In honor of Veterans Day and Remembrance Day, we’d like to reshare the spotlights of our Valor members from this past year. We thank them and all who have served their countries.
To read the original posts, click the previews below:
At L&P, our employee resource groups (ERGs) are communities where our colleagues can learn and grow together. We recently launched Valor – an ERG dedicated to creating a strong community that fosters belonging, support, and engagement for our employee veterans, military families, and allies.
To celebrate Valor’s continued growth, we’ve been highlighting the stories of its members. This month, we’re honored to introduce you to Shari German, Human Resources Manager at Moiron in Sparta, Michigan. Shari shared her experience as a military spouse with us and reflected on what she calls a life of quiet courage.
Can you tell us about your husband’s service?
My husband, Stephen J. German, served in the U.S. Air Force from 1987 to 1998 as a C-5 Galaxy Flying Crew Chief, stationed at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. The C-5 Galaxy is the largest aircraft in the U.S. military, used to transport troops, equipment, and supplies around the world – including paratroopers, tanks, helicopters, and humanitarian aid.
Stephen played a key role in developing a system that allowed the C-5 to airdrop cargo and personnel without landing. These missions supported U.S. Special Operations during the Panama conflict and the Gulf War, including Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
Unlike many military families, we didn’t relocate often. Stephen flew with the aircraft on missions and returned to Dover between deployments. When he left the Air Force, he held the rank of E-5 Staff Sergeant.
Beyond his military service, Stephen was deeply committed to supporting fellow veterans through The American Legion. Even while working demanding 12-hour shifts, he consistently made time to build community and offer meaningful support to those who served before him.
What does being a military spouse mean to you?
Being a military spouse meant living a life of quiet courage. It was about showing up with resilience, grace, and unwavering support – through missions, long shifts, and the many unknowns of military life. You learn to be strong when you come home from work and his “go bag” is gone. You wonder how long he’ll be away, and what risks he’s flying into. You learn to trust the military community, knowing they’ll rally around each other whenever a need arises.
This journey shaped me in ways I never anticipated. It taught me to lead with empathy, adapt with purpose, and find strength in community. Becoming involved with the American Legion family gave me leadership skills I still rely on today and reminded me that the veteran community is always there, steadfast and strong.
When my husband passed away, that support became tangible. I brought him home to Michigan to be interred at the National Veteran Cemetery. On a cold January afternoon, as taps played, I heard the rustle of coats behind me – veterans rising to salute their comrade. That sound, that gesture, is etched in my heart. It was the sound of honor, of belonging, of true support.
I’m proud to have stood beside someone who served. And even prouder for the opportunity to grow, lead, and thrive alongside a life of service.
What advice would you give others about supporting service members and their families?
Never hesitate to hire veterans or military spouses.
Veterans bring leadership, discipline, and adaptability. Military spouses often carry diverse skill sets, resilience, and a deep capacity for multitasking. While military experience may come with unique terminology, don’t let unfamiliar language be a barrier. If you’re unsure how to interpret a resume or role, reach out – veterans and spouses are often happy to help translate. Don’t give up because you don’t understand. Seek clarity, not exclusion.
Respect their time and commitments.
Guard and Reserve service members have dual responsibilities. Deployments and training can affect their availability. Be flexible, patient, and supportive. If you’re working with a military spouse, understand that their needs may shift during these times – from childcare to home repairs, life can get complicated fast. Offer empathy, not judgment. Supporting one member of a military family means supporting the whole unit.
Why did you join Valor?
I was thrilled when Valor launched, and deeply grateful that they welcomed both veterans and military families. Being part of this community allows me to continue growing alongside those who’ve served, while supporting the broader veteran family within the workplace.
Thank you, Shari, for sharing your story and your quiet courage as a military spouse. We honor the memory of Staff Sergeant Stephen J. German and extend our deepest gratitude to all who have served and sacrificed.
Today, we honor and remember all the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. We thank you for your service!
At L&P, our employee resource groups (ERGs) are communities where our colleagues can learn and grow together. We recently launched Valor – an ERG dedicated to creating a strong community that fosters belonging, support, and engagement for our employee veterans, military families, and allies.
To celebrate Valor’s launch and growth, we’re sharing members’ stories. This month, we’d like you to meet Brandon Caldwell, a Logistics Analyst at Elite Comfort Solutions – Verona in Verona, MS! We asked Brandon about his military experience and why he joined Valor.
What would you like to share about your military experience?
I joined the military in 2003 at the age of 17, during my junior year of high school. Since then, I’ve earned four Military Occupational Specialties (MOS): Cavalry Scout, Helicopter Crew Chief, Aviation Operations, and Logistics. Over the course of my career, I’ve completed three deployments to the Middle East.
