reserve without the strong support of her employer, McCallie Associates.

 

“I never felt like I had to make a choice,” said Wendover, who recently retired from the Air Force Reserve at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. 

 

Wendover, a senior software engineer, has been employed by McCallie Associates, Inc. for 18 years. The Bellevue, Nebraska company is an information technology and operational support provider to the Department of Defense and commercial customers.  When Wendover’s unit was mobilized for 11 months, she knew it would be difficult on the company. While her unit remained nearby at Offutt Air Force Base, she was able to stay in contact with her bosses after they provided her with a laptop and a cell phone.

 

“It was a tremendous stress reliever. This is how I support my family and I knew coming off the military duty I would need to step right back into my old job.”  Wendover explained.

 

Wendover, a single parent of three children, says McCallie Associates has always gone above and beyond when it comes to their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.  The company provides pay differential, continues most benefits and sends care packages to family members of Associate’s who have been sent to serve in the war effort.  This single mom says she knows she’s lucky for the support the company has given her.

 

“It made the difference between staying in past 20 years and getting out perhaps before 20,” added Wendover.  “Our primary focus is our day to day civilian job and we can’t jeopardize that. If employer support isn’t there, I think the military would suffer.”

 

When Wendover took command of her unit, the company developed a flex time policy for her.  When duty called, they understood.

 

“There is no way we can pay back our servicemen and women for what they have given up for us,” said Shirley Hindman, the human resource director for McCallie Associates. 

“It is our honor to give back and to support them in any way possible-not only to our Reservists, but to give back to our country for all she has given us.”

 

Representatives of McCallie Associates’ human resource department also participate in the Transition Assistance Program at Offutt AFB, providing assistance in resume building and mock interviews to separating servicememebers hoping to find employment in the civilian community.  Roughly one third of their employees have military backgrounds.

 

"Our military employees add tremendous value to our company because of their in-demand skills and their government security clearances,” said Jennifer Maassen, President and CEO of McCallie Associates.  “They are dependable and loyal employees in a business where 25% turnover is the norm.”

 

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense organization established to gain and maintain active support from all public and private employers.  For more information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs or ESGR volunteer opportunities, please call 800-336-4590 or visit our website at www.esgr.mil.