Celebrating Veterans Day
Paul Starck, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Can you describe the work you do at DSI?
I lead business development for telemetry across the U.S. and Canada. My role focuses on supporting government and commercial customers with Safran’s suite of telemetry antennas, receivers, and recorders. I help connect our technical teams with customer mission needs, identify new opportunities, and guide programs from early concept through contract execution. It is a balance of technical understanding, relationship building, and long-term strategy.
How many years of service? What branch?
I spent four years in the U.S. Marine Corps with VMGR-352, the Raiders, at MCAS Miramar in San Diego. I worked as an Avionics Technician on C-130 F and R model aircraft, maintaining their communication and navigation systems. Serving with the Raiders taught me precision, accountability, and how to operate as part of a team that never settles for less than mission success.
What skills did you learn that were transferable to civilian employment?
The Marines taught me precision, accountability, and adaptability. Those lessons carry directly into engineering and business development. Troubleshooting complex avionics systems developed my technical foundation, but more importantly, I learned how to stay calm under pressure, communicate clearly, and find solutions no matter the environment.
As a Veteran, why did you choose Safran DSI as an employer?
I have been using Safran equipment since 2009, back when I designed the Army’s first Installed Systems Test Facility, the Aviation Systems Test and Integration Lab (AvSTIL). Even then, I was impressed with Safran’s reliability and support. Over the years, I saw the company’s commitment to innovation and customer success firsthand. When the opportunity came to join the team, it felt like a natural next step. I already knew the people, the products, and the mission.
Do you feel supported and appreciated as a Veteran here at Safran DSI?
Absolutely. Safran has a culture that values both technical expertise and the discipline veterans bring. We operate lean, and that means every person has to pull their weight. The team understands and respects the mindset that comes from military service, especially when it comes to accountability, reliability, and mission focus. They also recognize how that background helps us connect with our customers and understand the environments they work in. There is a real sense of mutual respect here that makes you feel valued, not just for your role, but for who you are and where you come from.
Can you tell us about how you are able to continue to serve the Military (indirectly) in your current role?
That is one of the most rewarding parts of the job. While I am no longer in uniform, I am still contributing to the mission by helping bring DoD and commercial aviation assets forward to production and keeping my friends and family safe while doing it. I have been part of the flight test community here in Huntsville since 2009, and many of the people who work at this range and others are friends and family. Telemetry is a small community, and most of us who grow up in it move around and stay connected.
If our equipment can make testing safer, then I am all for it. I want to see the US continue to grow its aviation RDT&E capability, and by being at Safran, I get to participate in that growth. I get to see customers’ new systems before almost anyone else, help provide solutions to test them, and in many cases support the integration and buildout of the infrastructure needed to make those missions possible. There are not many places that offer that kind of opportunity.
What motivated you to serve in the military?
Service runs in my family. My father joined the New York State Police Department at 18, and I wanted to challenge myself in the same way. The Marine Corps offered structure, purpose, and the chance to do things that fascinated me. It was a great way to grow up fast, learn discipline and accountability, and be part of something bigger than myself.
In your opinion, what do veterans bring to the workplace?
Veterans bring a mission-first mindset, but the two qualities that stand out most are accountability and integrity. Veterans take ownership of everything they do or do not do, and that sense of responsibility is the foundation of trust. When something goes wrong, they do not look for excuses or someone else to blame; they assess what could have been done better and take steps to fix it. That kind of ownership is what drives progress in any organization.
Integrity is equally important. Veterans hold themselves to a standard even when no one is watching. They do not cut corners or compromise their values, and that consistency builds credibility across teams and customers.
Finally, veterans understand that leadership is not about rank; it is about responsibility. They are not afraid to speak up, challenge assumptions, and offer solutions, always with professionalism and respect. They know that strong teams are built on trust, communication, and accountability at every level. That mindset strengthens any organization they join and inspires those around them to do the same.
Mike Ritz, U.S. Navy Veteran
What branch of the military did you serve in and for how long did you serve? What were your duties?
I proudly served in the United States Navy for 30 years, where I worked as a Parachute Rescue/C-130T Loadmaster. One of my most memorable experiences was serving as part of the second aircraft evacuating residents during the Fukushima Nuclear accident. It was a day that made me reflect deeply on my Navy brothers and sisters, those who came before me, those I served alongside, and those who continue to serve today.
What skills or values from your time of service do you apply at Safran DSI?
My time in the Navy instilled in me a strong sense of teamwork, leadership, and mentorship, both up and down the chain of command.
One of the values of our “Safran Together” principles is “Succeeding Together”. How do you embody this in your current role?
As VP of Manufacturing, I strive to support all facets of the team, ensuring collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to success across our organization.
Sean Coyle, U.S. Army Veteran
What branch of the military did you serve in and for how long did you serve? What were your duties?
I proudly served in the United States Army for just over 5 years. I was an Armor Officer. For 2.5 years, I was an Armor Platoon Leader and was responsible for five M1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks and 25 Tank Crewman. As a Platoon Leader, I was stationed at Fort Bliss (El Paso, Texas – 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team [“Old Ironsides”], 2-37 Armor [“Iron Dukes”]) and did a rotation to South Korea. I finished my time in the Army with New Hampshire Army Recruiting Company. There I held roles as a Company Executive Officer, Company Commander, and Company Operations Officer. I was responsible for overseeing and planning Army Recruiting for the state of New Hampshire and assisting with recruiting for all New England.
