On this Veteran’s Day, those of us at Schrader and Company wish to send our deepest gratitude to all of the men and women who have served our country. We need look no further than to our own company founder Peter Schrader and current co-owner Silas Schrader to witness the integrity, selflessness, and strength of our nation’s veterans.

Peter Schrader enlisted in the United States Navy Seabees in 1968, served in Vietnam in 1968/1969 and at Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico in 1970, and he was honorably discharged July 1970.

Silas Schrader enrolled in Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.  After research and reflection, Silas chose to join the Marines, wanting to experience the very best in leadership training, and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in 2002.Silas was deployed twice to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom, in 2004 and again in 2005 with 3d Battalion, 1st Marines. He was again deployed to Norway for Operation Cold Response with Fox Company, 2d Battalion, 25th Marines in 2010. Silas was promoted to Major in February of 2013.

It is clear to both Peter and Silas that their military backgrounds have been extremely beneficial to their professional careers, helping them acquire skills and apply developed instincts they have used time and again in building their business and facing the challenges of everyday life.

“My military experience has afforded me the opportunity to work with all different kinds of people all over the world,”  says Silas. “I’ve gained a perspective on life and working under pressure.”

Theirs is a hard-won view, and the harsh realities of armed service and their sacrifice make clear what is so often easy to ignore; Life is short. You must do what you love, and do it to the very best of your abilities. This passion has helped shape Schrader and Company into the rarified small business success it is today.

Peter formed this company with the Seabees “Can Do” motto in mind. Silas cites two specific military creeds as being especially translatable to his work with Schrader and Company: “Semper Fidelis”, meaning “always faithful”, and “Ductus Exemplo”, meaning “leadership by example”.

Legions of satisfied clients can attest to the importance of faithfulness and reliability to the employees of Schrader and Company.

We are so proud of both Peter and Silas, and think of them with sincere gratitude and appreciation today, and every day.