Mountainside Medical Equipment Military Veteran Celebrates 2 Years

Mountainside Medical is a Veteran owned business that takes pride in supporting our Veterans and makes sure to take every opportunity to include others in their support. This week we had a very special milestone - one of our employees, Lucas Carrier, who happens to be a U.S. Veteran, just celebrated his two year anniversary with us! Because Memorial Day is on Monday, we thought it would be neat to sit down with Lucas and see how his time in the military led him to Mountainside Medical, and how the experience still impacts him today.

Q.  What faction of the military were you in and where did you serve?

A. Beginning in August 1997, I started my active duty with the U.S. Army and stayed active for 3 years. I completed my basic training at Fort Knox in Kentucky and was later stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado. After my time with the U.S. Army, I came back to the Utica area where I was enlisted with the U.S. National Guard from August 2000 until August 2001, and completed my training for the National Guard at Fort Drum in New York.

Q. What life skills did the military teach you that you feel can apply to others?

A. Punctuality, respect and how to prioritize.

Q. What was the transition like after returning home and ending your active-duty status?

A. I found it to be a smooth transition, though I did take a few months off. I found that it was pretty easy to find a job.

Q. You have been with Mountainside Medical for two years now. How did you come to work here?

A. I have known the Zarnocks [owners] for years. I knew they were good people, and because of this I knew they had a company with a working environment that would be great to work for.  So, an opportunity came along and I jumped on it!

Q. Do you feel that working for a Veteran owned business has made going back to work, in a non-military position easier?

A. I had been out of the military for ten years when I arrived at Mountainside Medical, so I had adjusted by the time I joined the team here. However, it's a nice shared commonality.

Q. What do you like best about working at Mountainside Medical?

A. I have great co-workers and I enjoy being able to help our customers find that they need. I also like when I can help people save money!

Q. What are some suggestions you have for returning veterans that are starting the transition from soldier to civilian?

A. Use the Montgomery G.I. Bill‼!  You have earned it! Remember to use all available resources including out-processing classes. Also, join your local American Legion, so you have a support group - people to talk with and share experiences with.

Q. What are 3 things civilians can learn and apply from the experiences of their local Veterans?

A. 1) Why they joined the military in general and why they joined the branch that they did.  I went into the Army  because my father had been in the Army during Vietnam. 2)  Get a better understanding of what soldiers go through. This may help people decide who to support during election times, and also better understand what they can do for soldiers returning home and adjusting. 3) Appreciate our military. If you know a veteran, thank them once in a while. It is always nice to hear and is appreciated greatly.

Congratulations Lucas on your two year anniversary with Mountainside Medical, thank you for your service for our country. We would also like to extend a thank you to all of the U.S. Military Veterans and wish everyone a happy and safe Memorial Day Weekend.