Veterans Day Spotlight: Brian Henesey and Todd Foreman

In honor of Veterans Day, ReMA News is profiling two veterans in the ReMA community, Brian Henesey, Immediate Past Chair of ReMA and Vice President and General Manager of Rocky Mountain Recycling, and Todd Foreman, ReMA's Senior Director of Law Enforcement Outreach.

Henesey served in the U.S. Army from 1986 to 1988 and then was in the Pennsylvania Amry National Guard from 1988 to 1992. Foreman served for 16 years in the Pennsylvania and Virginia Army National Guard.

How did you decide to join the military?

Brian Henesey: I have always felt a deep sense of pride and gratitude for being part of this country, knowing that the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy are not free or guaranteed. They've been earned through the sacrifices of those who came before us. Joining the military was, in part, my way of giving back and contributing to something greater than myself. Additionally, the opportunity to receive assistance with college expenses made it possible for me to serve while also investing in my education and future.

Todd Foreman: I was always focused on service and enlisted when I was graduating high school. So, I was serving to be part of the military and to decide where I would be and what I would do in the future.

What did you learn from your time in the military?

Brian Henesey: My time in the military instilled in me a strong sense of self-discipline and personal responsibility. It also deepened my appreciation for the many opportunities and freedoms our country provides. These values continue to guide me to this day. Beyond that, I gained valuable organizational skills and developed a disciplined approach to problem-solving and deductive reasoning. These lessons have shaped how I lead, make decisions, and approach challenges both professionally and personally.

Todd Foreman: I learned the importance of service and brotherhood, particularly taking care of each other. I still have several connections from when I served, and every so often we get to meet up and chat together. I also developed leadership skills.

Any message for fellow veterans?

Brian Henesey: I want to express my sincere respect and gratitude for the service and sacrifice of my fellow veterans. We share a common understanding and personal experience that the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy come at a cost, and that serving our country is both an honor and a responsibility. The discipline, perspective, and sense of purpose we gained through our service continue to shape who we are long after our years of duty have ended.

Carry those lessons forward, in your work, your families, and your communities. Be proud not only of your service, but also of your citizenship. Engage where you see the need for improvement and use your" military bearing" to help strengthen and better our country. The phrase inscribed on the Great Seal of the United States, E Pluribus Unum ("Out of many, one"), is more important today than ever before, and I truly believe our veterans will lead that charge.

Todd Foreman: What I would say to fellow veterans is to continue to rely on each other when you are in need. We all need people in our lives who we can talk to and rely on.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash.