United States Air Force Brigadier General Tracey Siems’ position at the company was secured three times during her 31-year military career. Tracey, an information security manager at State Farm, retired from the Air Force Nov. 1 after a robust career.

“I wanted to do something few people did,” Tracey said of deciding to attend the United States Air Force Academy. “I was in the ninth class to graduate women. That in itself was pretty groundbreaking.”

Tracey continued to make history through the Air Force, being only the third of three women to make the rank of brigadier general in the Financial Management and Comptroller career field. While serving as the finance officer during an operation in Germany in the 1990s, Tracey was in charge of providing monetary needs for fuel and landing fees for missions providing medical supplies and food to citizens when the Soviet Union was broken up into several smaller countries.

“We had 65 airlift missions to go into those countries taking medical supplies and food. We had to pay fuel and landing fees in cash, so I was responsible for getting paying agents on each plane and ensuring they had enough cash to pay for it. You don’t think of finance people as boots-on-the-ground people,” she remembered.

In her highest position as brigadier general, Tracey increased the amount of colonel positions underneath her position, “allowing more career paths all across the Air Force.”

Tracey has moved through State Farm, making improvements where she could, as well. Hired in 1998, she had the opportunity to follow a job track to become a project manager and then a security manager. Through it all, State Farm supported her during her military obligations.

“They’ve always been great about giving me time off and State Farm has always complied with the military leave laws, even going above and beyond with that,” she said.

Tracey also helped get the Military Affinity Group (MAG) approved – an Employee Resource Group for all State Farm employees. Employee Resource Groups serve as resources for employees’ growth and development. Tracey worked to get it approved, sought an executive sponsor for support and worked with a team through the year-long process. She was president of MAG for the first two years.

“It was right after 9/11 and one of my cube mates, Tim Wheeler, and I talked about forming an affinity group to support the military,” she said. “After 9/11, we knew the Reserves were going to be busier and the group would be a way to keep the relationship between the company and the military.

“We thought it would be a good way to have understanding between requirements on both sides and help State Farm understand the skillsets military personnel can bring to the company and how State Farm can leverage them.”

Tracey said the most difficult thing the last 30 years has been balancing both careers and family time.

“My husband farms, so I tried to do duty when he wasn’t planting or harvesting. That was a juggling act,” Tracey said. “If I was on military duty, I’d do State Farm work at night and vice versa. It was a constant balancing act.”

But, she’s humbly proud of what she has accomplished.

“We do it because it’s our job and what we do. We don’t step back to think about the sacrifices we’ve made.

“This year has been a good time to pause and reflect on my career and service. It is an honor to be recognized on Veterans Day.”

United States Air Force Brigadier General Tracey Siems’ position at the company was secured three times during her 31-year military career. Tracey, an information security manager at State Farm, retired from the Air Force Nov. 1 after a robust career.

“I wanted to do something few people did,” Tracey said of deciding to attend the United States Air Force Academy. “I was in the ninth class to graduate women. That in itself was pretty groundbreaking.”

Tracey continued to make history through the Air Force, being only the third of three women to make the rank of brigadier general in the Financial Management and Comptroller career field. While serving as the finance officer during an operation in Germany in the 1990s, Tracey was in charge of providing monetary needs for fuel and landing fees for missions providing medical supplies and food to citizens when the Soviet Union was broken up into several smaller countries.

“We had 65 airlift missions to go into those countries taking medical supplies and food. We had to pay fuel and landing fees in cash, so I was responsible for getting paying agents on each plane and ensuring they had enough cash to pay for it. You don’t think of finance people as boots-on-the-ground people,” she remembered.

In her highest position as brigadier general, Tracey increased the amount of colonel positions underneath her position, “allowing more career paths all across the Air Force.”

Tracey has moved through State Farm, making improvements where she could as well. Hired in 1998, she had the opportunity to follow a job track to become a project manager and then a security manager. Through it all, State Farm supported her during her military obligations.

“They’ve always been great about giving me time off and State Farm has always complied with the military leave laws, even going above and beyond with that,” she said.

Tracey also helped get the Military Affinity Group (MAG) approved – an Employee Resource Group for all State Farm employees. Employee Resource Groups serve as resources for employees’ growth and development. Tracey worked to get it approved, sought an executive sponsor for support and worked with a team through the year-long process. She was president of MAG for the first two years.

“It was right after 9/11 and one of my cube mates, Tim Wheeler, and I talked about forming an affinity group to support the military,” she said. “After 9/11, we knew the Reserves were going to be busier and the group would be a way to keep the relationship between the company and the military.

“We thought it would be a good way to have understanding between requirements on both sides and help State Farm understand the skillsets military personnel can bring to the company and how State Farm can leverage them.”

Tracey said the most difficult thing the last 30 years has been balancing both careers and family time.

“My husband farms, so I tried to do duty when he wasn’t planting or harvesting. That was a juggling act,” Tracey said. “If I was on military duty, I’d do State Farm work at night and vice versa. It was a constant balancing act.”

But, she’s humbly proud of what she has accomplished.

“We do it because it’s our job and what we do. We don’t step back to think about the sacrifices we’ve made.

“This year has been a good time to pause and reflect on my career and service. It is an honor to be recognized on Veterans Day.”

Anna Rogers, a granddaughter of a World War II B17 tail-gunner, met veteran Jim Simpson, who spent 32 years in the Navy including time as a submarine captain.

In September, they boarded an airplane together in Atlanta and made their way to Washington, D.C., for an Honor Flight with two dozen other veterans and their “guardian angels.”

Honor Flight is a program that flies military veterans and an accompanying guardian angel by commercial flight to the nation’s capital — at no cost to the hero. Together, they saw monuments and memorials built in the veterans’ honor.

Oftentimes, veterans are paired with people they have never met, as was the case with Anna, a P&C underwriting analyst in Dunwoody, Ga., and Jim.

“We hit it off from the beginning,” says Anna. “My father-in-law is retired from 20 years in the Navy. He was on a sister submarine that Jim was on. We had so much to talk about all day.”

Once on the ground in Washington, the veterans received a presidential welcome complete with red-carpet treatment at the airport and a police escort to the sights.

“There were hundreds of people there to meet us,” says Jim. “They put us on a bus to go to the memorials, and we spent the day together doing that. Anna took very good care of me.”

Most of the veterans on their trip served in Vietnam and Korea. Four were World War II veterans.

Anna says she clung to every story she heard.

“Most veterans don’t open up about their service experiences, because they think most don’t want to hear it,” says Anna, whose brother serves in the U.S. Army. “But they know someone is with them on this flight for that very reason, so they shared so much. I heard incredible stories I will never forget.”

The day began at 4:30 a.m. They returned home at 11 p.m.

“We just ran off adrenaline, happiness and excitement,” she says.

The night before the flight, Anna met Jim and his wife for dinner and looked over old pictures from Jim’s service. They have stayed in touch since the trip and both families have been able to meet each other.

“I’m sure most guardians haven’t done that for their veteran, Jim says. “She has been above and beyond.”

“What I wasn’t expecting was how much of a deep bond I would create with these veterans,” Anna says. “It was special and life-changing and has made me even more proud to be an American.”

En Español

A self-proclaimed “rebel”, Chris Kurowski failed his senior year of high school. Words of wisdom from his Grandfather moved him to action. Chris shares, “My Grandfather’s dying wish was that I return to high school and get my diploma, so I did.”

After graduation in 2001, and unsure of his next steps, Chris enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves. He was about to board the bus for boot camp when the September 11 attacks occurred. With his departure delayed, he knew his world was about to change.

Not one but three tours of duty

After basic training in Ft. Benning, Georgia, Chris completed “Advanced Individual Training” and became a Motor Transport Operator. He continued his commitment as a Reservist by serving one weekend a month and two full weeks during the year.

In 2003 Chris received orders to go to Iraq. “I wasn’t scared, I was kind of excited,” he said.

Chris served three tours of duty in Iraq. He earned two Bronze Stars and a Combat Action Badge. Chris shared, “It turns out, I ended up being pretty good soldier.”

