Active-duty team leader secures prestigious honor for civilian supervisor

Active-duty team leader secures prestigious honor for civilian supervisor

Reflecting the partnership between active-duty service members and civilian colleagues, a leader with Martin Marietta's Military & Veterans Community (MVC) recently sought a prestigious recognition for a ONE team member.

Reflecting the partnership between active-duty service members and civilian colleagues, a leader with Martin Marietta's Military & Veterans Community (MVC) recently sought a prestigious recognition for a ONE team member.

During a regularly scheduled meeting of the Information Services (IS) corporate management team, Director, Infrastructure and Network Architecture Kyle Vincent was presented with the Patriot Award by a representative from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) organization.

The Patriot Award recognizes supervisors who show exceptional support for employees serving in the National Guard of the United States or the United States Army Reserve. Actions that garner consideration for the award include offering flexible schedules and time off before and after deployments, providing family support and making leave accommodations.

Vincent, who did not know he had been nominated and was unaware of the award, said he was honored.

"I was genuinely surprised," he said. "It's truly humbling to say the least."

Vincent was nominated by Service Desk Manager Mitch Snyder, an MVC co-leader and member of the South Carolina Army National Guard. Snyder, who has served in the Guard since 2013, said nominating Vincent was an easy decision.

"Kyle is a great manager and a wonderful person," Snyder said. "He has shown me a lot of trust and latitude in my role, which allows me to perform at a high level for both Martin Marietta and the South Carolina Army National Guard."

Snyder joined the Infrastructure and Security team in February 2023. Just months later, he was called to serve as a casualty assistance officer following a Guard-related death. Still working remotely and preparing for a relocation to Raleigh, Snyder contacted Vincent to explain the urgency of the assignment.

"True to form, Kyle was supportive and asked, as he often does, 'What do you need from me?'" Snyder said.

Vincent, who does not have a military background, said working with Snyder gave him a deeper appreciation for the challenges faced by service members.

"Veterans, Reserve members and Guard members often balance two very demanding worlds," Vincent said. "I hope that my efforts to respect and understand their unique challenges help create a work environment where they feel supported and valued."

Snyder said Vincent's attitude and the prevalence of similar sentiments across Martin Marietta are why he often encourages others to join the MVC, which continues to grow and evolve.

"The MVC is still fairly young, and we're still figuring out how to best add value for our employees, the company and our communities," Snyder said. "To do that, we need input from members across Martin Marietta. I hope new employees and those on the fence - whether active service members, veterans or civilians - consider joining us."