Every November, we honor and celebrate the many Veterans who have sacrificed so much to serve our Country and protect its values. Veterans Day is a time to remember those who have served in either of the five branches of service within the United States Military: Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. At the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), Veterans are working throughout the Agency, bringing their past experiences and wisdom into their work. By strengthening pipelines to career opportunities for a more inclusive workforce, the SFPUC is able to attract a diverse and talented group of employees. In honor of Veterans Day, let’s hear from some of the Vets currently working at the SFPUC. 

Christian Losno - U.S. Army

Christian Losno joined the military straight out of high school at the age of 17. He served a little over 10 years in the U.S. Army and says that the military helped mold him into the person he is today. Losno explains how three attributes have helped him excel in his current role with the SFPUC: Teamwork, Structure, and Flexibility.

“As much as we understand structure, we also understand that flexibility is an important attribute. From shipping off to boot camp, deployments and transferring to new commands, I have learned how to personally adapt to a variety of circumstance. We also understand that working together does not threaten our individuality, but rather greases the wheels of accomplishment.”  Losno explained. “Real Heroes don’t wear capes; they wear DOG TAGS.”

Jonathan Smith - U.S. Army

Serving for ten years on active duty in the U.S. Army, Jonathan Smith currently works as a Water Quality Technician within the SFPUC Wastewater Enterprise. Smith explains how he has used his military experience to excel in his current role today. “We work in traffic and perform sewer entries, so the safety and the structure that I learned in the military has helped me with the work we do every day," he explained.

Deidre Andrus - U.S. Army

Andrus served 12 years on Active Duty and retired from the U.S. Army Reserve after 21 years of total service. Andrus has used her military experience as the foundation for her role as Customer Service Bureau Director at the SFPUC.

She explains that she developed most of her leadership and organizational skills while serving as an Army officer. “The military does an excellent job in training leaders. I often make decisions based on lessons learned from my experience leading organizations, working as a staff officer and instructor.” Andrus said.

Steve Kech - U.S. Army

Steve Kech, Public Relations Officer on the Communications Team under External Affairs, served in the U.S. Army as a Medic in Germany. During his service, he learned how to achieve his goals by working with others through strong communications skills. Taking what he learned during his service, Kech continues to pursue opportunities to better himself every day. “The SFPUC encourages every employee to create his or her own career path and then provides the resources for them to achieve those goals," he said.

We want to thank all the men and women who have served or are currently serving our country today. The countless sacrifices they have made to protect our country does not go unnoticed. Happy Veterans Day!