On one mission, Chris observed a crash involving civilian casualties. Lifesaving skills and medical training helped him save the life of one of the civilians. This experience lead him down an unexpected path.

Between his first and second deployment, Chris married his hometown sweetheart Ashley. He also made the decision to pursue a career in fire service, enrolling in the Ohio Fire Academy.

He longed for the structure and brotherhood in fire service he enjoyed in the military. Half way through, he was called back to Iraq.

Chris’ third tour was the most difficult. With a wife and two beautiful daughters at home (and one on the way), it was even more difficult to return to service. “It’s more than just you,” he said. It was during this tour, Chris earned his second Bronze Star.

The Brotherhood of Fire Service

Chris landed a full-time position with Pleasant Township FD in Grove City, Ohio. His best friend signed up for the Certified Rescue Technician program through the Bowling Green State University State Fire School. Not one to be outdone, Chris decided to join him.

He hoped to use his GI Bill to pay his tuition, but learned the program didn’t qualify for reimbursement. Chris was devastated until he heard about a scholarship. A grant from State Farm® provided the scholarship. Chris went to training and earned his Certified Rescue Technician designation in August 2016.

“This training surpassed any expectations I had. Rescue Tech School is a high intensity hands on training. It helps you understand the why behind the decision,” Chris shared. “I want to be prepared when I get to the scene of a fire or crash. The worst feeling is not knowing what to do.”

Throughout his life, Chris has lived by one motto, "Put yourself in the position to be the best." He continues to surround himself with the best. His wife Ashley, and daughters Annabelle (eight), Stella (seven), and Gigi (four). And his new family at the Pleasant Township Fire Department.

En Español

Freddy Rivera, a New York City native, finished two years at a university in Puerto Rico in 2000. He did well academically, but couldn’t find a good job and felt out of place.

“I grew up in New York City,” explains Freddy. “But my parents retired to Puerto Rico so I followed along.”

He realized he needed a new location and a career. With a lifelong respect of the military, Freddy enlisted in the Army. He went into combat three times, serving in Iraq and Afghanistan as a Black Hawk mechanic and instructor.

He wanted to continue his Army career, but unfortunately Freddy had to medically retire in 2014 due to a traumatic brain injury and back injuries.

“I wanted to stay,” says Freddy. “It’s been difficult adjusting to civilian life. It’s very different and I was struggling.”

“After the Army, I was doing radio broadcasting and videos for local communities, but I was doing things the wrong way,” he continued. “I didn’t have a clue and desperately wanted to attend a school to learn the proper way, but they were all too expensive. So, I prayed, and got a miracle.”

One day, Freddy received an email from the Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network (CPBN), offering free media training for veterans and their family members. Freddy responded to the school that night.

“I needed to attend their classes,” Freddy says. “This was my opportunity to learn something to carry me into my next career.”

He was accepted into CPBN’s Veterans Vocational Training Program (VVTP), which is supported by State Farm. But there was a catch. The classes were in Connecticut and Freddy now lived in Virginia with his family.

“It was scary,” he explains. “I had no place to live near the school, but I wanted this course so badly.”

A week before the program began, Freddy contacted a cousin in Connecticut who he had never met, and asked for help. She offered to rent him a room.

“It was tough leaving my wife and kids, but I thought of it as a deployment,” he says.

“PBN’s service to veterans is like nothing I’ve seen before,” he shares. “The staff treats veterans and their families with respect and kindness. Plus, I met other veterans with stories and experiences similar to mine. It made me feel comfortable and I formed many lasting friendships.”

Freddy attended a second semester while renting an apartment two blocks from the school. He took advantage of every class offered, learning new programs, videoing, editing, radio broadcasting, photography, and more. He even toured TV stations.

“Once Freddy enrolled in the program, he sought out every opportunity for growth and learning, says CPBN Senior Vice President of Education Donna Sodipo. “As a result, he not only passed his Adobe Premier Pro certification exam, but took the time to mentor high school students through WNPR's ‘Radio Lab’ project. His enthusiasm was contagious. Freddy’s dedication and success are remarkable, and speaks to the potential that can be realized through the Veterans Vocational Training Program.”