My first combat deployment was in 2009, where I served as a Scout Team Leader in Iraq. The second deployment placed me in an SME or advisory role across Iraq, Dubai/UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain. My third deployment was particularly challenging, as the nature of enemy combatants and tactics had evolved significantly since 2009. This deployment included multiple locations, most notably Tower 22 in the border region of Jordan, Syria, and Iraq. I served as a Scout Platoon Sergeant, leading a platoon of Recon Scouts. I returned home from that deployment in April 2024. It was one of the most demanding experiences of my career – unforgettable in every sense.
What motivated you to join the military and what did you learn from your experience?
When I was 17, I met a Trooper – who happened to be a Scout – just back from the initial invasion of Iraq. At the time, I was a typical 17-year-old, aimless and without a clear direction. But after hearing his stories and seeing his photos, something shifted. I knew I wanted to be part of that fight – to make a difference, both within myself and for this nation.
Throughout my career, I’ve gained a wealth of life experience. I’ve learned to appreciate the small things we often take for granted, the importance of showing up for others, and the power of resilience. I’ve developed leadership skills, honed my ability to solve problems under pressure, and gained a deeper understanding of life’s fragility and the delicate balance it hangs on at any given moment.
Why did you join Valor?
Transitioning to civilian life after so many years in uniform, I knew I’d always have a place where I felt understood among fellow veterans. In this community, you never meet a stranger. There’s always a buddy by your side and a strong sense of belonging.
My hope is to connect with new and current veterans, to be a source of support and guidance as they navigate life on this side of service. No one should have to go it alone – there’s so much out there that one person might never discover without the help of others. Through a community built on valor and shared experience, I strive to be a steady presence – a guiding beacon for my fellow veterans and servicemembers.
At L&P, our employee resource groups (ERGs) are communities where our colleagues can learn and grow together. We recently launched Valor – an ERG dedicated to creating a strong community that fosters belonging, support, and engagement for our employee veterans, military families, and allies.
To celebrate Valor’s launch and growth, we’re sharing members’ stories. This month, we’d like you to meet Jon Gullette, Branch Manager at Leggett & Platt Flooring Products – Tracy, in Tracy, CA! We asked Jon about his military experience and why he joined Valor.
What would you like to share about your military experience?
I was fortunate to see many foreign countries during my period of service. I deployed six times during my career. During my sea tours, I deployed overseas four times with land-based anti-submarine squadrons (VP-46 & VP-9) and twice with a shipborne anti-submarine squadron (VS-38) aboard the USS Constellation (CV-64) during the Persian Gulf War. My other duty stations include NAS Whidbey Island (P-3 Weapons system Instructor) and NAS Lemoore (F-18 I-level maintenance facility). I also had the great honor of advancing to the rank of Chief Petty Officer and working directly with the Commanding Officer of AIMD Lemoore.
What motivated you to join the military and what did you learn from your experience?
I was motivated to join the Navy so I could see the world. My passion was for flying, and the job I took when I joined the Navy allowed me to do that as a Naval Aircrewman in P-3s, which were anti-submarine aircraft. I was able to visit places like Africa, Oman, India, Pakistan, Australia, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and China. One goal was to set foot on every continent, and I was able to accomplish most of that. The only continent that I have not visited is Antarctica.
Why did you join Valor?
I joined Valor to help raise awareness of the struggle that service members face when they exit the service. It is a difficult transition even for people who stay only briefly. So, helping others be successful outside the service is very important to me.
Thank you, Jon, for your service, for sharing your experience, and for helping strengthen Valor’s community!
At L&P, our employee resource groups (ERGs) are communities where our colleagues can learn and grow together. We recently launched Valor – an ERG dedicated to creating a strong community that fosters belonging, support, and engagement for our employee veterans, military families, and allies.
To celebrate Valor’s launch and growth, we’re sharing members’ stories. This month, we’d like you to meet Matt Caldwell, VP of Hospitality Sales for our Flooring Products business! We asked Matt about his military experience and why he joined Valor.
What would you like to share about your military experience?
I served in the U.S. Army between 1984 and1988 as an air defense artillery specialist (16S) with the Stinger – a shoulder-fired missile designed to shoot down enemy aircraft. After basic training, I went to jump school at Fort Benning, Georgia, and served four years in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
What motivated you to join the military and what did you learn from your experience?
My dad served in the U.S. Navy and after hearing his stories and seeing photos, I knew from a young age that I wanted to be in the military. For me, the Army provided a standard that required performance at a higher level. Many of the skills I learned in the Army are ones I still use today.
Why did you join Valor?
I’ve always believed that those who served our country are special and deserve my attention. With Valor’s launch, it was a natural move to become a member and connect with others who have served, as well as their families.
Thank you, Matt, for your service, for sharing your experience, and for helping strengthen Valor’s community!
At L&P, our employee resource groups (ERGs) are communities where our colleagues can learn and grow together. We recently launched Valor – an ERG dedicated to creating a strong community that fosters belonging, support, and engagement for our employee veterans, military families, and allies.
