Thank You to the Veterans

At Schrader and Company, we are proud of our long legacy of military service. Company founder 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.

His son, and current company co-owner 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 a 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. Silas’s current Marine Reserve commitment  is with the Marine Forces Pacific out of Hawaii.

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. 

Because of this personal experience and connection, Schrader and Company recognizes the value in employing and supporting veterans. We are currently the only non-Union organization in the area which employees recent veterans through the Veteran’s Apprenticeship Program, a part of the GI Bill. 

Through this program, veterans earn wages and work during an apprenticeship, while learning the skills needed in that occupation. Veterans receive compensation as they learn a skilled trade, and the company benefits from the talents of these men and women who have so bravely served our country.

On Veteran’s Day, we give thanks for the sacrifice and service of veterans everywhere, most especially those within our own company. Thank you Jeff Peterman for your service as a Sergeant in the United States Army and to Mark O’Lena for your service in the United States Air Force. We are proud to employ veterans, and are so thankful for the unique gifts they bring to Schrader and Company.