What inspired you to join the military?
Service to my Country and it runs in the family. My family’s military lineage traces way back to the Revolutionary War. Legend has it, on my mother’s side, I’m a direct descendent of Paul Revere – at least that’s what my grandfather told me. Otherwise, on my Father’s side, my great grandfather fought in WW1 as a Doughboy Infantrymen, my grandfather fought in the Korean War as a medic, and my Dad was a Combat Engineer. My brother now serves in the Navy as a Lieutenant in the Nursing Corps.
What does Veterans Day mean to you personally?
Veteran’s Day is day we honor all military veterans, living and deceased, for their service and sacrifice to our country. It serves to remind us to stop our busy lives and think about how come we can celebrate the lives we have today.
What drew you to Safran DSI?
The mission set. I was never fortunate enough to physically use DSI’s technology while I was in the service, but I used technology like it. This technology saves lives and allows my military brothers and sisters to gain the advantage in a world where our adversaries have a casting vote. The work that Safran DSI does is critical in ensuring we maintain our country’s technological prowess.
What skills or values from your time of service do you apply at Safran DSI?
Mission first, people always. The military offers many opportunities to grow technically. There are few organizations that take on untrained people and trains, while paying them, them to industry standard. However, the military is founded and built upon people. Without people, we cannot accomplish what we do. I’d like to say that this philosophy is something I was able to bring from the military to Safran.
In your opinion, what do veterans bring to the workplace?
Veterans offer a wide range of benefits to an organization. They provide significant diversity to the workplace, offering diverse backgrounds, experiences, and expertise. Veteran’s impact is felt from the assembly line to the heads of companies and our nation. Through this diversity is our strength and is felt everywhere.
What is a memorable experience from your time in service?
There are so many memorable people and experiences from my time in the military. It’s hard just to pick one. I think some of the best experiences I’ve had in the military is after completing a mission that could have lasted days or longer and working on the tanks with my team, getting them ready for their next mission, getting ready to do it all over again. After a bit, we all entered a flow state. Everyone knew their role and responsibilities, and we all had such focus, but we never took ourselves too seriously: laughing and making fun of each other along the way. There are few times I’ve been able to feel that, and it’s the greatest reward because it’s the realization of all our training and struggles. Truly awe inspiring.
One of the values of our “Safran Together” principles is “Succeeding Together”. How do you embody this in your current role?
I’m a Program Manager. My position is not inherently technical, although there are some technical requirements. I can not accomplish anything without the expertise of others. It’s a team effort from supply, legal, engineering, manufacturing and so much more that makes what we do achievable. Without everyone’s input, there would be no success.
Steven St. John U.S. Air Force and Space Force Veteran
What branch of the military did you serve in and for how long did you serve? What were your duties?
I served 22 years in the Air Force and Space Force, started as an enlisted member, and finished as a Major. I was a Satellite Operator, an Electronic Warfare Operator, a GNSS and SATCOM Aggressor, a Nuclear ICBM Officer, an Intelligence Analyst, and various held leadership positions.
What inspired you to join the military?
I wanted to serve my country and be part of missions that mattered. The chance to work worth amazing people and at the cutting edge of space, intelligence, and electronic warfare kept me motivated to stay.
What does Veterans Day mean to you personally?
It’s a day to honor the people I served with and the sacrifices they made. For me, it’s also about carrying forward the lessons of teamwork and resilience.
What drew you to Safran DSI?
I knew Safran’s products from my time as an Aggressor on the buying side, and I saw firsthand how they could close real gaps for operators. I wanted to help bridge the gap between technology and warfighters, especially in replicating realistic NAVWAR threats.
What skills or values from your service do you apply in your role here?
I bring real‑world experience as an EW operator in conflict, creating GNSS‑denied environments and training joint forces how to operate through the effects, and an in-depth understanding how threats apply to our systems. I served in the Special Operations community, which is part of our end-user customer base, and I was the go‑to person for troubleshooting SOF systems in GNSS‑denied environments. I also bring credibility and relationships in the operational community that help connect Safran’s technology to real user needs.
In your opinion, what do Veterans bring to the workplace?
Veterans bring perspective from operating in tough, high‑stakes environments. We know how to adapt quickly, work as a team, and keep the mission in focus. We also bring instant rapport with our end-users because we walked in their shoes.
What’s a memorable experience from your time in service?
Flying out to the USS Ronald Reagan at sea, getting hooked, living onboard for five days, training sailors on GNSS and SATCOM jamming before their deployment and being catapulted off the carrier afterward… I’ll never forget how amazing it was to see the “lightbulb” come on when they understood the threat and how to mitigate it. Also, briefing the Secretary of the Air Force in his office on how our TTPs held up against real threats and feeling the passion he had for the lowest level warfighters.
What’s your proudest accomplishment — either in or out of uniform?
Building the Digital Threat Portal. I saw a serious gap, had almost no resources, and still found a way to deliver a capability to thousands of warfighters in just months and at no cost to the government. We had a great team that rallied around each other and the mission to get it out the door.
One of our “Safran Together” values is Succeeding Together. How do you embody this in your role?
I focus on connecting technology with operators, making sure their voices shape what we deliver so they come home safe. Success is never about one person, it’s about making the whole team, and ultimately the warfighter, stronger.