To celebrate Valor’s launch and growth, we’re sharing members’ stories. This month, we’d like you to meet Kenny Gay! We talked to Kenny about his career at L&P, military experience, and why he joined Valor.
Tell us about your career at L&P.
I joined L&P as Receiving/Costing Manager for the Winchester Steel branch in January of 2000. Within a year, I became Compliance Manager for the Winchester Steel and Georgetown branches. The following year, I was promoted to EHS Director and Corporate Loss Control Engineer for our Bedding business. After a leave of absence, I returned to L&P as Corporate Loss Engineer, serving as a liaison for our Hume Furniture business and some of our ECS branches. I was later promoted to my current role, which is Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Manager for Furniture in North America.
During my time with L&P, I’ve visited many international branches – including facilities in South Africa, Uruguay, China, Croatia, Holland, England, Mexico, Canada, and Brazil – to provide EHS assessments and improvements.
What would you like to share about your military experience?
I’m a veteran of the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserves.
I joined the military on October 10, 1988. After I got out of basic/AIT (Advanced Individual Training), I went to several schools while on active duty until I transitioned to the Reserves in June of 1999. Next, I had a PCS (Permanent Change of Station) to an Army Reserves unit in Lexington, KY. Then, I received a PCS out of the Reserves in June of 2004.
While in the military, I visited many countries and regions such as Korea, Mt. Sinai in Egypt and the Middle East, Panama, Germany, Italy, Israel, Greenland, Switzerland, and Austria.
While serving, I saw some combat. I was very proud and honored to be a part of that experience because I deemed it a service to make the situation better.
What motivated you to join the military and what did you learn from your experience?
I joined the military because I was burned out on sports. I met a recruiter who asked me if I would like to get an education while getting the opportunity to travel the world and I did! The discipline and structure I gained from being in the military prepared me for the civilian world. Military service taught me that nothing is given – you must earn everything you seek to be really good at and with work comes reward!
Why did you join Valor?
I joined Valor because the transition from military to civilian life is hard unless you have someone to help guide you. I joined so our loved ones could have a liaison that they can reach out to when they need help or guidance. I want to help with the transition experience – to make things better for veterans and family members while they’re adjusting to the civilian world.
A military career and civilian life are two different worlds, but there is a common goal to succeed.
Thank you, Kenny, for your service, for sharing your experience, and for helping strengthen Valor’s community!
At L&P, our employee resource groups (ERGs) are communities where our colleagues can learn and grow together. We recently launched Valor – an ERG dedicated to creating a strong community that fosters belonging, support, and engagement for our employee veterans, military families, and allies.
To celebrate Valor’s launch and growth, we’re sharing members’ stories!
This month, we’d like you to meet Will Wright, Environmental Health and Safety Manager – Europe. We asked Will to share about his military experience and why he joined Valor.
Can you tell us about your military experience?
I served in the British Royal Navy for 15 years (2000 to 2015) and was lucky enough to serve all over the world, including in the Gulf, the Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean, and Antarctica where I served on frigates and island patrol vessels. I also served in tri-service units in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as numerous shore establishments.
What motivated you to join the military and what did you learn from your experience?
I joined the military to follow in the footsteps of my father and grandfather who both served in the Army. I was also looking for a career that provided adventure, training, and purpose.
During my time in the military, I learned that anything is possible with a motivated and focused team and that I was much more capable than I ever realised. Serving in the military provided life lessons and gave me a strong work ethic, which I have taken forward into my EHS career. Serving also helped me be thankful for what I have in life.
Why did you join Valor?
I joined Valor to help provide a community for veterans and service affiliates. When I left the military, community is something I missed and it is difficult to replace, so having a community focused on veterans and armed forces affiliates was a driver for me.
Another driver was to be part of a platform to provide reassurance and help family members of military personnel understand service life. I want to provide advice, guidance, and resources to people transitioning to civilian life, as I know that the transition can be difficult, especially when trying to identify transferable skills from service and communicate them in a way that makes sense in the civilian community.
Thank you, Will, for your service, for sharing your experience, and for helping strengthen Valor’s community!
We recently announced the launch of the Heroes Employee Resource Group (ERG). Heroes will support Leggett & Platt’s values and demonstrate our commitment to Hiring Our Heroes while identifying, recognizing, supporting, and giving leadership opportunities to our L&P service members, veterans, spouses, family members, and supporters.
We are proud to introduce Erik Kempf, President of L&P Flooring, as our Executive Champion. He brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our military community. His leadership will be instrumental in guiding the strategic direction of the ERG.
Joining Erik is our Core Leadership Team, a group of passionate individuals dedicated to making a difference for our military community.
Please join us in congratulating Erik, Matt, Kenny, and William!
Today, we’re thinking of all who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
To our colleagues and those in our communities who have served, thank you for your service!