“The atmosphere around the program is great and they teach in a style that was very helpful for me to learn given all of my service connected conditions,” says Freddy. “I often asked the same questions over and over, but they always responded with patience and understanding.”

Freddy is back living with his family in Virginia, but continues to look for more CPBN courses. He currently creates websites, small videos, and t-shirt and print design, but hopes to own his own radio station one day. His goal is to bring positive messaging to his community, focusing on religion, current news, and sports.

“My experience with CPBN has been unforgettable,” says Freddy. “There is now a part of Connecticut and CPBN in my heart. The entire staff is amazing and they made the adrenaline pump through my veins again.”

“Thank you, CPBN and State Farm, for greatly impacting veterans’ lives, as well as our communities.”

Searching For Help

Brian’s wife Shannon was familiar with programs that helped veterans get into homes, but didn’t know of any programs that helped veterans with necessary home repairs. That is, until she heard about HomeStrong USA’s Heroes Home Repair program.

Brian and Shannon recall the moment they learned their home had been selected for construction assistance. They were filled with overwhelming gratitude, knowing that fixing their dryer ventilation, attending to some electrical and mold issues, and installing maintenance free landscaping would change their lives drastically.

The family watched, with awe and appreciation, the transformation of their home. Shannon was very grateful. The HomeStrong USA volunteers even invited their children to participate in the work. “To this day, Cody and Allison still point out to me, which plants they helped plant. I love that. After all, it’s their home too,” said Shannon.

Over the Fourth of July weekend, as the work was wrapping up, HomeStrong USA arranged for the Ladd family to be honored. Family, friends, and neighbors gathered to celebrate the completion of the home repairs, as State Farm Agent Marshall Scott, presented the family with a new American flag.

State Senator Jeff Stone (R-Riverside County) shared, “Efforts like this by HomeStrong USA not only improve the quality of life for a brave Marine, but let’s all our veterans know their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

“Seeing these projects actually get completed and turn out so great, really gives me a new sense of pride in my home; one that I haven’t felt in a long time. I’m truly grateful for everyone coming out to help our family,” Brian shared after the ceremony.

“Every one of our active duty military service members and veterans deserves a safe and healthy living environment for themselves and their families,” says HomeStrong USA CEO, Jed Davis, “We are honored to give back to those who make the American dream possible.”

HomeStrong USA was a 2015 State Farm Good Neighbor Citizenship grant recipient, which provides funding to support education and volunteerism, and the Heroes Home Repair program.

Want to see more military home transformations by HomeStrong USA and State Farm? Meet the Chacon Family.

Rialto Army veteran and single mom of 6 surprised with free home repairs ABC Video

Truth is, he spends his free time giving back to those who gave so much for us. Dylan is part of a not for profit organization called Hearing Our Heroes. For two years Dylan and his friends have visited the VA hospital to provide lunches, run clothing and food drives, and shovel snow and do yard work.

“There is a future for America with kids likes this,” said Nick Mazella, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran.

Hearing Our Heroes is a group founded in 2011 by high school student Sean Egan.

“For me, giving back to veterans is very important because I feel that after my father, a NYFD captain was killed in the 9/11 attacks, our soldiers reassured us all that everything was going to be o.k," Seth shared. 

Seth started the group with no funds but a lot of heart and friends who wanted to help. Each of the 150 members will tell you they have learned to appreciate freedom, liberty and America because of the veterans they met through the program. .

Sean faced an uphill challenge to make his dream of helping veterans come true. In 2013 he received the help he needed when Hearing Our Heroes won a $25,000 grant provided by the State Farm Neighborhood Assist program.

“The goal of the Neighborhood Assist program is to empower communities through the individuals that live there,” said Cooper Kennard, State Farm Youth Advisory Board coordinator. “Through these grants, we’re hoping to help build these incredible projects and allow them to be sustainable for years to come.”

Sean believes that a debt to veterans is something that all Americans have in common, and when we meet and spend time with these men and women, and hear their stories, we understand how huge that debt is.

“Our cause encourages and spurs a sense of patriotism in our members that I am convinced we will hand down to our children," Seth said.