Giving Back, Helping Veterans With a Renewed Sense of Purpose

By Warren Turner, Andersen Alumnus and Founder of the Andersen Alumni Association

A former client and friend, Chris Gilbert recently introduced me to Jarrad Turner. Both Chris and Jarrad are combat veterans. Jarrad was medically retired from the Army after being injured on his second deployment to Iraq in 2005. Due to the severity of his injuries, Jarrad was granted a 100% Service-Connected Disability rating from the VA. Shortly after our introduction and several meetings, they ask me to advise them and their company, Veteran Technology Solutions-USA, LLC (“VTS-USA”), a 100% Services-Connected Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business. VTS-USA is important to these veteran entrepreneurs as it provides a purpose and sense of mission in civilian life. The sacrifices made by the brave men and women in our military are immeasurable. Alarmed by the national attention given to Veteran’s Suicides and Homelessness as well as Chris and Jarrad’s personal sacrifices, I felt indebted. They put their lives on the line to defend our freedoms, and I felt compelled to assist them, so I began mentoring and advising VTS-USA.

Mentorship plays an important role in helping businesses thrive and I’ve been blessed with great mentors throughout my career. Think Straight, Talk Straight… just a few quick thoughts on mentoring in general:

  • Sharing your knowledge, experience, and guidance can empower others in overcoming their personal and professional challenges and aids in their development.
  • Providing access to your network of industry professionals, potential clients, and investors built up over your career is invaluable. Such connections can open doors and create opportunities that may have otherwise been out of reach and fosters sustainability.
  • Inspiring resilience and confidence in others’ abilities to succeed, helps overcome their self-imposed limitations and nurtures growth.
  • Developing a supportive environment which embraces their unique life experiences and allows them to realize greater potential.

Doing business with a business like VTS-USA is a smart investment. As these businesses grow and thrive, they create job opportunities for fellow veterans and civilians alike. By supporting their success, we contribute to the economic growth and well-being of our society.

About Veterans Technology Solutions-USA, LLC: VTS-USA is an enterprise IT and hybrid cloud solutions provider servicing commercial businesses, public sector/federal government, and SLED organizations. Strategic partnerships with leading IT providers like IBM, Dell, Google and Microsoft allows VTS-USA greater means to help its clients save money on their IT spend in areas such as Hybrid Cloud, Datacenter Infrastructure (servers, networking & storage), IT Consulting, IT Services and Cybersecurity. If you would like more information on VTS-USA and how they can help your company please reach out to chris@veteranstechnologysolutions.com

About Warren R. Turner: Warren began his career at Arthur Andersen & Co. in 1985 and left in 1993 as an Enterprise Group Manager, where he specialized in High Tech Privately Held Business. After working as a CFO for one his clients, a leading IBM Distributor, he founded Cardinal Points Group, where he assists many IT small business owners overcome growth related challenges, and founded Andersen Alumni Association.