This Veterans Day, we’re honored to spotlight the stories of three individuals whose lives have been shaped by military service—either directly or through family. Vinnie Gitto, a former Army cook, found purpose in serving his fellow soldiers and now channels his leadership skills in the civilian world, while advocating for stronger support for veterans. Cathy Kennedy, whose father served in the Army’s Secret Service, speaks from a family’s perspective on the importance of understanding and support for veterans and their loved ones, particularly through survivor benefits. Michael Silcox, a former Air Force Crew Chief, reflects on the discipline and purpose that guided his military and civilian careers. Their journeys remind us of the strength, adaptability, and sacrifice of those who serve—and underscore the vital importance of community support as they transition back into civilian life.
VINNIE GITTO
From a young age, Vinnie was inspired to join the military, fueled by a passion for aviation and a family legacy of service—his father served in both the Navy and Air Force. He enlisted in the Army and found his calling as a cook, where he learned valuable lessons about leadership and teamwork. As a squad leader throughout basic training, he embraced the importance of leading by example and treating his troops with respect.
Transitioning to civilian life was challenging; after being medically retired, he struggled for a year without work, adapting from an active military environment to a more sedentary role. The leadership skills he gained in the Army continue to serve him well in his career today, although adjusting to a desk job was initially difficult.
Throughout his transition, he connected with the VA and counseling groups, but he often relied on online resources to find job opportunities. He believes more initiatives could be implemented to better support veterans, particularly in addressing issues like suicide prevention and homelessness.
Looking back, he’s proud of the positive impact he had on his fellow soldiers through food service, understanding how crucial morale is to the military experience. As he reflects on his journey, he recognizes the need for better understanding between veterans and non-veterans, fostering open conversations and connections. While he’s uncertain about recommending military service to the next generation, he remains committed to supporting his fellow veterans and ensuring they know they’re not alone in their journeys.
CATHY KENNEDY
Cathy Kennedy’s father served in the Secret Service as part of the Army. By the time he married her mother, he had transitioned out of the military, but the influence of his service remained strong. He also graduated with two master’s degrees in three years. Despite his tough exterior, he kept much of his experience private, making it hard for them to navigate the challenges of his transition back to civilian life. For families of veterans, her advice is to seek out available support—recognizing that military experiences can have lasting effects. It’s also vital to ensure that veterans’ families are aware of survivor benefits; they can make a significant difference in times of need.
MICHAEL SILCOX
Michael Silcox served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves from June 1986 to 1999, following his high school graduation with just two weeks’ preparation before entering basic training. As a Crew Chief on the C-141 aircraft, his responsibilities mirrored those of a project manager—inspecting planes, diagnosing issues, collaborating with specialists, and overseeing maintenance work. Whether on the tarmac for takeoffs and landings or ensuring the smooth operation of the aircraft, he thrived in the structured, mission-focused environment.
What he valued most about his military service was the sense of purpose it gave him. Serving in the Gulf War (Desert Storm/Desert Shield) was a standout chapter in his career, where he felt immense pride in contributing to a collective effort.
Military life also instilled a deep appreciation for leadership and teamwork. He quickly learned the stark difference between good and bad leadership and made a point of gravitating toward those who led with integrity and skill. These lessons shaped his approach to leadership in civilian life.
His transition to civilian life was seamless—thanks to his ongoing reserve duties, which kept him connected to the military. He found the structure and discipline of military life easily adaptable to his civilian career, specifically when it came to learning new skills, working long hours, and tackling challenges head-on. College tuition reimbursement programs were also beneficial during his transition and career development.
When asked what advice he would offer to someone considering a military career, he stresses the importance of passion and dedication. “You get out of it what you put in. It’s challenging, but it’s also incredibly valuable,” he advises.
